The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Activity Therapist at East Central Regional Hospital, located in Augusta, GA.

Job Description:

Plan, direct, or coordinate therapeutic recreation programs. Activities include sports, gardening, dramatics, music, social activities, and arts and crafts. Conducts assessment of a client's condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

• Conducts therapy sessions to improve clients' mental and physical well-being
• Confers with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs
• Develops treatment plan to meet needs of client, based on needs assessment, client interests and objectives of therapy
• Encourages clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting life skills and leisure activities, such as sports, games, music, arts and crafts, and gardening
• Instructs client in activities and techniques, such as sports, gardening, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs
• Observes, analyzes, and records clients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed
• Obtains information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the clients themselves to assess clients' capabilities, needs and interests
• Plans, organizes, directs and participates in treatment programs and activities to facilitate clients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community and prevent further medical problems
• Prepares and submits reports and charts to treatment team to reflect clients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression

Sample Technical Competencies:

• Knowledge of the DSM-IV assessment of different psychological disorders
• Knowledge of exercise programs such as yoga, aerobics, walking for wellness, and relaxation techniques
• Ability to utilize the results of the recreation therapy assessment tool to document and interpret the progress/regression of a client
• Ability to plan, develop and structure program activities according to policies and procedures and consumer's needs
• Ability to confer with treatment team and counselors for group scheduling, staffing, and program planning

Bachelors Degree in a therapeutic recreation or related therapeutic discipline 

Preference will be given to those who, in addition to meeting the above qualifications, also possess the following:

• Professional credentials such as a Certified Recreational Therapist, Board Certified Music Therapist, Registered Horticultural Therapist or any combination of experience and training that applicants have to provide therapy in recreation and leisure activities
• Knowledge of procedures and training for persons with physical, developmental, mental health and substance abuse disabilities
• Certified as a lifeguard and will assist in re-certification if needed.

In addition to a competitive salary (), we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, employee retirement plan, deferred compensation, 12 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance.

This position is a pay grade 12 on the statewide salary plan.

This position is located at East Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Augusta, Georgia.

While Augusta is known worldwide for the Masters® and the coveted green jacket, you'll find that Georgia's second-oldest and second-largest city - also known as the "Garden City" of the South - is full of history, atmosphere, Southern charm, and activities to engage everyone's interest.

Discover the historic charm of the classic South with Augusta's tree-lined streets and majestic antebellum mansions. Enjoy dozens of shops and restaurants, cultural attractions and entertainment. Meander along the banks of the Savannah River as you stroll Riverwalk Augusta. Canoe the river or the adjacent Augusta Canal.

Whatever your interest, you'll find something to satisfy it in Augusta.

Please email your cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word format to: ecrhjobs@dhr.state.ga.us

To ensure proper routing/handling of your credentials, copy/paste or type the following title in the subject line of your email: Activity Therapist   If you are currently employed by DBHDD, please include "Internal Employee" in the subject line as well.

You may be subject to a Drug Screen. You may be required to submit fingerprints to check for the existence of Criminal History Record Information through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You do have the right to challenge the contents of any Criminal History that is located, should you choose to do so.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provides services to ensure the health and welfare of Georgians. As an employee of DBHDD, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.