Functional Therapeutic Activities Specialist- Per Diem

Position Summary

At Stony Brook Medicine, a Functional Therapeutic Activities Specialist is a valuable member of the team. A therapeutic recreation program is defined as a professional service that assists people with disabilities and other limitations to have a leisure life-style that encompasses functional independence, health and well-being through treatment, education and participation. Functional therapeutic activities are practiced in clinical, community and residential treatment.

As a FTA staff member, the individual would, individually or as a member of a treatment team or treatment program, plan and conduct activities for client/patient groups. The goal of each program is to bring about positive change in a client’s/patient’s mental, physical and/or social behavior. The individual would lead life skills training groups and leisure activities

Duties of a Functional Therapeutic Activities Specialist may include the following but are not limited to:

• Promote, plan and carry out programs and activities according to field of specialty as directed.

• Directly monitor and evaluate patient response to programs and activities offered and inform the treatment team of requests and response

• Maintain inventory of relevant supplies, and inform Supervisor of supply needs for specific functions.

• Prepare the area for the comfort and safety of the patients to provide the maximum therapeutic value of the session.

• Supervise adjunct staff/students when necessary

• When involved in a functional therapeutic activities program: Evaluate patient’s progress and status and work with the treatment team to provide a therapeutically effective program to meet the patient’s needs.

• As an integral member of the treatment team, will interface with other staff such as nursing, social work and therapy staff, to provide each patient with a comprehensive therapy and care program.

• Document attendance statistics and progress notes, and document patient progress. Share relevant information about patients with other department/disciplines, as necessary to benefit the patient and assist other care staff.

• Participate in Crisis Prevention Team rotation, serving patients on all hospital units (Medical, Surgical, Psychiatric, etc.) and working with interdisciplinary medical team.

• Upon hire, attend Preventing and Managing Crisis Situation (PMCS) Training as a part of your orientation at Stony Brook.

• Attend PMCS “Train the Trainer” Training to become an instructor if applicable.

• Attend regional The Six Core Strategies© (philosophy, curriculum) when offered and develop coaching/mentoring skills when offered.

• Utilize verbal de-escalation skills as a part of the crisis prevention team utilizing skills learned in PMCS.

• Utilize physical skills and interventions in applying appropriate manual restraints when applicable utilizing skills learned in PMCS.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a functional therapeutic activities area such as Recreational Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy or other related category from an accredited college, and one year of full time experience in planning and administering a therapeutic program, which involved developing and coordinating therapeutic activities for psychiatric patients/residents; individuals with developmental disabilities; individuals that are physically challenged or individuals in treatment for chemical dependency; in a hospital or heath care or related facility.

• Have or have had previous PMCS or similar crisis prevention training.

• Superior verbal calming/de-escalation skills.

• Have a philosophy of person-centered, trauma-sensitive, and recovery-focused care.

• Excellent communication skills and teaching ability in informal and classroom settings.

• Willing to travel to provide and/or participate in education/training events as needed to develop PMCS training and coaching skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience, 2 years specialty experience in Acute Psychiatry.

• Current certification or license associated with field of study.

• Experience/training in crisis management and crisis prevention and associated training.

• Please note that the successful candidate must frequently move about the hallways, patient rooms, and multiple floors to service patients. The successful candidate will also aid with the transport of patients. The successful candidate is responsible for responding to alarms/codes, detecting and communicating situations that may cause harm to the patient, or others, responding to and communicating requests for assistance. In addition, they must, as necessary, use physical interventions and techniques when securing and applying restraints on patients and move restrained patients; as necessary. The successful candidate will also restrain agitated patients and aid with lifting patients.

Special Notes : Resume/CV should be included with the online application.

Posting Overview : This position will remain posted until filled or for a maximum of 90 days. An initial review of all applicants will occur two weeks from the posting date. Candidates are advised on the application that for full consideration, applications must be received before the initial review date (which is within two weeks of the posting date).

If within the initial review no candidate was selected to fill the position posted, additional applications will be considered for the posted position; however, the posting will close once a finalist is identified, and at minimal, two weeks after the initial posting date. Please note, that if no candidate were identified and hired within 90 days from initial posting, the posting would close for review, and possibly reposted at a later date.

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• Stony Brook Medicine is a smoke free environment. Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on campus, including parking lots and outdoor areas on the premises.

• All Hospital positions may be subject to changes in pass days and shifts as necessary.

• This position may require the wearing of respiratory protection, which may prohibit the wearing of facial hair.

• This function/position may be designated as “essential.” This means that when the Hospital is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover, and continue operations at Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Hospital and related facilities.

Prior to start date, the selected candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Successfully complete pre-employment physical examination and obtain medical clearance from Stony Brook Medicine's Employee Health Services

• • Complete electronic reference check with a minimum of three (3) professional references.

• Successfully complete a 4 panel drug screen

• • Meet Regulatory Requirements for pre-employment screenings.

• Provide a copy of any required New York State license(s)/certificate(s).

Failure to comply with any of the above requirements could result in a delayed start date and/or revocation of the employment offer.

*The hiring department will be responsible for any fee incurred for examination .

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Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the University Office of Equity and Access at (631)632-6280.

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Stony Brook University Hospital, consistent with our shared core values and our intent to achieve excellence, remains dedicated to supporting healthier and more resilient communities, both locally and globally.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position is - $33- $40 / hour.

The above salary range represents SBUH’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The specific salary offer will be based on the candidate’s validated years of comparable experience. Any efforts to inflate or misrepresent experience are grounds for disqualification from the application process or termination of employment if hired.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number in your paycheck.

Job Number: 2500793

Official Job Title: : TH Instructional Support Specialist

Job Field : Allied Health

Primary Location : US-NY-Stony Brook

Department/Hiring Area: : Clinical Support/Mental Health

Schedule : Per Diem

Shift : Variable Shift Hours: : Variable (Day/Evening) Pass Days: : Variable

Posting Start Date : Mar 31, 2025

Posting End Date : Jun 29, 2025, 10:59:00 PM

Salary: : 33 - 40 / hour

Salary Grade: : SL3

SBU Area: : Stony Brook University Hospital

Req ID: 2500793