VitalCore Health Strategies·Topeka, Kansas
The Activity Therapist provides goal-oriented activities to teach assertiveness, independent living, and social skills to behaviorally impaired patients. They develop treatment curriculums and facilitate therapeutic interventions to help individuals regain independence and mastery over their recovery.
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VitalCore Health Strategies, (VCHS), an industry leader in correctional healthcare, has an opening for a Full-Time Activity Therapist at Topeka Correctional Facility in Topeka, KS.
Looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare field with competitive wages, an annual incentive bonus, and an excellent benefits package?
At VitalCore we pride ourselves on retaining and acquiring compassionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to providing quality services. Join our team and experience first-hand how VitalCore Health Strategies promotes a positive work environment that is based on respect and appreciation of the hard work and dedication of our staff.
To perform this job successfully, the Behavioral Health Activity Therapist must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and provided routine care for behaviorally impaired and emotionally disturbed patients under the direction of licensed behavioral health staff and provide purposeful, goal-oriented activities that teach and facilitate skills in assertiveness, independent living, interpersonal and social skills, and promoting individualized interest and pursuits. The Activity Therapist performs a wide range of tasks to assist individuals in regaining independence within the general population and mastery over their own recovery process. Recovery resources such as booklets, tapes, pamphlets and other written materials may be utilized by the Activity Therapist in the provision of service.
Activity therapist essential functions
Develop treatment curriculums in conjunction with the Unit Coordinator.
Facilitates activity-based contacts in individual and group settings, and maintains data collection and tracking.
Conducts non-clinical therapeutic interventions in treatment units and in conjunction with Qualified Mental Health Professionals.
With assistance from the treatment team members, utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups; discussions will be utilized where clients will share common problems in daily living and methods they have employed to manage and cope with these problems.
Assist clients in building social skills in the general population that will enhance overall wellbeing.
Attends training and meetings as required.
Other duties as assigned.
Activity therapist minimum requirements
Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Related Field
Must be fluent in English language, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams, and able to utilize an Electronic Health Record.
Must be a supportive team member who contributes to and demonstrates teamwork and team concept.
Able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Experience working in a correctional mental health setting preferred.
Must be able to pass a background investigation and obtain agency security clearance where applicable.
VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.
Keywords: Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Technician, Recreation Therapist
A Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is required. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Records, with a preference for experience in correctional mental health settings.
Market context
In Kansas, behavioral health hiring often centers on clinicians who can work across outpatient, school-based, and community settings, with demand strongest for candidates who are license-eligible and comfortable with complex caseloads. These roles are competitive because employers look for a master’s degree, clinical conceptualization skills for eating disorders and dual diagnoses, and readiness to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm licensure steps and highlight any direct experience with co-occurring conditions in your application.