Activity Therapist

Our Agency

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah (GRHS) is a state-funded multi-service facility operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The hospital provides quality care to mentally ill adults and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities from its 34-county catchment area in Southeast Georgia. GRHS opened in December of 1970 with a design to decentralize mental health services in the state and treat people nearer to their homes and families. The hospital provides evaluation and treatment to clients needing care. The hospital's admitting office is a psychiatric emergency receiving facility open 24 hours a day.

GRHS is seeking candidates for the position of Activity Therapist.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. 

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: 

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

Due to the volume of resumes/applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email.  Please be assured that your resume/application will be evaluated and we will contact you if we need clarification or additional information.  Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring agency.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.