Overview

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives - and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Activities Therapist practices, organizes and supervises art, recreational and social activities to hospitalized psychiatric patients within the scope of occupational therapy activities and art therapy. Assists and collaborates with other team members (physicians, nursing staff, and social workers) of the patient-treatment team to formulate diagnosis, treatment plan, and discharge goals.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of an Activities Therapist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

1. Responsible for the delivery of patient care within the scope of occupational therapy and/or activity therapy practice, which includes planning treatment programs, implementation of treatment plans, and assessment of progress of treatment. Participates in patient teaching, discharge planning, and documents legibly interventions and patient response.
2. Initiates assessment of patient upon admission in a systematic manner to identify physical, psychological, emotional and social needs; documents findings on assessment form.
3. Initiates occupational/activity section of the multidisciplinary team treatment plan within 72 hours of admission. Updates as indicated using information from team meetings.
4. Assumes responsibility for planning and implementing activity and social groups. Participates in therapeutic interventions in group and family sessions.
5. Assumes responsibility for planning and implementing individual occupational therapy/activity therapy sessions for assigned patients as indicated by physician to treatment team.
6. Develops individual patient behavioral contracts within 24 hours after requested by the physicians or the treatment team. Based on assessments of the patient's needs, documents plan. Reinforces contact daily before discharge.
7. Determines risk of suicide or violent behavior potentials by observation or dialogue with patient while initiating appropriate interventions according to established standards of practice, including notifying MD, RN, and other team members.
8. Makes requests for materials for patient activity groups, patient parties, and patient family and social night. Keeps inventory of supplies on unit, equipment for patient use and materials for activity groups.
9. Makes requests for replacement of occupational/activity supplies when needed. Keeps an accurate record of money spent for patient activities, parties, and social events.
10. Monitors use of occupational therapy/activity equipment for the use of purposeful, task-oriented activities.
11. Plans for occupational therapy/activity therapy. Leaves materials available for other staff members to use as needed.
12. During occupational therapy/activity therapy sessions implements task-oriented, purposeful activities which aid in developing social interaction and occupational capabilities.
13. Keeps treatment team members informed of all pertinent information of patient's participation in occupational therapy/activity therapy groups during shift.
14. Monitors use of activity area, setting rules and regulations for use, setting time schedules for availability and setting standards for supervision.
15. Supervises and directs activities of the volunteers and occupational therapy/activity therapy students on the unit.
16. Organizes and supervises group and individual activities of a recreation, craft, occupational, art therapy and social nature in accordance with the patient's needs, interest, and capabilities.
17. Observes and documents students' performance on the unit and their patient interaction in groups and in individual treatment care. Discusses the same with the students' instructor.
18. Participates in the orientation of new staff to unit policies and procedures throughout the orientation period.
19. Serves as a professional role model and demonstrates a willingness to share knowledge and skills with staff.
20. Participates in the clinical activities of the team. Assists in problem-solving with clinical and administrative personnel. Communicates with department head, staff, physician, and team members.
21. Sets priorities, evidenced by organized delivery of patient care and the completion of daily activity groups during the shift.
22. Keeps the patient care coordinator informed of all atypical events regarding patient status; i.e., incident reports, patient complaints, violent outbursts and/or threatening behavior.
23. Regularly maintains active and supportive communications with other disciplines (Social Services, Nursing, etc.), concerning patient care, therapeutic modification and discharge planning.
24. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of restraint and seclusion techniques; assists staff in implementation of techniques following policy and procedures.
25. Intervenes with proper techniques, procedures, and safety precautions to maintain the safety of patients, staff, self and others.
26. Initiates preventative/corrective action to patient and/or patient environment to ensure safety according to policy.
27. Maintains current knowledge of trends and new developments in occupational therapy/activity therapy.
28. Keeps abreast of changes in occupational therapy/activity therapy trends and practices by attendance and/or participation in in-services and through continuing education programs, lectures, instruction, etc
29. Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
30. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. Master's degree in Occupational Therapy, Activity Therapy or a related field from an accredited University.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
3. Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

1. One year of related experience.

If you feel the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!

Our Network

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is a Mandatory Influenza Vaccination Facility

As a courtesy to assist you in your job search, we would like to send your resume to other areas of our Hackensack Meridian Health network who may have current openings that fit your skills and experience.