Job Description

Director of Activity Therapy – New Behavioral Health Hospital near Jacksonville, FL - Opening Late Summer 2026

We are seeking an experienced Activity Therapy Director to 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.

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.

Responsibilities

​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.

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OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• ​Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

​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.

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LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• ​May require licensure as either: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification, depending on state requirements.
• ​CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).

• ​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.

AHGROW

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