Activity Specialist part time MU Health Care United States, Missouri, Columbia 1 Hospital Drive (Show on map) Jun 24, 2026

Shift:

Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 4:30pm

Department:

Missouri Psychiatric Center Therapy

Compensation:

Base Pay Range:

$15.81 (entry level qualifications)

• $24.

92 (highly experienced) per hour, based on experience.

Differential:

$1 per hour for weekends

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Health Care is looking for a passionate and dedicated Activity Specialist to join our dynamic team in delivering impactful Psychosocial Rehabilitation services. We seek an enthusiastic individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to enhancing the lives of our patients through engaging therapeutic activities. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, compassion, and a proactive approach to encouraging patient participation, while also demonstrating strong organizational skills in managing supplies and group logistics. If you're ready to make a meaningful difference and help individuals achieve their therapeutic goals, we want to hear from you! Join us in fostering a supportive atmosphere where every patient can thrive and feel valued.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. We believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger

• to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine. Our academic health system
• the only in mid-Missouri
• is home to multiple hospitals, including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here, you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions
• with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care. Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

Plan and conduct recreational, diversional, and therapeutic groups, and coordinate tasks or activities that relate to the goals and needs of the patient as per their treatment plan, under the guidance of a therapeutic recreation specialist or occupational therapist. Encourage and facilitate patient participation in therapeutic opportunities and activities. Assist therapy staff in evaluating patient's progress and identifying deficits, and assisting with documentation. Assist therapy staff in leading groups by supervising patients, taking notes on their participation, escorting patients to and from groups, and facilitating their participation. Coordinate the ordering and inventorying of supplies for the department. Maintain the safety and cleanliness of the Therapy Department work areas. Assist with infection control procedures in shared therapeutic areas. Prepare materials for groups including preparing craft materials. Assist with supervising patients during treatment sessions. Offer alternative activities on the unit for patients who may not be ready for group sessions. Independently lead diversional groups during the weekends and evenings. Document patients' behavior and participation in diversional groups. May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired. Six (6) months of healthcare or related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) year of experience working with people with mental health conditions, physical disabilities, or developmental disabilities. Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and may require ambulating, remaining in a stationary position and positioning self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10lbsand occasionally move objects up to 25 lbs. This role may also routinely come into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work duringinclement weather will be required. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.