Trinity Health
Location
Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Activity Therapist assesses patient needs and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans. They facilitate therapeutic groups and milieu programming while ensuring patient safety and accurate clinical documentation.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. A minimum of three months of relevant clinical experience and appropriate professional licensure (OTR, COTA, or CTRS) are required.
The Activity Therapist is a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team and utilizes clinical skills within their area of expertise—including expressive arts therapies, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, and psycho‑educational interventions—to plan, organize, and implement a comprehensive program of ancillary services. This role assesses patients’ capabilities, needs, interests, and goals, and develops individualized treatment plans aligned with interdisciplinary team objectives. Essential Functions Assesses patient care needs and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and continually reassess individualized treatment plans. Plans and facilitates milieu programming, including therapeutic groups, skill‑building activities, and psycho‑educational sessions. Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with assigned patients. Provides clinical input and participates actively in interdisciplinary treatment planning and rounds as required. Monitors patient safety and promptly reports any potential risks or concerns to the Manager and Unit Leaders. Documents and reports patient information accurately and timely, following established policies and procedures. Promotes a customer‑ and patient‑focused environment by maintaining professionalism and adhering to quality improvement standards. Works in various clinical settings with diverse patient populations. Assists in monitoring departmental documentation for accuracy and completeness, including conducting chart reviews as needed. Acts as a lead in performance improvement initiatives and participates on committees as assigned. Supports departmental performance appraisals by collecting and/or completing concurrent input forms and, when appropriate, assisting with or writing evaluations. Takes an active role in staff training, including orientation, competency assessments, and identification of ongoing training needs; promotes positive communication among staff. Collaborates in follow‑up related to disciplinary actions when applicable. Conducts functional assessments per physician order, as required. Collaborates with the AT Clinical Manager regarding internships and other departmental activities. Serves as a role model for the organization’s mission and values through professional appearance, communication, time management, and behavior. Provides spiritual, emotional, social, mental, and physical support to patients. Demonstrates commitment to Relationship‑Based Care in hospital‑based services. Maintains required annual training and demonstrates competency in all programmatic training. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy Credentials / Licensure Required: Registered therapist or certification as OTR, COTA, or CTRS BLS certification within one week of hire Experience Required: Minimum of three (3) months of relevant psychiatric, medical, or clinical experience On‑the‑job training or formal education in therapy and counseling principles for patients with a variety of psychiatric and medical conditions Hours of work: 9am-7:30pm Our Commitment Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, faith-based health care systems in the nation. Together, we’re 121,000 colleagues and nearly 36,500 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 27 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, our system includes 101 hospitals, 126 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 136 urgent care locations, and many other health and well-being services. Based in Livonia, Michigan, in fiscal year 2023, we invested $1.5 billion in our communities through charity care and other community benefit programs. For more information, visit You can also follow Trinity Health on LinkedIn.
