Activity Therapist – New Behavioral Health Hospital near Jacksonville, FL - Opening Late Summer 2026

We are seeking a full-time Activity Therapist to plan, direct and implement activity therapy programs as a component of the patient’s treatment plan.

Coastal Pines will be a modern, purpose-built facility and a cornerstone of behavioral health care in Northeast Florida, designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality psychiatric services in the region.  The 144-bed behavioral health hospital, located in St. Johns, will offer a full continuum of services including inpatient psychiatric care, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

What We Offer:

Our leaders are equipped with the tools, support, and benefits they need to thrive:

• Competitive compensation package including performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match through Acadia Healthcare
• Equity/stock-based incentive awards for long-term financial growth
• Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick days

If you're ready to lead with purpose and drive lasting impact in the behavioral health space, we invite you to consider joining us at Coastal Pines Behavioral Health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient’s needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
• Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility patient progress with treatment goals.
• Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
• Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
• Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such are sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
• Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
• Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games and community outings.
• Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
• Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
• 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, Recreational Therapy or related field required.   
• ​Master’s degree preferred.  

• ​Three or more years’ experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required. 
• ​Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred. 

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LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances
(e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

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.

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