Description

Description:

Plan, coordinate, and direct resident activity programs utilizing resources of the facility and 

community. Recruit, supervise and support staff and volunteers. Participate in the development 

and implementation of the assessment and reassessment process and resident service plans.

The person holding this position is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the assigned 

duties and responsibilities in accordance with current existing federal and state regulations and 

established company policies and procedures

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of special needs and limitations of elderly; methods and techniques used to include 

residents and involve them in activities; alert to attitudes and feelings of residents; knowledge of 

and familiarity with handicrafts, skills, games, other activities, and vendors of supplies and 

equipment; familiarity with the community, social agencies, contacts with clubs and groups, and 

knowledge of sources of materials and local services; understanding and self-discipline to relate 

sensitively to residents' needs and feelings.

OTHER:

Enjoy working with older people, exercise judgment, display empathy, creative skills, 

imaginations, friendliness, resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and have a caring attitude and sincere 

interest in others.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize programs for group and individual activities based on residents' individualized needs as identified in resident's service plans.
• Maintain a balance of recreational activities including physical, social, religious, intellectual, and creative arts and crafts.
• Provide motivation for participation in Residents' Advisory Council and schedule a time and place for meetings.
• Ensure group activities are scheduled to provide for maximum involvement by interested residents.
• Select residents for activity participation according to each resident's activity interests, needs, and potential.
• Coordinate scheduled activities with other service areas.
• Interview resident/family on move in.
• Communicate residents' programs to residents, residents' families, volunteers, and facility staff. Communication may occur through posting of a monthly calendar in centralized locations within the building and / or circulation of copies of the monthly calendar.
• Assess spiritual needs and facilitate participation in religious activities.
• Prepare and post Monthly Activity Calendars indicating scheduled activities and times for coming months which reflect interests identified by the leisure interest profile, offer activities at hours convenient to the residents (morning, afternoon, some evenings, and weekends), reflect the cultural and religious interests of the resident population, appeal to both men and women and all age groups living in the facility, take place in a variety of locations (i.e., indoor/outdoor and community-based activities), and include seasonal and special events.
• Maintain adequate activity supplies and equipment to meet needs and interests of residents, ensure materials are available to residents.
• Help read incoming mail, address and post outgoing mail upon the residents! requests.
• Give assistance or help in locating and arranging for services of other professionals or agencies to solve problems and needs of residents.
• Participate regularly in care conferences with nurses and other staff to assist in better understanding resident and his/her family.
• Responsible for transportation of residents within the facility from one area to another area where activities may occur.
• Recruit, orientate, and supervise volunteer programs and maintain records of volunteer programs, and communicate facility's volunteer needs to the community.
• Participate in community planning related to interests of facility and arrange for the use of community facilities by residents.
• Participate in in-service program of facility.
• Provide in-service training for staff regarding activity program, social services, and volunteer services, etc.
• Recognize abnormal signs and symptoms which may signify a physical change in resident's condition that could require nursing intervention. Report same to wellness coordinator immediately.
• Maintain professional confidentiality.
• Make referrals and obtain services from outside entities, such as talking books, absentee ballots and community wheelchair transportation.
• Develop relationship with resident and family and provide or arrange for provision of needed counseling services.
• Identify and seek ways to support residents' individual needs, preferences, customary routines, concerns and choices through the assessment and service planning process.
• Build relationships between residents and staff and teach staff to understand and support residents' individual needs.
• Promote actions by staff that maintain or enhance each resident's dignity in full recognition of each residents' individuality.
• Counsel in dealing with feelings about grief, depression, disability, death, dying or other emotional, mental environmental of physical limitations.
• Work with community agencies, businesses, and points of contact to promote the services of the facility.
• Identify community services and help the residents utilize them when needed.
• Serve as editor/publisher of monthly newsletter.
• Drive residents to individual appointments using facility van.
• All other duties as assigned,

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Resident Activity Director must be or have experience as follows:

1. A college graduate in a related field of study approved by the state licensing agency; or
2. Two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of 

which was full-time in a resident activities program in a health-care setting; or

1. Complete a training course approved by the State.
2. Hold a valid driver’s license.

EDUCATION:

Minimum: High school diploma or GED. 

Preferred: At least two years of college from an accredited institution.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum, 1 year. Preferred, two years