Therapist, Activity

Job Title: Activity Therapist  - forensic unit - *Union position – governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement
Job Type: Fulltime, Days
Schedule: Towers at VSBHH, M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm, rotating weekends

Your experience matters 

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health and Baystate Health. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As an Activity Therapist joining our team, you’re embracing our promise to provide superior patient care that exceeds industry standards as well as patient expectations. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

 More about our team 

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital offers compassionate, high-quality inpatient and outpatient mental health and co-occurring treatment for teens, adults, and seniors. We provide a full-range of evidence-based medical and clinical services in a state-of-the-art, 150-bed hospital operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health and Baystate Health, in Holyoke, MA. Programs include inpatient mental health and co-occurring treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).

 Essential Functions

• Applies appropriate theory and standards for decision and actions regarding therapeutic practices
• Assesses patient needs utilizing cultural, religious, and physical disabilities, in the determination of capabilities in groups and with specific activities
• Documents the patient’s response to interventions pertinent to patient treatment on daily/weekly progress status, as appropriate
• Completes all assessments within the time frame allotted and contributes to assessment workload balance between therapists
• Formulates the initial and subsequent treatment programs in accordance with the attending physician’s/licensed practitioner’s treatment orders
• Develops a plan of care with specific and measurable goals, objectives, and interventions defining actions unique to each patient’s needs
• Provides therapy treatment procedures according to the treatments plan, communicate, and work with the patient to achieve the greatest benefit and resolution
• Maintains constant communication with the treatment team, therapist, and physician/licensed practitioner when patient is not responding the treatments
• Contributes to the effective functioning of the patient’s program
• Understands the age differences and the corresponding developmental needs
• Provides activities suitable to the patient’s needs and offers a variety of stimuli in accordance with the treatment plan
• Maintains a quality program to satisfy the therapeutic needs of the patient
• Offers direction and education to maintain clear communication of expectations
• Provides quality programming to support the objectives of the patient and their needs
• Reassesses and updates treatment plan goals when there are significant changes in the patient’s condition in compliance with facility policy or after patient’s stay has exceeded 7 days
• Contributes to treatment planning with feedback to clinical and program staff to achieve therapeutic interventions
• Provides directions to clinical and unit staff regarding activity related groups
• Provides input into patient’s AT goals to the treatment teams and records any treatment updates on the treatment update form in treatment team when applicable

Why join us 

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers: 

• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

Education/Licensure:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institute in Certified Recreational Therapeutic Specialist (CTRS), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-BC,ATR-P LPAT), or similar field required.
• Current CTRS, Certified Music Therapist, or Certified Art Therapist license as required by state regulations.
• Basic Life Support and Handle with Care certification is required within 30 days of hire.

Hourly range: $27.97 - $37.75 per hour

 EEOC Statement

“Lifepoint Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Lifepoint Behavioral Health is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.”