Activities Therapist - Nursing Inpatient Psychiatric - Per Diem

Provision of Patient Care

Plans and implements the units activity therapy program, including planning of daily events, special events and providing inservice for other staff participating in the activity therapy program, as appropriate.

Conducts divisional therapy program, including planning and arranging for guest speakers and/or external agency participation.

Conducts activity therapy group sessions, displaying good theoretical knowledge of group principles and good group techniques.

Conducts individual activity therapy sessions, as assigned, displaying good theoretical knowledge and good treatment technique.

Completes activity therapy evaluations as per Policy and procedure.

Communicates pertinent patient information and observations with the treatment team, and documents accordingly.

Displays good interviewing, assessment and report-writing skills.

Provides education and referral information for patients as needed.

Acts as Activity Therapist consultant to other areas within hospital setting as needed.

Demonstrates appropriate understanding of the needs of patients and visitors for each specific age group.

Addresses safety and psychological needs of the age groups in planning and delivering care.

Meets Expected Documentation Requirements

Ensures confidentiality of all patient information encountered by obtaining required consents or releases of information for every situation for every patient.

Completes assessments, progress notes and treatment plans in a timely and high-quality fashion and according to department standards.

Makes Adequate Contribution to Overall functioning of the Department

Participates in providing a safe environment for patients and others. Sets limits and restrictions in a considerate and humane manner.

Protects patients privacy and patients rights.

Participates as a member of the team in community meetings, didactic groups, group therapy and family meetings.

Documents pertinent information regarding patient participation and involvement in the therapeutic milieu as team member.

Is responsible for ordering, maintenance, and organization of activity supplies. Ensures all supplies are safely locked and secures at all times.

Participates in ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic milieu and reports non-therapeutic components to the RN.

Observes and evaluates interactions of patients and families with staff and peers.

Demonstrates appropriate understanding of the needs of patients for each specific age group.

Addresses safety and psychological needs of the age groups in planning and delivering care.

Performs other duties assigned by management team or charge nurse.

Provision of Interdepartmental Collaboration.    

Accepts assignment to other areas of the Behavioral Health department and other departments as requested by Behavioral Health Management Team or Nursing Supervision.

Attends all staff meetings as directed by Behavioral Health Management staff..

Works effectively with other Hospital departments.

Works effectively and collaboratively  with other areas of the Behavioral Health department.

Shows willingness to be cross-trained to support other areas of the department as needed.

1. Possesses Core Skills to Work Effectively in a Behavioral Health Setting.  

Displays a positive attitude and outlook (verbal and nonverbal body language).

Attitude toward change: Works effectively in a variety of situations, recognizes the need for change, can cope with its threatening aspects, and puts its positive aspects to good use.

Customer Service Skills: Able to successfully manage customer experiences.

Teamwork: Works in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration to achieve mutual goals.

Initiative: Able to know what needs to be done and takes action, striving for the highest level of job performance.

Time Management: Able to organize work and use time effectively.

Respect and Caring: Treats others with interest, concern and compassion; respecting differences in style, approach, and background.

Interpersonal Skills: Maintains positive work relationships.

Communication Skills: Able to convey ideas and information clearly

Feedback: Able to accept constructive feedback and integrate into performance.

Flexibility: Able to redirect day-to-day activities based on departmental/organizational needs.

Problem Solving: Offers solutions to problems, when appropriate.