Activity Therapist 3 - Milledgeville, CSH

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Job Title: Activity Therapist 3 - Milledgeville, CSHAgency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Job Requisition ID: JR0000005446Shift: Day (United States of America)Compensation Details: $52,007.28 Job Description: Job Title: Activity Therapist 3 Workplace: Central State Hospital Shift: 8am – 5pm Job Summary: The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is currently seeking candidates for the position of Activity Therapist. Under general supervision, plan, direct or coordinate therapeutic recreation programs. Activities include sports, gardening, dramatics, music, social activities, and arts & 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 clients 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, helps 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Activity Therapy or Psychology
• Two (2) years of experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities or Mental Health
• Experience writing progress notes related to Recovery Plan objectives
• Experience in facilitating psychoeducational or therapeutic groups
• Experience in working with plants/gardens/Greenhouse environments and knowledge/skills of horticulture practices.

For benefits information, please visit: https://careers.dbhdd.ga.gov/why-dbhdd/

Employment Requirements To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia. The following are a list of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

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

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a therapeutic recreation or related therapeutic discipline from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower level Activity Therapist 2 (HCP061) or position equivalent. --Note: Some positions may require registration in the area of assignment. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.