Hospital for Behavioral Medicine logo
Hospital for Behavioral Medicine
Worcester, Massachusetts

Expressive Therapist - Per Diem

CounselorPer Diem

Listed compensation

Salary Range: $35.00 /hr

The week · per this posting

Schedule not stated in this posting — no days, weekends, call or nights given.

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 3mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: Hospital for Behavioral Medicine - Worcester, MA 016061244Position Type: Per DiemEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $35.00 - $35.00 HourlyJob Shift: AnyJOIN OUR TEAM AS AN EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST - PER DIEM! Your Work Matters How will you make a difference?

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing activity services for assigned program, which involves defining and implementing treatment goals as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and providing continuous patient care, observation, interaction, and role modeling to patients.

The Expressive Therapist demonstrates responsibility for observation and application of sound judgment in patients' physical and mental condition/needs. Observe and document changes in patients' appearance, behavior, and ability to work towards treatment plan goals.

Communicate changes in patient's condition to Charge Nurse or Program Director. Provides assessment in psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency. Ensure timely documentation of interventions and ensure interventions are based on the patient's plan of care.

Apply appropriate crisis intervention techniques, as required. Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent functioning. Document services rendered in accordance with established criteria.

Your Experience Matters What we’re looking for: Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Occupational, Recreation therapy, humanities, social work or related therapeutic discipline, or a Masters degree preferred.

Licensure: Certification or licensure by state and/or national governing body in of the following areas: occupational or recreation preferred. Experience: One (1) year of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques with understanding of mental illness, preferred.

Additional Skill Requirements: Successful completion of CPR Certification and successful completion of Preventative Management Aggressive Behavior Training prior to assisting with a restraining procedure and within 30 days of employment. May be required to work overtime and flexible hours.

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: Select benefits are available to full-time positions only.

Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Hospital for Behavioral Medicine.

Compensation

This is a per diem role and the expected compensation for this role is $35.00/hourly We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience and skill level. Join us as our Expressive Therapist - Per Diem!

About HBMGet to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service Discover a fulfilling career at Hospital for Behavioral Medicine (HBM)! Welcome to the heart of mental health treatment innovation in Worcester, MA!

HBM, a cutting-edge 120-bed inpatient facility, is the leading provider of exceptional therapeutic care, prioritizing patient comfort and safety.

In proud collaboration with UMass Memorial Health Care, our facility is conveniently situated near the UMass Memorial Medical Center, allowing us to serve the community with unwavering dedication.

At HBM, we go beyond inpatient care by offering an outpatient partial hospitalization program, ensuring continuous support while respecting the rhythm of daily lives. Our commitment to accessible care knows no bounds, as we emphasize availability irrespective of one's ability to pay.

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 Hospital for Behavioral Medicine.

To learn more about HBM, visit us at: hospitalforbehavioralmedicine.com TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S. Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service At Hospital for Behavioral Medicine, 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, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

The Expressive Therapist plans and implements activity services and treatment goals as part of an interdisciplinary team. They are responsible for continuous patient observation, documentation of behavioral changes, and applying crisis intervention techniques.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in a therapeutic discipline is required, with a Master's degree preferred. Candidates should ideally have one year of psychiatric patient care experience and must obtain CPR and Preventative Management Aggressive Behavior certifications.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)

Key Skills

Activity PlanningTreatment Goal ImplementationPsychosocial Assessment

Counselor Career Context

Of the 46 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 43% are remote, 30% have no call, 74% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Massachusetts is 105.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 63.2% of Massachusetts clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top contract/1099 Counselor Jobs

46 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution19 jobs

9
<$70k
6
$70k-95k
0
$95k-120k
4
$120k-145k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks28 jobs · 27 employers

401k / retirement match
93%
CME allowance
68%
Sign-on bonus
32%
Loan repayment
29%
PSLF eligible
18%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Part-time Therapist - MA/ (Remote)

Cartwheel · Cambridge, Massachusetts

$55-$90/hr
#2

Mental Health Therapist (Part-Time, W2)Contract

Two Chairs · Texas

$58.5-$85/hr
#3

Mental Health Therapist (Part-Time, W2)

$58.5-$85/hr
#4

Mental Health Therapist (Part-Time, W2)

$58.5-$85/hr
+ 44 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.1this job 4.8
Better work-life than 40% of Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 8,035 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Worcester

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$449k
Typical market rent
$2,130/mo
Residents’ average commute
24 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Hospital for Behavioral Medicine logo

About Hospital for Behavioral Medicine

Hospitals and Health Care
Worcester, Massachusetts
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

Cafeteria on site + discounted meals
Employee engagement events
Employee assistance program
Employee recognition program
Free parking
Career & training development opportunities