Stamford Health logo
Stamford Health
Stamford, Connecticut

Activities Therapist-PD

CounselorIncludes callPer Diem

Compensation

Pay not disclosed

Listing transparency1 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Per Diem
Call expectations
Includes call
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

Major Accountabilities/Critical Responsibilities

1. Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can rehabilitate, learn alternative coping strategies and enhance self-esteem.

2. Accurately records each patient’s progress in accordance with The Joint Commission and Medicare standards.

3. Group Therapy will be implemented each business day. Group Therapy will be implemented in conjunction with other disciplines as needed, or independently.

4. Coordinates daily therapeutic activities for patients admitted to VMU, S1 & those with an activity therapy order on other units.

5. Coordinates one on one intervention for patients that are unable to tolerate group therapy.

6. Daily group notes capturing participation and tolerance are to be recorded.

7. Each patient’s plan of care will be individualized with objectives, goals and interventions.

8. Attends and participates in AM rounds, Treatment Planning and other program meetings.

9. Coordinates any findings with that of the other treatment team members to produce a comprehensive, individual discharge plan based on the individual’s strengths and weaknesses.

10. Employs good judgment in designing an aftercare plan that is suited to strengths and weaknesses of the individual patient.

11. Identifies potential clinical problems with patients and brings these issues to the attention of the Physician and the team.

12. Is alert to the development of any clinical emergency, if found reports this to the Charge Nurse and Physician promptly.

13. Incorporates the hospital’s mission, vision, values and promotes the patient-centered care model in everyday practice.

14. Promotes Plane Tree Philosophy within the therapeutic milieu.

15. Coordinates the monthly Plane Tree Buffet on S1 and assists patients in hosting guests.

16. Collects and analyzes monthly MTP audit data and reports findings to Chairperson and Nursing Director.

17. When on S1 the activity therapist will adhere to our policy for Dress Code, to include wearing a wireless panic alarm pendant while on duty, at all times. * (Refer to Dress Code policy)

18. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested in order to maintain a high level of service.

19.  Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.

20. Demonstrates professional work behavior by following Service Standards and Success factors.

21. Complies with departmental organizational policies and procedures and adheres to external agency requirements.

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred in allied health field or 2 years of work experience Psych related area. Certification as an Activities Therapist is preferred.

Requires ability to extract and interpret information.

The following are required; BLS (certification), CP (certification), typing, record keeping, word processing, and basic medical terminology.

Key Responsibilities

The Activities Therapist establishes and implements therapeutic programs and group therapy for inpatient psychiatric patients to aid rehabilitation and coping. They are responsible for individualizing care plans, documenting patient progress, and collaborating with the treatment team for discharge planning.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in an allied health field or 2 years of psychology-related experience is preferred, along with a certification as an Activities Therapist. Required certifications include BLS and CP, as well as proficiency in typing and basic medical terminology.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Patient Care PlanningClinical DocumentationCrisis InterventionCase ManagementInterdisciplinary Collaboration

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 30% are remote, 32% have no call, 78% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Connecticut is 103.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 62.6% of Connecticut clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Counselor Jobs

32 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution27 jobs · 24 employers

10
<$65k
6
$65k-85k
7
$85k-105k
4
$105k-125k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks30 jobs · 24 employers

401k / retirement match
87%
CME allowance
30%
Loan repayment
27%
Sign-on bonus
20%
PSLF eligible
20%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

LifeStance Health · West Hartford, Connecticut

$72k-$115k
#2

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

LifeStance Health · West Hartford, Connecticut

$72k-$115k
#3

Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LPCC, LPP, LCSW)

$100k-$110k
#4

Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician - LCSW, LPC or LMFT

$60k-$107k
+ 30 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

1.5/ 10
Listing-based score
  • Includes call

Living in Stamford

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$806k
Typical market rent
$2,966/mo
Residents’ average commute
29 min
State income tax
Up to 7%
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.