Description

Through comprehensive assessment and evaluation, develops program of activity therapy from a holistic approach to meet the needs of a diverse resident population.

Essential Functions

• Performs comprehensive assessment for each resident to determine level of abilities combined with past and current interests. 
• Based on findings, develops an individualized person-centered program of activity pursuits that are meaningful to the resident.
• Completes MDS, CAAs in a timely manner, utilizing observation and assessment/monitoring tools.
• Documents resident response to care plans and evaluates individual resident activity care plans for effectiveness, through participation records, etc.
• Develops and utilizes a budget sufficient to maintain equipment and purchase supplies, enabling staff to provide for prescribed activity models.
• Utilizes the “biopsychosocial” model to create meaningful activities for individuals.
• As an active member of the facility’s interdisciplinary team, utilizes cutting edge models of approach, such as music therapy, pet therapy, aroma-therapy, therapeutic touch, etc. to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, aggression and pain. 
• Assists in evaluating efficacy of interventions for nursing and physician action.
• Develops a variety of activity “tracks” to appeal to a heterogeneous resident population, including assorted lifestyle desires (such as individuals who prefer self-initiated activities), cultural diversity and age-appropriate choices.
• Utilizes the environment to provide both comfort and stimulation to the resident population.
• Assists residents and staff in orientation to time and place by strategic use of center-wide bulletin boards and appropriate holiday decorations or reminders.
• Arranges for speakers, presenters, advocates and clergy to interact with individuals and groups of residents.
• Supports residents’ needs and desires through 1:1 interaction, small group activity and large group meetings.
• Organizes resident activities into a clear format (calendars and other communication tools) as a resource residents and co-workers can refer to.
• Assists residents and guests to activities with the help of direct care staff.
• Arranges and coordinates off-site activity trips, when available and appropriate.
• Provides a venue for resident activism through the resident council process; communicates expressed desires and concerns of those residents to the CEO and appropriate department heads. 
• Together with the Social Services Director, provides a venue for family involvement through the family council process.
• If assigned by resident leadership, takes comprehensive minutes at resident council meetings, and keeps files in safe, confidential storage, and assists with providing follow-up to concerns
• Develops and maintains community volunteer efforts.
• Fosters sense of community with the center environment.
• Supervises Activity Assistants, if any.
• Punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

Other Functions

• Collaborates with Therapy Department to arrange activities that promote functional independence (Example: Provides range of motion activity plan with and for restorative nursing services).
• Communicates relevant data to other disciplines, such as providing information on fluid and snack intake at activities to nutrition services.
• Through in-service training, educates all staff members on approaches and models.
• Collaborates with social services personnel in developing intervention strategies for residents with evident psychosocial concerns
• Consults with interdisciplinary team on residents who may have behavioral disturbance or symptoms of a mood disorder, making recommendations based on observed and documented interests and needs.
• Ensures all resident activity documentation is complete, and reflects analysis of effectiveness and reaches a conclusion on how to proceed with plan of care.
• Utilizes Quality Indicators/Quality Measures Report to evaluate program efficacy for individuals and overall performance; makes program changes when needed.
• Assists resident/family and social services with discharge planning, by providing insights on effective activity interventions.
• Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, its policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws and applicable professional standards.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Skill in team building, collaborating with other disciplines.
• Articulate writing skills.
• Good oral communication techniques.
• Ability to assess resident moods and revise approach accordingly.
• Willingness to advocate for residents’ needs and desires, protecting resident rights.
• Knowledge in variety of activity approaches.
• Willingness to learn about areas that impact resident population, i.e. dementia.
• Builds rapport easily – with residents, family members and co-workers.
• Enjoys working with diverse populations.
• Desires to improve, learn new methods. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Requirements

Education

BS in Recreation Therapy (preferred), Occupational Therapy, or a human services field; or,

Associate degree in human service field, with relevant experience; or,

High school diploma with two years of experience in social or recreational programming within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activity program in a health care setting.

Licenses/Certification

Certified Recreation Therapist; or,

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; or,

Certified Activity Director (NCCAP or state-specific).

Valid driver’s license

Experience

Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.

One year in a patient setting in a health care environment required.

Experience in management/administrative duties preferred.

Note: All employees of Cascadia Healthcare are required to submit and be cleared to work in the facility per each 

state’s specific background check requirements prior to contact with patients/residents.