Activity Therapist - Per Diem

Position Overview

Summit Oaks Hospital, a 126‑bed private acute‑care hospital and chemical dependency treatment center located in a picturesque suburban setting, has been accredited by The Joint Commission and has served residents of the northeastern United States since 1902. Summit Oaks has been repeatedly recognized in U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best behavioral health hospitals.

We are seeking a Per Diem Therapeutic Activities Therapist to join an energetic, motivated individual with prior experience working with patients diagnosed with behavioral health or addictions. The Therapeutic Activities Therapist works as an active part of the treatment team, providing continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, role modeling and monitoring patients ranging in age from preschool through geriatric, depending on the nursing unit assigned.

The nursing units include a 28‑bed adult psych unit, a 28‑bed adult dual‑diagnosis unit, a 22‑bed child and adolescent unit, a 24‑bed detox unit and a 20‑bed rehab unit.

• Bachelor’s Degree (Required)
• Certification, licensure, and/or board certification in art therapy, recreation therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling (Required)
• 1–3 years of related work experience (Required)
• Knowledge in one or more program disciplines such as art, occupational, recreation, music, expressive or dance therapy (Required)
• Knowledge of psychiatric care techniques (Required)
• Knowledge of assaultive behavior management techniques (Required)
• CPR training preferred (Required)
• Knowledge of adolescent and adult program rules and protocols (Required)
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines (Required)
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken (Required)
• Visual acuity sufficient for accurate reading of patient charts and for demonstrating activities or assisting patients in activities (Required)
• Effective oral and written communication skills (Required)
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co‑workers (Required)
• Ability to accept direction and adhere to safety policies and procedures (Required)
• Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups (adolescent, adult and geriatric) (Required)
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and tolerate a variety of repetitive tasks (Required)
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations (Required)
• Ability to work in an environment where the noise level is frequently high; where chemicals are frequently used for cleaning; where mechanical and electrical hazards may be occasionally present; and where dust, mist and steam are frequently generated in housekeeping tasks (Required)