Recreation Coordinator
Job Summary:
Under the supervision of the Center Director, and as a member of the interdisciplinary team, assess the needs, interests and capabilities of participants and develop individualized therapeutic recreation plans. In addition, plan, organize, direct and participate in a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program tailored to the general and individualized needs and limitations of frail elderly program participants. Provide leadership, supervision and support to the Recreational Aide.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Education / Training / Certifications:
- Certified as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist or
- Certification as an activity director (ADC) by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years working with a frail or elderly population.
- 2 years experience in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating services for the frail or elderly within the last 5 years, one of which was full time in a patient activities program within a health care setting.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Working knowledge of recreational therapy techniques and practices of the elderly including assessment, care plan development, monitoring and evaluation needs.
- Working knowledge of physical, psychosocial and behavioral needs of the elderly population.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Creative ability to plan, develop and implement varied activities to meet diversified needs
- Ability and experience working with teams and volunteers
- Good working knowledge of dementia disease process
- Familiarity with illnesses common to frail older adult population
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to maintain accurate records and to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials
- Experience in devising programs in art, music, games and crafts to improve self-confidence and self control and to relieve depression and anger for individual seniors and groups.
Medical Clearance:
Employees must have medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.
Competency:
Position specific competencies for the Recreational Therapist will be met prior to assuming participant care.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment:
Employee must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the PACE participants’ care. The work setting is in an Adult Day Health Center and primary care clinic environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.
Physical Requirements:
Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; the ability to use department equipment; and the ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds using appropriate body mechanics with reasonable accommodation if needed.
Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements:
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to communicate by way of the telephone with participants, customers, vendors and staff.
Pressure Factor:
Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled deadlines. Potential for exposure to verbal aggression by client, vendors, and staff.
Environmental Conditions:
May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and any other conditions common in a healthcare environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct an in person initial comprehensive recreational assessment. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive care plan for each participant.
- Conduct an in-person reassessment semiannually and as needed.
- Maintain regular attendance at, and participate in, interdisciplinary team meetings communicating participant changes, collaborating on care planning decisions and coordinating 24 hour care delivery.
- Plan and implement group and individual activities to improve or maintain the participants’ cognitive, physical, social, psychosocial and artistic needs.
- Plan and implement activities for dementia-specific population. Oversee daily flow of dementia activities area. Activities may focus on small groups, one-on-one programming and sensory stimulation.
- Organize community outings and special events at the PACE Center.
- Develop and post a monthly calendar of activities.
- Evaluate plans to promote effective programs according to client abilities and preferences within the PACE Center’s daily flow of events.
- Provides recreational educational and training to support Recreation and Activities Assistants (CNAs) and other Center staff members as appropriate.
- Provide on-going support and training to all staff involved in dementia-specific programming related to the dementia disease process.
- Maintain participants’ medical records and fulfill PACE charting and reporting requirements.
- Provide leisure education to participants and caregivers for activity modification, use of adaptive equipment, activity skill development and recommended supplies for in-home use.
- Maintain general order in the activities area, including daily clean-up, routine supply inventory ordering, petty cash and overall general budgeting.
- Work cooperatively with other staff and departments to meet PACE participants’ needs
- Act only with the scope of authority to practice.
- Protect privacy and maintain confidentiality of all company procedures, results and information about employees, participants and families.
- Participate in and support Quality Improvement initiatives.
- Perform related duties as required
- Initiate/suggest process improvement and/or cost saving measures.