Life Enrichment Specialist MPAC (CREATIVE ART THERAPIST)

Job Description

Life Enrichment Specialist – Behavioral Health / Therapeutic Recreation

Location: 4001 Ford Road, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Job Type: Part-Time (16 hours/week, Every Other Weekend)

Department: Behavioral Health – Be Well at MPAC

Reports To: Program Director

About Us

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard, in partnership with the Be Well at MPAC initiative, is proud to lead The Philadelphia Model: Addressing Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in Long-Term Care (LTC). This pioneering program provides structured, therapeutic residential behavioral healthcare for frail adults with serious mental illness who require skilled nursing care.

We serve individuals who have reached maximum benefit from traditional mental health services and need long-term, integrated care. Our mission is to offer a welcoming, stigma-free, trauma-informed environment where residents are supported holistically. Our interdisciplinary team is rooted in the values of Choice, Hope, Integrity, Respect, and Professionalism, and committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Part-Time Life Enrichment Specialist to provide therapeutic, creative, and wellness-based programming to older adults with SMI in a long-term care setting. This role focuses on designing and delivering engaging group and individual activities that promote emotional, cognitive, and social well-being, while contributing to interdisciplinary care planning.

Schedule

Part-Time: 16 hours per week EOW

Key Responsibilities

Conduct life enrichment assessments for new residents

Develop and lead individual and group-based therapeutic activities

Offer 1:1 sessions to promote skill-building and personal engagement

Create seasonal, inclusive, and culturally relevant programming

Support clinical care planning and contribute to MDS documentation

Maintain accurate records including progress notes, attendance, and monthly reports

Coordinate special events, recreational therapy, and community outings

Collaborate with clinical staff and departments to ensure continuity of care

Maintain a safe, trauma-informed, and inclusive group setting

Respond to behavioral health needs, clinical changes, and resident feedback

What You’ll Need

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or related field (required)

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or master’s degree preferred

Experience in long-term care and/or working with older adults with mental illness (required)

Prior experience in group facilitation, activity coordination, or therapeutic recreation (preferred)

Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of therapeutic activity planning and creative interventions

Knowledge of behavioral health conditions and trauma-informed practices

Excellent organizational and facilitation skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHR documentation

Ability to motivate, engage, and build trust with residents

Bilingual abilities are a plus

Why Join Us

Be part of a unique program redefining care for adults with serious mental illness

Work in a supportive, values-driven environment

Collaborate with a passionate and interdisciplinary team

Make a direct impact on resident quality of life through creative expression and connection

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer – EOE/M/F/D/V

Part-time