Life Enrichment Specialist-Part-Time

A position with responsibility for assisting long-term care residents with leisure and recreational activities that supports improved quality of life and socialization.

Assists in creating a therapeutic atmosphere conducive to the mental health of residents.

Provides resident care to meet the individual activity needs of the residents.

Organizes and plans group and individual activities to meet resident’s social/emotional needs.

Collaborates with others to establish and plan monthly groups and creates monthly Activity calendars.

In conjunction with the facilities department maintains a clean, comfortable and safe environment for residents.

Provides resident care to meet the physical needs of the residents such as feeding; as deemed appropriate after necessary training

Provides supportive care relative to the emotional and psychosocial needs of residents.

Implement individualized activity interventions as outlined in resident care plans. 

In conjunction with the therapy department and nursing department, provides activities or simple food prep related to activities on the households as assigned.

Takes residents on community outings for recreational or educational purposes and assists with other resident transportation needs.

Observes residents and reports any change in client behavior/condition to Registered Nurse/ immediately and respond to emergency and crisis situations. 

Maintains the confidential nature of all residents and business information.

Attends staff meetings, attends in-service and outside agency training sessions if appropriate.

Assists with completion of Minimum Data Set interviews and documentation, as deemed appropriate after necessary training.

Assists in completing quarterly progress notes on each resident’s status and participation in activities.

Completes and maintains necessary documentation according to applicable requirements, codes and policies.

Completes all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; experience working with individuals with mental health and/or memory concerns is encouraged

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Wisconsin Driver's License.

Ability to organize, plan, lead and participate in activities. Activities may include arts and crafts, holiday events, outdoor activities, music or drama, religious activities, etc. Activities are meant to foster socialization and relaxation and improve daily living skills.

Ability to recognize and address the physical, psychosocial, mental and emotional needs of residents.

Ability to motivate residents and observe individual resident responses during activity groups.

Ability to carry out a nursing care plan and to follow oral and written instructions, as directed by the Registered Nurse.

Ability to deal with stress associated with threatening or unpredictable behavior. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with residents and family members.

Ability to establish and maintain effective public and working relationships with other employees.

Ability to communicate in a positive and effective manner both orally and in writing.

Ability to understand and carry out policies and procedures governing resident care.

Ability to work the required hours of the position.

Current knowledge of procedures and techniques in providing routine, non-professional nursing care to geriatric elderly, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill clients.

Knowledge of principles of documentation.

Knowledge of basic principles of active treatment.

Knowledge of basic principles of behavior modification and appropriate application of behavior modification techniques. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Lifting 30 pounds maximum with the assistance of another person, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Extended periods of standing, walking and sitting; occasional driving.

Using hand(s) for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls.

Frequent bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching and grappling.

Communicating orally in a clear manner.

Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes.

Distinguishing people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.

Must be free from communicable disease.