Activity Therapist

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is currently seeking candidates for the position of Activity Therapist at Georgia Regional Hospital - Atlanta, located in Decatur, GA.Job Grade HJob Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate therapeutic recreation programs. Activities include sports, gardening, dramatics, music, social activities, and arts and crafts. Conducts assessment of a client's condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:Conducts therapy sessions to improve clients' mental and physical well-beingConfers with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programsDevelops treatment plan to meet needs of client, based on needs assessment, client interests and objectives of therapyEncourages clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting life skills and leisure activities, such as sports, games, music, arts and crafts, and gardeningInstructs client in activities and techniques, such as sports, gardening, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needsObserves, analyzes, and records clients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as neededObtains information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the clients themselves to assess clients' capabilities, needs and interestsPlans, organizes, directs and participates in treatment programs and activities to facilitate clients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community and prevent further medical problemsPrepares and submits reports and charts to treatment team to reflect clients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression

Sample Technical Competencies:Knowledge of the DSM-IV assessment of different psychological disordersKnowledge of exercise programs such as yoga, aerobics, walking for wellness, and relaxation techniquesAbility to utilize the results of the recreation therapy assessment tool to document and interpret the progress/regression of a clientAbility to plan, develop and structure program activities according to policies and procedures and consumer's needsAbility to confer with treatment team and counselors for group scheduling, staffing, and program planning.Due to the volume of resumes/applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email. Please be assured that your resume/application will be evaluated and we will contact you if we need clarification or additional information. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring agency.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.Bachelor's degree in a therapeutic recreation or related therapeutic discipline from an accredited college or university AND One year of related experience OR One year of experience at the lower level Activity Therapist 1 (HCP060) or position equivalent. Note: Some positions may require registration in the area of assignment.Job: HealthcareOrganization: Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Department of - DBHDDTitle: Activity TherapistLocation: GA-Dekalb-DecaturRequisition ID: HEA057D