​

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. Acadia operates a growing network of 250 plus behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 11,100 beds in 39 states and Puerto Rico. With more than 23,000 employees serving approximately 75,000 patients daily, Acadia is the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the U.S.

Acadia Healthcare’s purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation. 

We are looking to hire a Director of Activity Therapy for North Port Behavioral Health, opening in Dec 2024!  This is a full-time, salaried position and is part of the dynamic leadership team at North Port Behavioral Health in North Port, FL. We are looking for someone that provides a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers and the clinical staff.  At North Port Behavioral we recognize that patient safety is a top priority.  

Our Director of Activity Therapy will plan, develop, direct and coordinate a program of activity therapies in a facility, collaborating with medical staff and heads of professional departments to ensure that an effective, quality activity therapy programs supports the treatment needs of the patients served. 

​ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• ​Plan, develop and coordinate the overall program of activity therapies, including occupational, music and recreational therapy, with other activities. 
• ​Provide staff management to include hiring, development, training, performance management and communication to ensure effective and efficient department operation. 
• ​Responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating recreational or activity therapy programs. 
• ​Provide periodic budgets, statistical summaries, forecasts and goals. 

• ​Develop policies, procedures, new programs, budgets, etc.  
• ​Screen candidates for programs and place in the programs best suited to individual needs.  
• ​Conduct regular staff meetings to share information and communication, provide training and resources and promote staff development.  
• ​Direct and supervise activity staff in their implementation of the activity therapy program and services. 
• ​Coordinate activity therapy services with other treatment modalities and treatment team members, to support quality and compliance with program expectations, facility policies, industry standards and regulatory requirements. 

• ​Responsible for the requisition of materials, supplies and equipment necessary to the effective operation of the therapy programs and corresponding budgets.  
• ​Provide direct supervision of activity therapy staff. 
• ​Appear before various external professional groups to interpret and explain the objectives of the therapeutic programs of the facility. 
• ​Carry caseload and supervise staff competency and licensure as applicable.  
• ​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: 

• ​Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreational Therapy or other recreation-based field which may be approved for national certification in their area of expertise required. 
• ​Master’s degree preferred based on state requirements. 

• ​Five or more years' professional level experience working with the specialty/service of the facility required.   
• ​Three or more years’ supervisory experience required. 

​

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:  

• ​Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a must. 
• ​CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility). 
• Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) are desired. 

• ​First aid may be required based on state or facility. 

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

NPORT