Life Enrichment Specialist | Behavioral Health | Mental Health | Therapeutic Recreation

Location: 2101 Belmont Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Department: Older Adult Behavioral Health Program
Job Type: Flex / As Needed
Schedule: Varies Based on Department Needs
Work Setting: Fully Onsite
Starting Pay: $26.45–$27.79 per hour

About Us

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is seeking a Life Enrichment Specialist to join our Older Adult Behavioral Health Program located at 2101 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. This specialized long-term behavioral health program provides comprehensive psychiatric and skilled nursing services to older adults living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and complex behavioral health needs.

Our multidisciplinary team provides compassionate, evidence based, and recovery oriented care in a structured therapeutic environment that promotes dignity, independence, and quality of life.

We are seeking a creative, energetic, and compassionate professional to develop and facilitate therapeutic, recreational, educational, cognitive, and social programming that enhances resident engagement and supports emotional, behavioral, and cognitive well-being.

Overview

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is seeking a Flex Life Enrichment Specialist to design, coordinate, and deliver structured therapeutic, social, recreational, and cognitive programming for residents receiving behavioral health services. This as-needed position provides coverage based on departmental and program needs, making it an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking flexibility while making a meaningful impact.

Working closely with an interdisciplinary treatment team, the Life Enrichment Specialist plays a vital role in promoting resident engagement, emotional wellness, cognitive stimulation, independence, and overall quality of life within a therapeutic behavioral health environment.

This position is ideal for professionals with experience in Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Gerontology, Activity Programming, or related healthcare fields who enjoy working with older adults experiencing serious mental illness.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement therapeutic life enrichment programming based on resident needs and individualized care plans
• Facilitate group and individual recreational, educational, cognitive, and social activities
• Promote resident engagement, emotional wellness, independence, and quality of life
• Collaborate with nursing, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary team members
• Monitor resident participation, engagement, and behavioral responses during activities
• Document observations, participation, and progress within the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Coordinate activity schedules, supplies, equipment, and therapeutic spaces
• Assist with special events, seasonal programming, and community engagement activities
• Maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented therapeutic environment
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality, regulatory standards, and facility policies

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree required in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Education, or a related field
• Master's degree preferred

Experience

• Experience working in behavioral health, mental health, psychiatric, residential treatment, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or related healthcare settings required
• Experience working with older adults strongly preferred
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups and structured programming preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to independently develop, coordinate, and facilitate therapeutic programming
• Ability to engage individuals with serious mental illness and complex behavioral health needs
• Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and basic computer applications
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team

Why Join Us

• Flexible, as-needed schedule based on departmental needs
• Competitive hourly pay
• Opportunity to support older adults living with serious mental illness
• Collaborative multidisciplinary behavioral health team
• Meaningful work that directly improves resident quality of life
• Mission-driven organization committed to recovery, dignity, and compassionate care

Pre Employment and Workplace Policy

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, verification of employment, and drug screening. The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a Drug Free Workplace, and all employees are expected to comply with workplace policies and standards of conduct.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

Employment for this position requires full COVID-19 vaccination where permitted by law. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to a documented medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE M F D V). We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive workplace. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.