Activity Assistant
Cedar Crest Hospital & RTC
Summary
Assist with planning, developing, organizing, implementing and directing individual and group activities/recreation within the facility.
Job description
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Assist with planning, developing, organizing, implementing and directing individual and group activities/recreation within the facility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Organize, lead and promote interest in recreational activities to patients and their families.
- Serve as a resource for new patients introducing them to other patients and staff, explaining programs and encouraging participation.
- Explain the rules of activities and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels.
- Document activity interventions and patient progress in the medical record per facility documentation requirements.
- Seek supervision and support when complications arise in dealing with a patient either in an individual or group setting.
- Enforce safety rules to prevent injury and modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
- Organize and set up the equipment that is used in recreational activities.
- Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred.
- Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility also preferred.
LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS
- CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
- First aid may be required based on state or facility.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate’s degree in activity therapy or related field preferred
- Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting preferred
- CPR certification required
- De-escalation/restraint certification required
- First aid may be required based on state or facility
Company overview
Cedar Crest Hospital & RTC is a specialized mental health care facility providing comprehensive psychiatric and behavioral health services. As a residential treatment center (RTC), the organization offers intensive therapeutic programs for individuals struggling with mental health disorders, substance abuse issues, and co-occurring conditions. The facility typically provides a structured, therapeutic environment with 24-hour clinical supervision, combining evidence-based treatments with personalized care plans. Services likely include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual and group therapy, family counseling, and specialized programs for various age groups including adolescents and adults. Cedar Crest Hospital & RTC operates as a critical component of the mental health care continuum, bridging the gap between acute inpatient hospitalization and outpatient care. The organization focuses on stabilization, skill-building, and long-term recovery strategies to help patients achieve sustainable mental wellness and successful community reintegration. With a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support staff, the facility emphasizes holistic treatment approaches that address both psychological and social determinants of mental health.