Director of Activities

POSITION TITLE: Director of Activities and Volunteer Services

POSITION

DESCRIPTION: Functions under the direct supervision of the Administrator. Responsible for completion of functions of the Activities department and responsible for the recruitment, orientation, and placement of Activities staff and volunteers.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Including but not limited to)

• Meet with Administration monthly or as needed with monthly statistics, discuss new programs and changes within the department.
• Discuss and develop annual budget and present to Administration.
• Arrange for various civic and community service organizations to facilitate events for the residents.
• Develop a program with the resident/designated representative a written plan for their group/independent activities in accordance with his/her needs, interests, capabilities, physical needs, education, and experiences. The plans must be in accordance with care plan in New York State mandated requirements.
• Follow MD order for activity.
• Review and revise Activities policies and procedures and job descriptions yearly.
• Set up staff meetings regarding resident status and motivation as well as improving interdepartmental communication.
• Schedule and meet with Resident Council once per month, record and review minutes with interdisciplinary team. Review findings at Q.A. meeting.
• Arrange facility vehicles as needed for outings.
• Discuss new and existing programs, changes and concerns on activity calendar.
• Arrange for Shopper’s Service and coordinate financial aspects of program.
• Recruit, hire, orient, and train new staff.
• Assist as needed to enhance and explain existing programs as well as attempt to increase volunteerism.
• Organize annual Volunteers Recognition Luncheon and National Volunteer Week events.
• Anticipate and plan the events that may require additional volunteers.
• Arrange and maintain donor book. Send thank you and sympathy cards.
• Oversee the development of Bethany Gardens monthly calendar based upon individual and group needs, interest and capabilities, considering the special needs of residents, including but not limited to dementia, physical handicap, visual, hearing and speech deficiencies, wheelchair or bed restrictions with activities, nursing, volunteers, family, and members of Bethany Gardens.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Continued)

• Represent as indicated for Bethany Gardens at community functions, assist with PR projects, prepare press releases, and submit photos as necessary.
• Document in clinical records any changes or updates. Participate in multidisciplinary care plan conference.
• Develops and maintains job descriptions for department personnel, review and revise with Administration.
• Reviews the 30, 60, and 90 day evaluations for activity staff. Monitor absenteeism with Human Resources Director. Completes annual performance evaluation on a timely basis.
• Devises and formulates, interprets and executes policies and procedures as established by nursing home Administrator and cooperated in enforcing such policies.
• Participates in the following meetings: Department Head, Patient Care, Quality Assurance, and Policy & Procedure,
• Gives counsel and guidance to activities staff regarding problem-solving, staffing issues, training and orientating staff, managing supplies and overall organization of the department.
• Open lines of communication with resident families through updating residents progress with letters and conversation to family.
• Manage and facilitate facility holiday/seasonal decorating as needed. Pack and store items for future use to alleviate breakage and damage. Assist Bethany Garden’s team/families with resident room organization as needed.
• Other tasks assigned by the Administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Qualified and certified recreation specialist.
• Two years of experience in an age-appropriate social or resident Activities program in a health care setting.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in therapeutic recreation or related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (Personal Skills and Traits Desired):

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Evidence of effective problem resolution skills.
• Demonstrates ability to establish and manage priorities.
• Resourceful, organized and efficient.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (continued)

• Ability to train and motivate others.
• Basic computer skills.
• Require little or no outside direction in performing duties.
• Capable of switching between various projects with little or no need for reorientation

SPECIAL DEMANDS:

• Dress appropriate to duties required.
• Tact in dealing with personnel, medical staff, residents, public and volunteers.
• Be able to assist ambulatory residents with walking and transferring.
• Be able to lift non-ambulatory residents with assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work conducted indoors and outdoors.
• Extended periods involving walking and standing.

JOB HAZARDS:

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases.

WORKING HOURS:

• Flexibility in schedule for weekends, holidays, and evenings.