Activity Therapy Assistant/Activity Therapist I/Wshpi C&A

Job Responsibilities

With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina.

This position is located at the Department of Mental Health -Inpatient Services, 220 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Activity Therapist Assistant (ATA), working under the supervision of the Activity Therapy Supervisor you will assist with planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive program of goal-oriented groups and leisure activities/events that meet the recovery needs of patients admitted to WSHPI C&A.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assists with planning, organizing, coordinating, implementing, goal oriented assigned Activity Therapy groups, activities, events. Serves as therapist's assistant on a scheduled and PRN basis.

• Provides timely written medical records documentation related to treatment goals on assigned patients, identifying interests, skills, and problem areas, inclusive of treatment plans, assessments, re-assessments, progress notes, interest surveys; submits calendars, requisitions, statistical reports as requested and/or needed. Complies with Performance Improvement and Infection Control measures. Knowledge of policies and procedures that meet DMH, WSHPI C&A for accrediting standards and regulations.

• Assists with providing pertinent communication, input, and feedback for Treatment Team regarding patients' progress, involvement, behavior, schedules, etc. Assists with providing timely, accurate documentation as required for Master Treatment Plan prior to all finalizations. Knowledgeable of Treatment Team and Master Treatment Plan procedures. Recommends appropriate patient leisure activities.

• Plans, coordinates, implements, facilitates, evaluates evening, weekend, holiday leisure activities and special/seasonal events.

• Participates in the 90 Day Observation training. Attends and participates in Activity Therapy Service and mandatory meetings, relevant educational in-services, workshops, conferences, and other appropriate meetings as requested. Completes all Pathlore training as required.

• Maintains facilities' equipment and supplies. Inventories and submits requisitions for supplies, equipment, food orders, repairs, etc. Observes and complies with rules, regulations, and policies.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: 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.

Agency Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in Recreation with emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation or related field: Physical and Leisure Education, Health, Exercise Science, Sports management, Psychology, Human Performances, Library Science, Liberal Arts, therapeutic or educational aspects of Art, Music, or Horticulture.

Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments

The selected candidate must be able to push, pull, climb and lift twenty-five (25) pounds; able to maneuver wheelchairs, walkers; able to work outdoors, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays; work in inclement weather (as requested).

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex - including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

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. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year

• 15 days sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs