Activities Therapist

About Unity Psychiatric Care

Unity Psychiatric Care, a division of American Health Partners, Inc., provides compassionate, high-quality behavioral health services across Tennessee and Alabama. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, Unity operates hospitals in Memphis, Clarksville, Columbia, and Martin, TN, as well as Huntsville and Bridgeport, AL.

Our facilities specialize in treating adults and seniors experiencing mental health crises or behavioral disturbances, including those related to dementia. Each hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment programs to support recovery and improve quality of life.

For more information, visit UnityPsych.com

Job Summary

The Activity Therapist will perform assessments to develop and implement therapeutic activities for all patients. This role will monitor patient’s progress during treatment and participate as an active member of the treatment team.

Essential Job Duties

To perform this job, an individual must accomplish each essential function satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Evaluate all patients for therapeutic activities; implement plan(s) as appropriate
• Perform therapeutic assessments on all patients within the appropriate timeframe
• Conduct group therapy sessions three hours per day or as deemed necessary
• Interview patients and/or families regarding current and past abilities, interests, and professions
• Assess each patient using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale to determine their level of cognitive functioning upon admission and discharge
• Provide appropriate documentation on all patients consisting of activity assessments, daily group notes, and weekly activity therapeutic notes
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Adhere to and respect all policies regarding patient rights, anonymity, and confidentiality of all patient records past and present. This includes any written or verbal communications regarding patient identity, address and situation
• Function in a friendly, supportive, courteous, respectful, cooperative, and professional manner with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, visitors, coworkers, and management
• Promote, adhere, and monitor for a drug and violence free workplace
• Comprehensive knowledge of: o patient rights, characteristics of persons served and interventions o assessing high social risk cases o counseling for patient, family, and caregivers regarding mental health o therapeutic activities that are patient specific o hospital procedures, federal and state laws, accreditation requirements for psychiatric hospitals
• Comprehensive knowledge and sensitivity in patient confidentiality, and cultural diversity
• Knowledge of mental health treatment issues and of the persons served and their rights
• Understanding of the legal aspects of clinical practice and professional standards
• Knowledgeable and demonstrates the mission of the hospital
• Ability to work effectively as a member of an integrated team
• Ability to work in stressful, crisis, or unpredictable situations and maintain a positive attitude
• Superior communication skills
• Promote of the reduction of stigma of mental illness
• Advocate for the needs of the persons served
• Successful completion of required training
• Handle multiple priorities effectively
• Independent discretion/decision making

Required Computer Software/Equipment Used

• Various operating systems
• Standard office equipment
• Microsoft Suite applications
• Desktop, laptop and/or iPad
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Standard medical equipment

Required Qualifications

Experience

• One (1) year of work experience in psychiatric or geriatric setting preferred

License/Certification/Education

• Certified Activity Therapist required
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school in social work or psychology preferred
• Active, unrestricted driver’s license
• Current automobile liability insurance according to company policy

Supervisory Responsibilites

• Does not have supervisory responsibilities
• Occasionally needs manager’s direction due to extraordinary circumstances

Working Conditions

• Audio-Visual: Hearing: Good
• Ability to lift to 40 pounds
• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing and pulling
• Work is typically performed in a standard office environment; well-lit; comfortable temperature-controlled
• Above-average conversational noise is frequent
• Position may require flexible hours, unscheduled overtime or occasional week-end work
• Travel may be required

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our organization does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic(s) protected by federal, state, and local laws. The Organization will also make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities should a request for an accommodation be made.