Activities Therapist/Recreation Therapist/Music Therapist - Southeastern Integrated Care : Job Details

* CONTRACT POSITION * GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES: We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, or Music Therapist to provide contracted services for a North Carolina-licensed residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program operating under Clinical Coverage Policy 8D-3/ 5600E and ASAM Level 3.1. The ideal candidate will have specialized experience treating SUD as a biopsychosocial and spiritual disease, utilizing recreational, activity-based, or music therapy modalities to support recovery and promote physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellness, while adhering to a biopsychosocial and spiritual approach to this brain disease. The therapist will work as an integral part of an interdisciplinary behavioral health and medical team, aligning with the core values of SUD treatment as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Responsibilities:

• Therapeutic Interventions: Design and implement evidence-based recreational, activity, or music therapy programs tailored to individuals in recovery from SUD, addressing the biopsychosocial and spiritual dimensions of the disease.
• Group and Individual Sessions: Facilitate group and individualized therapy sessions that foster engagement, self-expression, coping skills, and relapse prevention through therapeutic modalities such as outdoor activities, creative arts, movement-based recreation, or music-based interventions.
• Holistic Wellness: Promote physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellness through therapy modalities that encourage community building, mindfulness, stress reduction, and personal growth.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with behavioral health professionals, medical staff, and case managers to integrate therapy services into comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring alignment with ASAM 3.1 criteria and SAMHSA's core values for SUD treatment (e.g., person-centered care, recovery-oriented systems, and trauma-informed care).
• Assessment and Documentation: Conduct assessments to identify clients' strengths, needs, and preferences; develop individualized therapeutic goals; and maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with North Carolina 5600E policy and SAMHSA guidelines.
• Program Development: Create and evaluate innovative therapeutic activities that support long-term recovery, including experiential therapies, community reintegration activities, and skill-building exercises.
• Client Education: Provide psychoeducation on the role of recreational, activity, or music therapy in recovery, empowering clients to incorporate wellness practices into their daily lives.
• Cultural Competence: Deliver services that respect diverse cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and equity in treatment delivery.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), or equivalent credential required.
• Licensure or eligibility for licensure in North Carolina as applicable.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience providing recreational, activity, or music therapy to individuals with substance use disorders in a clinical or residential setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in treating SUD as a biopsychosocial and spiritual disease, with a focus on recovery-oriented, holistic care.
• Experience working in ASAM Level 3.1 or similar residential SUD programs preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in designing and facilitating therapeutic interventions that support physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellness (e.g., adventure therapy, expressive arts, music improvisation, or community-based recreation).
• Strong understanding of SAMHSA's core values for SUD treatment, including trauma-informed care, person-centered planning, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team, including behavioral health clinicians, medical providers, and peer support specialists.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and documentation skills, with adherence to regulatory and ethical standards.
• Cultural humility and commitment to addressing health disparities in SUD treatment.

Ethical Standards:

• The candidate must adhere to all ethical guidelines for SUD treatment programs in North Carolina, including:
• Maintaining client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and state regulations.
• Obtaining informed consent for all massage therapy interventions.
• Practicing within the scope of licensure and avoiding dual relationships with clients.
• Demonstrating respect for clients' cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic backgrounds, aligning with SAMHSA's emphasis on person-centered and trauma-informed care.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of North Carolina Clinical Coverage Policy 5600E and ASAM 3.1 standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to accommodate program schedules.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for potential community-based activities.
• Proof of professional liability insurance.
• Blood-borne Pathogens
• Client Rights

• Drug Screen
• Confidentiality
• CPR & First Aid Certification (preferred)

Core Values Alignment: The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to SAMHSA's core values for SUD treatment, including: • Respect for the dignity and autonomy of each client. • Promotion of hope, resilience, and empowerment in recovery. • Integration of evidence-based practices with holistic, person-centered care. • Advocacy for equitable access to treatment and support services. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed primarily in the client's living environment and in the community and may involve exposure to cigarette smoke, domestic animals/pets, household pests, uncomfortable heating/cooling, and other issues related to the domestic location in which service is delivered. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk and hear; and taste and smell. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to drive and operate a personal vehicle safely and adhere to all applicable state and traffic laws.