Expressive Therapist (PRN)
Listed compensation
Salary Range: $35.00 /hr
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Job Details:
Job Location: Lake Behavioral Hospital - Waukegan, IL, Position Type: Per Diem, Salary Range: $35.00 - $35.00Hourly, Job Shift: Day, JOIN OUR TEAM AS A EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST (PRN)!
Schedule 8am-4pm (Recreation, Music, Art, Yoga) Your Work Matters How will you make a difference? Join our dynamic team at Lake Behavioral Hospital and make a difference as a PRN Expressive Therapist!
In this role, you'll plan and execute engaging activity services for our patients, contributing directly to their treatment goals and overall well-being.
As a valued member of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide continuous care, interaction, and positive role modeling to patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing and growth. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in behavioral healthcare, we want to hear from you!
Responsible for observing and applying sound judgment in patients' physical and mental conditions/needs. Document and communicate changes in patient's appearance, behavior, and ability to work towards treatment plan goals. Provide assessment in psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency.
Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent functioning. Plan and implement activity therapy for assigned patient caseload within the facility. Model and teach patients appropriate social, coping, and stress management techniques.
Contribute to treatment plans with specific goals and interventions in therapeutic activities.
Your Experience Matters What we’re looking for: Education: Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Music Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation; Master’s Degree or higher in Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Drama Therapy; or equivalent/related field.
Experience: One (1) year of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques and understanding of mental illness, preferred.
Licensure: Certification or licensure by state and/or national governing body in one of the following areas: Recreation Therapy (CTRS); Occupational Therapy (NBCOT); Art Therapy (ATR); Dance/Movement Therapy (R-DMT); Drama Therapy (RDT); or Music Therapy (MT-BC).
Your Care Matters What we provide for our team: Cafeteria on site + discounted meals Employee engagement events Employee assistance program Employee recognition program Free parking What sets us apart: Career & training development opportunities Dynamic and inclusive work environment Engaged management team dedicated to your success A guiding mission and set of values that serve as both our north star and yours, anchoring our collective purpose and aspirations Disclaimer: Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Lake Behavioral Hospital.
Compensation
This is a per diem role, and the expected compensation is $35.00/hour. We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be given to experience and skill level. Join us as our PRN Expressive Therapist!
Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service Discover a fulfilling career at Lake Behavioral Hospital (LBH)! We are a 161-bed acute care facility located in Waukegan, IL and has been providing mental health treatment to the community and the state of Illinois since 2018.
We are dedicated to offering services to meet the ever-changing emotion and behavioral healthcare needs of adolescents, adults, and their families. We offer specialized inpatient programs and outpatient services proven to decrease symptoms of mental illness and we are committed to help people live healthier lives.
Our compassionate and experienced team of psychiatrists, licensed therapists, nurses and support staff are here to create an atmosphere of health, hope, and healing.
Join us in providing exceptional care and contributing to the well-being of individuals and families in need, and be a part of the transformative healthcare experience at Lake Behavioral Hospital.
To learn more about LBH, visit us at: lakebehavioralhospital.com TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S. Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service ____________ At Lake Behavioral Hospital, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, vetera Qualifications:
Key Responsibilities
Plan and execute expressive therapy activities such as music, art, and recreation to support patient treatment goals. Observe patient conditions, document progress, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to foster a healing environment.
Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant therapy field and professional certification or licensure. One year of related experience in psychiatric patient care is preferred.
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
Counselor Career Context
In Illinois, the Mental Health Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$69k (294 salary observations; 978 listings), vs ~$74k nationally (4,976 salary observations; 21,563 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2025-12-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
Of the 40 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 48% are remote, 23% have no call, 75% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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