Engagement Specialist Inpatient Full Time
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Summary
The Engagement Specialist is responsible for promoting patient engagement and participation in meaningful, productive activities within the inpatient behavioral health setting. This non-clinical role works directly with adult patients on assigned units to encourage socialization, recreation, skill-building, and therapeutic leisure activities that enhance the patient experience and support a positive treatment environment. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Engagement Specialist serves as a patient-focused resource, helping individuals remain actively involved in unit programming while fostering a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment. This position is ideal for individuals interested in expanding their behavioral health experience and advancing beyond an entry-level patient care role. The Engagement Specialist must demonstrate excellent customer service and have enthusiasm about the program and the Pine Rest organization.
Job description
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assists in the planning and facilitation of unit-based activities that promote socialization, engagement, and skill development.
- Supports implementation of both structured and informal activities (e.g., games, music, outdoor time, creative activities).
- Adapts activities to meet the needs, abilities, and interests of patients across varying levels of acuity.
- Facilitate recreational, educational, leisure, and patient engagement activities on assigned inpatient units.
- Encourage patient participation in unit programming and activities while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Build positive therapeutic rapport with patients through active listening, encouragement, and professional interaction.
- Assist patients in identifying interests and participating in activities that support engagement during hospitalization.
- Works collaboratively with Behavioral Health Professionals (BHPs), nursing staff, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Communicates observations related to patient engagement, behavior, and participation to appropriate staff.
- Monitor activity participation and communicate observations regarding patient involvement to appropriate team members.
- Maintain activity supplies, equipment, and designated engagement spaces in a safe and organized manner.
- Assist with organizing and implementing special events, unit activities, and recovery-focused programming.
- Support a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented milieu by modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions.
- Follow all organizational policies regarding patient rights, confidentiality, infection prevention, safety, and workplace conduct.
- Participate in required meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities.
- Responsible to uphold the healing ministry of Christ through relationships that honor integrity, stewardship, empowerment, the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional excellence.
- Must maintain annual training and demonstrate competency in the required programmatic training.
- Performs other duties or functions as assigned.
What Does This Role Require?
- High school diploma or equivalent required. College Preferred.
- Experience in behavioral health, human services, recreation, or a related field preferred.
- Experience facilitating activities, recreation, or patient engagement programs.
- Must become certified in CPR by the end of New Hire Orientation. Specifically, Basic Life Support in the Inpatient programs and CPR/AED/First Aid in Residential programs.
Work Schedule:
This position is onsite and may require both weekend and holiday hours.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- College preferred
- Experience in behavioral health, human services, recreation, or a related field preferred
- Experience facilitating activities, recreation, or patient engagement programs
- Must become certified in CPR by the end of New Hire Orientation
- Basic Life Support certification for Inpatient programs
- CPR/AED/First Aid certification for Residential programs
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Match
- Generous PTO
- Tuition Assistance
- Loan Forgiveness
- Employee Assistance Program
- Davenport University Tuition Discount
Company overview
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is a leading nonprofit behavioral health provider founded in 1910 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As the second largest non-profit behavioral health provider in the United States, Pine Rest offers a comprehensive continuum of mental health services across Michigan. The organization provides psychiatric urgent care, inpatient and partial hospitalization programs, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, teletherapy services, addiction treatment and recovery programs, extensive child and adolescent services, senior care programs, and specialized assessment clinics. Guided by Christian values and professional excellence, Pine Rest serves people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds while maintaining its faith-based heritage. The organization operates multiple clinics across Michigan including locations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland, Traverse City, and other communities, providing 24/7 crisis support and evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions. Accredited by The Joint Commission and CARF International, Pine Rest combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to address the full spectrum of behavioral health needs.