Life Enrichment Lead

Job Summary: 
Under the supervision of the Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager, serves as a member of the PACE interdisciplinary team, responsibilities include assessing the needs, interests, and capabilities of participants and developing individualized therapeutic recreational care plans based on individual diagnoses and assessments.  

Plans, organizes, directs, and participates in a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program tailored to the general and individualized needs and limitations of participants within an “active ageing” mindset in which policies and programs that promote mental health and social connections are as important as those that improve physical health status.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager, plans group and individual activities which are structured for participants at various levels of functioning and are targeted to improve or maintain the participants’ cognitive, physical, social, psychosocial, spiritual and artistic needs.
• Utilizes input from restorative services to improve or maintain functional and cognitive ability through therapeutic activities and plans activities accordingly.
• Demonstrates and appreciates programming for regular educational and cultural programs, including exercise, arts and crafts, music appreciation, and spirituality, etc.
• Plans and creates a monthly calendar of activities under the supervision of the Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager.
• Ensures participant choices and engagement when planning activities.
• Builds and fosters within the ADHC a sense of community and a warm social atmosphere where participants are able to identify a solid support system.
• Supports the organization with field trips, community outings and special events at the Adult Day Health Center (ADHC) as well as community outreach.
• Strives toward service excellence, treats all participants with respect and dignity
• Supports the assessment of individual abilities, needs and preferences of participants through both formal and informal life enrichment assessments.
• Functions as a member of the inter-disciplinary team, attends morning meeting and participates in care plan review.
• Completes timely documentation including face to face (or other approved formats) initial semi-annual and COS assessments for all PACE participants and uses assessment information to contribute to care plans.
• Contacts and visits nursing homes assisted living and other alternate care settings regarding PACE residential participants.  Assesses participant activity involvement and informs Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager of situations as needed.
• Identifies problems, establishes realistic and measurable goals, and sets up treatment plans for participants in the ADHC environment and in the home setting.
• Provides documentation into progress notes for significant events related to life enrichment both in the ADHC and in the home setting.
• Reports grievances and complaints to the Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager in a responsible, timely and professional manner.
• Engages in the volunteer program. Keeps an accurate record of volunteer hours and provides reports as needed.
• Assumes a leadership role in directing other staff and participants to participate in activities
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives both for the department and for the Organization.
• Participates in individual and/or family meetings or case conferences as requested.
• Provides guidance and direction for Life Enrichment Assistant staff and CNAs performing activity assignments.
• Provides timely and appropriate feedback on Life Enrichment Assistant staff performance to the Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager including information necessary for performance evaluations and any other performance or behavioral issues.
• Ensures general oversight for the Life Enrichment area, including daily clean-up, infection control, submitting of routine supply inventory ordering for approval by Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager and petty cash.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of employees, participants and agency information.
• Stays current on cultural competencies that impact the care provided to participants.
• Supports the development of Life Enrichment Assistants and PACE Volunteers.
• Assists in tracking participants activity attendance.
• Attends any appropriate in-service education programs offered in or out of the facility as requested by the Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager.
• Assists CNAs with set up and break down at mealtimes.
• Knowledge of special diets for participants and maintain appropriate food and snack selection.
• Required travel throughout the state when necessary and requested by Rehab & Life Enrichment Manager.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of clear, thorough documentation as crucial to good participant care; completes and enters accurate, thorough participant documentation in the electronic health record; enters documentation for assessments, orders, and notes within required timeframes.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities: 
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Dependable and punctual with ability to maintain consistent attendance
Ability to read, write and comprehend English
Ability to maintain sound judgement under stress and communicate effectively
Ability to proficiently perform clinical/skilled tasks associated within scope of position
Proficiency with MS Office Suite or similar software 

Education Requirement: 
High School Diploma or Equivalent, Required

Physical Requirements: 
Physical ability to regularly stoop, bend, kneel, lift, stand, walk, stretch and reach for extended periods of time.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds and at times up to 25 pounds.
Must have hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and/or to observe and communicate with participants.
Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises as well as related community care settings.
 Must be able to tolerate exposure to adverse indoor and outdoor environmental conditions (including heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, and cleaning supplies), bloodborne pathogens, physical hazards (e.g., needle pricks, etc.) and chemical hazards typically associated with a medical or home care setting. 

Experience:  
3 years of Life Enrichment Experience, Preferred
1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population, Preferred 

Licensure & Certification Requirements: 
None

Position Requirements:
Driver's License & access to reliable transportation: community-based travel required