Description

Primary Function:

Develop and implement a therapeutic activity program that meets the needs of each participant. Enhance independence, creativity, socialization, memory, and functional status through the activity program. Implement the program in collaboration with the IDT through individual and group activities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Evaluates the participants’ educational, emotional and vocational needs.

Plans, supervises and implements relevant recreational programs to meet the needs of the participants, per the treatment plans developed by the inter-disciplinary team

Builds within the PACE Center a sense of community and a warm social atmosphere in which participants are able to identify a support system by updating the happenings in an activities calendar for the community at-large

Organizes and directs individual and group activities--reality orientation, exercises, discussions, clubs, field trips/outings, arts and crafts, music appreciation—in collaboration with Center aides, volunteers, IDT members and Activities Assistant

Seeks input from the participants on programming they enjoy most as well as additional ideas they would like Activities Coordinator to pursue and sharing these ideas with the Participant Advisory Committee

Assists in orientation and with the supervision of Activities Assistance and volunteers.

Leads with the orientation ofnew participants to the PACE center community and program

Fulfills administrative requirements as mandated by PACE regulations

Timely completion of evaluations/reassessments, charting, maintaining statistical records in the EHR

Active participation in the clinical inter-disciplinary team meetings, fully appreciating importance of all voices as treatment plans are developed and enacted.

Treats all people with respect, maintains confidentiality and strives toward service excellence.

Participates in QI activities as appropriate.

Coordinates with various community resources to add diversity and enrich the recreational program by involving organizations, groups and schools in celebration of special occasions and events.

Monitor use and order supplies for activities program within the established budget

Performs all other reasonably related jobs as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Basic Knowledge:

Minimum one year working with elders in a social recreational setting

Basic knowledge regarding dementia

Experience & Qualifications:

Requires ability to negotiate with others, prioritize need, and organize quickly and smoothly, so that participants are unaware of problems that had to be resolved.

Must be able to remain calm, approach participants in appropriate way, separate or remove participants from group if behavior persists, upholding participants’ dignity.

Strong Organizational skills

Flexible, fun, creative with a palpable sense of humor preferred

B.A. or B.S. in Recreation Therapy recommended

Experience in the field of Recreational therapies with elders will be considered

Minimum one year working with elders in a social recreational setting