This role involves providing strategic leadership, program development, and operational oversight for all therapeutic activity services within the Acute Geriatric Psychiatry Hospital (AGPH). You will be responsible for designing and delivering evidence-based therapeutic programming that supports patient stabilization, recovery, and progression to the highest level of wellness, serving as a key member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team.
Responsibilities
Develop and enhance a comprehensive therapeutic activities program aligned with best practices and patient needs
Establish program goals, performance metrics, and outcomes tied to patient wellness and recovery
Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including CMS, Joint Commission, and state guidelines
Introduce innovative, evidence-based therapeutic modalities appropriate for geriatric psychiatric populations
Oversee group and individualized therapeutic interventions and ensure alignment with patient treatment plans
Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDT) to integrate therapeutic programming into care plans
Maintain a safe, respectful, and therapeutic milieu for all patients
Lead, supervise, and develop Recreation Coordinators, students, interns, and volunteers
Manage staffing models, schedules, training, and performance management
Foster a culture of accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement
Serve as an active member of the IDT, contributing patient engagement insights and clinical observations
Collaborate with nursing, psychiatry, and social services to support comprehensive care delivery
Ensure accurate, timely EMR documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and care plans
Establish documentation standards, conduct audits, and monitor compliance and quality indicators
Promote patient dignity, engagement, and safety while reducing isolation and behavioral risks
Conduct initial activity assessments within 72 hours of admission and ensure ongoing reassessments are completed weekly
Ensure recreation therapy treatment plans are developed within required timeframes and updated regularly based on patient progress
Participate in and present at treatment team meetings, providing updates on patient status, behaviors, and interventions
Monitor patients for behavioral changes, medication side effects, and cognitive or physical changes, reporting findings to licensed staff
Facilitate group and individual therapeutic programs across social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and physical domains
Maintain activity calendars and ensure appropriate supervision of patients during all programming
Account for and secure all equipment, supplies, and potentially hazardous items after each session
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Provide patient and family education related to therapeutic programming and treatment plans
Report incidents, safety concerns, and equipment issues in accordance with facility policy
Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, including reviewing indicators and recommending improvements
Assist with complaint, grievance, and compliment processes, including tracking, trending, and reporting outcomes
Provide ongoing staff training on behavioral interventions and psychosocial care
Ensure patient safety through adherence to fall precautions, elopement prevention, and environmental safety standards
Maintain compliance with all facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Respond appropriately to emergency situations and support a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff
Maintain confidentiality and uphold standards of dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity
Attend required in-services, trainings, and meetings
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy or related field required
Eligibility for certification as a Recreation Therapist through the California Board of Park and Recreation or the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification within 90 days of hire
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing mental health services
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams
Ability to make independent decisions and respond appropriately to cultural diversity
Demonstrated ability to engage geriatric and mentally ill populations
Nice to have:
Master's degree
Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with mentally ill patients
Benefits
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
403(b) Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Tuition Reimbursement
Commuter Benefits
Weekday Shuttle Service to and from Glen Park BART Station
Mission-driven nonprofit organization
Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of older adults every day
Inclusive community, welcoming to all
Supportive, team-oriented environment
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Collaborative leadership focused on enhancing the employee experience
Important Details
Schedule: 40 hours per week, day shift
Days off: Saturday, Sunday
Working days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Physical Requirements
Ability to move throughout the facility throughout the day
Ability to cope with mental, emotional, and physical demands of the role
Ability to work with elderly, mentally ill, and emotionally distressed individuals
Ability to lift, push, pull, or move between 25–50 pounds
Ability to assist in emergency evacuations
Ability to tolerate exposure to blood, body fluids, chemicals, noise, and environmental hazards
Ability to stand, sit, bend, stoop, stretch, twist, and reach for extended periods
Good visual and auditory acuity with fine motor skills
About the Company
Nestled in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood on a nine-acre campus, the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL) is the leading senior services organization in Northern California. Founded in 1871, it supports more than 2,500 older adults each year through innovative, comprehensive programs rooted in Jewish values. The organization has 950 team members of diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Nestled on a nine-acre campus in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood, the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL) is a center of excellence in senior care.
