Under general supervision, provides therapeutically activity programs for and conducts direct therapy for patients served at Chester Mental Health Center on an assigned unit, on an assigned shift: completes activity therapy assessments and evaluative data for the development of habilitation plans: evaluates behaviors and reactions relative to patient’s reaction with activities and leisure time; establishes and coordinates types and schedules of activity programs. As a member of the treatment team, participates in the formulating of treatment plans and w1ites programs notes. Monitors and maintains adequate resources and verifies a safe environment. Participates in formal on-the-job training opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

1. Provides therapeutically activity programs for and conducts direct therapy for patients served at Chester Mental Health Center on an assigned unit, on an assigned shift. Engages in individual and group activities with mentally ill and developmentally disabled patients in order to promote social, psychological and physical growth and development. Assists, motivates and instructs patients in the safe and proper conduct of activities. Assists in the planning and implementation of therapeutic activities and recreational opportunities. Establishes and coordinates types and schedules of activity programs. Participates in activities and provides physical support with patient activities. Observes and evaluates patients, recording strengths and weaknesses in the clinical record. During Activity Therapy (AT) activities, allows maximum involvement, achievement and self-improvement for each patient.

2. As a member of the treatment team, participates in the formulating of treatment plans, writes programs notes, makes detailed analysis and evaluation of the patients’ needs and their responses to treatment and formulates realistic changes. Completes activity therapy assessments and evaluative data for the development of habilitation plans. Gathers, organizes and presents this information to the treatment team. Makes and receives recommendations regarding treatment for all patients on the unit. Incorporates suggestions received into the individual treatment plans developed for assigned patients. Assists other team members in developing plans for assigned patients served.

3. Evaluates behaviors and reactions relative to patients reaction with activities and leisure time. Completes assessments on assigned cased. implementing therapeutic modalities and documenting such as determined by hospital and departmental policy and procedures. Conducts activity therapy assessment on newly admitted patients.

4. Maintains awareness of supplies and equipment for various activities.

5. Monitors and maintains adequate resources and verifies a safe environment for patients and staff. Fully complies with all departmental and facility policies/procedures and meets all regulatory agency standards.

6. Participates in formal on-the-job training opportunities to develop greater skills regarding therapeutic techniques.

7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires a bachelors degree with a major in therapeutic recreations, music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, drama therapy, leisure studies or recreation with a specialization in recreational therapy, including successful completion of an approved internship, fieldwork or practicum.

*This class is included as an Upward Mobility Program credential title.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires working knowledge of the methods, techniques and purposes of therapeutic recreation and practices of mental health treatment techniques and their application to situations.
• Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to meet all agency vaccine/health-related Policies and guidance.

2. Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.

3. Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois law.