Find & Apply For Recreation / Activities Worker Jobs in Payson, Utah

Position Summary The Therapeutic Recreation Therapist Assistant supports the Therapeutic Recreation/Activities Department in providing meaningful, engaging, and therapeutic programs designed to enhance residents' quality of life, socialization, physical functioning, cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, and sense of purpose. The assistant works under the direction and supervision of the Activities Director and/or appropriately licensed therapeutic recreation professional. The position assists with planning, preparing, facilitating, and documenting activities based on residents' individual interests, abilities, needs, and care plans. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist with planning and implementing a variety of therapeutic recreation and activity programs for residents. Facilitate individual and group activities appropriate to residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Assist with activities such as:

Exercise and physical fitness Music and entertainment Games and trivia Arts and crafts Reminiscence and memory programs Cognitive stimulation Social and community activities Holiday and cultural programs Outdoor and leisure activities Spiritual and meaningful-purpose activities Encourage resident participation while respecting each resident's choices, preferences, abilities, and right to decline participation. Provide appropriate adaptations to activities for residents with dementia, physical limitations, sensory impairments, or other disabilities. Assist residents with safely accessing and participating in activities, including wheelchair-accessible and room-based programs. Develop positive relationships with residents and encourage socialization and peer interaction. Assist with one-on-one visits and individualized leisure opportunities for residents who are unable or unwilling to attend group activities. Help prepare activity supplies, equipment, calendars, flyers, decorations, and program materials. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe activity environment. Observe residents during activities and communicate significant changes in mood, behavior, participation, or functioning to the appropriate supervisor or nursing staff. Assist with documenting resident participation and responses to activities according to facility policies. Assist with maintaining activity attendance records and other required department documentation. Participate in resident-centered care planning and provide information regarding residents' activity interests, strengths, preferences, and participation. Assist with special events, resident celebrations, community outings, and volunteer programs. Encourage family and community involvement in facility activities when appropriate. Follow all facility policies and procedures, including infection control, emergency procedures, resident rights, abuse prevention, and safety requirements. Maintain resident confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and applicable federal and Utah regulations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Activities Director or appropriate supervisor. Therapeutic Approach The Therapeutic Recreation Therapist Assistant should use a person-centered approach , recognizing that meaningful activity can promote social connection, independence, self-expression, cognitive engagement, physical movement, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Activities should be adapted to meet residents where they are rather than expecting residents to conform to a single activity format.

Qualifications Required:

High school diploma or GED equivalent, or education/experience as otherwise permitted by applicable Utah requirements. Ability to work effectively with older adults and individuals with physical, cognitive, or functional limitations. Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally with residents, families, coworkers, and healthcare professionals. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to safely assist with activity setup and resident participation. Successful completion of required facility orientation, training, background screening, and other employment requirements.

Preferred:

Coursework or education in therapeutic recreation, recreational therapy, gerontology, psychology, human services, activities, or a related field. Previous experience working with seniors or individuals with dementia or other disabilities. Experience leading group activities or recreational programs. Experience working in a skilled nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation, or healthcare setting. Progress toward Utah Therapeutic Recreation Technician (TRT) licensure, when applicable. Physical Requirements The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Duties may include:

Standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and moving throughout the facility. Assisting with activity setup and cleanup. Moving and arranging activity supplies and equipment. Assisting residents with participation in activities within the employee's training and scope of responsibility. Responding appropriately to resident and facility safety needs. Professional Expectations The Therapeutic Recreation Therapist Assistant is expected to: Treat every resident with dignity, respect, patience, and compassion. Promote resident choice, independence, and individuality. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Work cooperatively with nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, administration, and other departments. Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, creativity, and professionalism. Maintain accurate and timely documentation. Protect resident privacy and confidentiality. Follow the direction of the supervising Activities Director and/or licensed therapeutic recreation professional. Required Qualifications The Activities Aide must possess: Current/ Active Food Handlers Permit Must be at least sixteen (16) years or older Therapeutic Recreation Technician (TRT) is preferred Excellent written and verbal communication skills