Activity Therapist I

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking anActivity Therapist Iwho is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) - Office of Mental Health (OMH), Morris Village Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, 610 Faison Drive, Columbia SC 29203.

As the Activity Therapist I, working with general supervision, you will function as an integral part of the Activity Therapy Service and assigned treatment team, through planning and implementing Activity Therapy services for Morris Village patients. Complete assessments, progress reports and other required documentation. Conduct Activity Therapy referral groups, leisure activities and special events. Assist the Activity TherapySupervisor and Director in the evaluation and quality and performance improvement of treatment program services. Function cooperatively practicing teamwork within the Activity Therapy Department and with other Morris Village staff.

Responsibilities for the Activity Therapist I:

• Conduct goal-oriented Activity Therapy referral groups utilizing recreation therapy techniques. Plan and implement the referral program as it relates to substance use disorders and submit data for statistical reports. Function cooperatively in the provision of group and documentation coverage for co-leader and as needed and assigned by the Activity Therapy Supervisor/ATII or Director/ATIII.

• Document Activity Therapy Assessments and reports in the electronic medical record to comply' with facility quality/performance improvement standards.

• Comply with treatment/care planning policies and procedures. Attend treatment team meetings and participate in the identification of patient treatment needs and development of a plan of care outlining interventions to meet the specific needs of patients. Assume responsibility for following through on service specific interventions identified by the team.

• Plan, organize, implement and evaluate group building & problem-solving activities related to recovery for Morris Village patients.

• Attend Activity Therapy and other appropriate meetings. Participate in mandatory and other relevant trainings to assure competency. Maintain compliance with all OMH, IS and MV policies including Patient Abuse, Neglect o Exploitation of Patients Prohibited, Safety Management, Cultural and Age-Specific Awareness, Corporate and HIPPA Compliance, Harassment-Free-Workplace, PPD's, Training, Time and Attendance, and EPMS.

• Assist the Activity Therapy Supervisor and Director in planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating leisure activities and special events for all Morris Village patients working in a cooperative team effort with all Activity Therapy staff.

• Care for AT/MV facilities and equipment to enhance a safe and therapeutic environment. Submit supply and repair requests, and other assigned reports and statistics to assist in quality/performance improvement.

• A high school diploma and relevant program experience. A bachelor’s degree in physical education, recreation or a related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to perform physical requirements such as lifting, pushing, pulling and climbing, as needed in a recreational setting.t
• Ability to work 37.5 hours weekly with rotating weekends and holidays.
• Be able to be mobile throughout the entire facility.

• A bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy or related degree and relevant experience.
• CTRS certification.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post, hire, employee must:

• Have basic knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation and recreation therapy.
• Have basic skills in utilizing E'MR or similar program, surveys, assessments, techniques and modalities to assist patients in achieving therapeutic goals.
• Have the ability to establish therapeutic rapport with patients.
• Have the ability to communicate clearly both verbally, electronically and inwriting with patients and staff.
• Have the ability to practice teamwork within the AT Department and with other MV and OMH teams and departments.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.