Engagement Specialist Inpatient Full Time

Cost Center

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Work Shift

Shift & Status

Who Are We?

We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.

Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. On-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists, and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.

We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.

What Will You Do?

The Engagement Specialist is responsible for promoting patient engagement and participation in meaningful, productive activities within the inpatient behavioral health setting. This non-clinical role works directly with adult patients on assigned units to encourage socialization, recreation, skill-building, and therapeutic leisure activities that enhance the patient experience and support a positive treatment environment. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Engagement Specialist serves as a patient-focused resource, helping individuals remain actively involved in unit programming while fostering a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment. This position is ideal for individuals interested in expanding their behavioral health experience and advancing beyond an entry-level patient care role. The Engagement Specialist must demonstrate excellent customer service and have enthusiasm about the program and the Pine Rest organization.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in the planning and facilitation of unit-based activities that promote socialization, engagement, and skill development.

• Supports implementation of both structured and informal activities (e.g., games, music, outdoor time, creative activities).

• Adapts activities to meet the needs, abilities, and interests of patients across varying levels of acuity.

• Facilitate recreational, educational, leisure, and patient engagement activities on assigned inpatient units.

• Encourage patient participation in unit programming and activities while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Build positive therapeutic rapport with patients through active listening, encouragement, and professional interaction.

• Assist patients in identifying interests and participating in activities that support engagement during hospitalization.

• Works collaboratively with Behavioral Health Professionals (BHPs), nursing staff, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.

• Communicates observations related to patient engagement, behavior, and participation to appropriate staff.

• Monitor activity participation and communicate observations regarding patient involvement to appropriate team members.

• Maintain activity supplies, equipment, and designated engagement spaces in a safe and organized manner.

• Assist with organizing and implementing special events, unit activities, and recovery-focused programming.

• Support a safe, respectful, and recovery-oriented milieu by modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions.

• Follow all organizational policies regarding patient rights, confidentiality, infection prevention, safety, and workplace conduct.

• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities.

• Responsible to uphold the healing ministry of Christ through relationships that honor integrity, stewardship, empowerment, the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional excellence.

• Must maintain annual training and demonstrate competency in the required programmatic training.

• Performs other duties or functions as assigned.

What Does This Role Require?

• High school diploma or equivalent required. College Preferred.

• Experience in behavioral health, human services, recreation, or a related field preferred.

• Experience facilitating activities, recreation, or patient engagement programs.

• Must become certified in CPR by the end of New Hire Orientation. Specifically, Basic Life Support in the Inpatient programs and CPR/AED/First Aid in Residential programs. 

Work Schedule:

This position is onsite and may require both weekend and holiday hours.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance plans

• 403(b) retirement match contribution by Pine Rest

• Generous PTO for full and part time employees

• Tuition assistance & loan forgiveness

• Employee Assistance Program offering many free and discounted services for therapy, legal, accounting, gym membership, etc.

• Partnership with Davenport University provides generous discount on tuition for employees and family members.

Notice:

Pine Rest provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

All new employees are subject to a criminal background check and education verification which may include sending a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts.

Successful completion of a drug screen prior to employment is also part of our background process.

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services requires all employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations subject to certain exclusions. Pine Rest is committed to granting reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws.