An Activities Director oversees the therapeutic and recreational activities for geriatric groups. They may work in a retirement home, nursing home, senior center or healthcare setting.
Plan, coordinate, and direct resident activity programs utilizing resources of the facility and community. Recruit, supervise and support staff and volunteers. Conduct activities in accordance with physician orders. Participate in the development and implementation of the assessment process and resident care plan and maintain necessary required records and documentation. The person holding this position is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the assigned duties and responsibilities in accordance with current existing federal and state regulations and established company policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS
The Resident Activity Director must be or have experience as follows: 1. A registered TRS, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, certified by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society; or 2. A certified OTR, Occupational Therapist, registered by the American Occupational Therapy Association; or 3. A COT A, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association; or 4. A college graduate in a related field of study approved by the state licensing agency; or 5. Two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a resident activities program in a health care setting; or 6. Complete a training course approved by the State.
Certification:
Issued by the state
Continuing Education:
As required by state and facility, including seminars
Education:
Minimum:
High school diploma or
GED Preferred:
At least two years of college from an accredited institution
Experience:
Minimum:
Six months;
Preferred:
Two or more years
Job Knowledge:
Knowledge of special needs and limitations of elderly; methods and techniques used to include residents and involve them in activities; alert to attitudes and feelings of residents; knowledge of and familiarity with handicrafts, skills, games, other activities, and vendors of supplies and equipment; familiarity with the community, social agencies, contacts with clubs and groups, and knowledge of sources of materials and local services; understanding and self-discipline to relate sensitively to residents' needs and feelings.
Professional Memberships:
Encouraged to participate in related associations and organizations for the purpose of improving skills and learning new ideas and techniques through sharing with others.
Other:
Enjoy working with older people, exercise judgment, display empathy, creative skills, imagination, friendliness, resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and have a caring attitude and sincere interest in others.
FUNCTIONS
Organize programs for group and individual activities based on residents' individualized needs as identified in resident's health-care plans. Maintain a balance of recreational activities including physical, social, religious, diversional, intellectual, and creative arts and crafts. Provide motivation for participation in Residents' Council and schedule a time and place for meetings. Ensure group activities are scheduled to provide for maximum involvement by interested residents. Select residents for activity participation according to each resident's activity interest, needs, and potential. Coordinate scheduled activities with other departments. Interview resident and family on admission. Communicate residents' programs to residents, residents' families, volunteers, and facility staff. Communication may occur through posting of a large monthly calendar in centralized locations within the building and circulation of copies of the monthly calendar. Identify and evaluate personal, emotional, and environmental concerns that prevent or limit the resident's full use of medical, nursing, and restorative care. Formulate written plans of care for each admitted resident. Review and update plan of care according to established policies Record continuing progress notes on resident's activities and response of resident to activity program. Assess spiritual needs and facilitate participation in religious activities. Prepare and post Monthly Activity Calendars indicating scheduled activities and times for coming months which reflect interests identified by the comprehensive assessment, offer activities at hours convenient to the residents (morning, afternoon, some evenings, and weekends), reflect the cultural and religious interests of the resident population, appeal to both men and women and all age groups living in the facility, take place in a variety of locations (Le., indoor/outdoor and community based activities), and include seasonal and special events. Maintain adequate activity supplies and equipment to meet needs and interests of residents, ensure materials are available to residents. Prepare and present monthly report on progress of activity program. Prepare monthly bulletin board indicating future activities, holiday themes, or picture review of past activities. Help read incoming mail, and address and post outgoing mail upon the residents' requests. Give assistance or help in locating and arranging for services of other professionals or agencies to solve problems and needs of residents. Participate regularly in case conferences with nurses and other staff to assist in better understanding resident and his/her family. Responsible for transportation of residents within the facility from one area to another area where activities may occur. Record resident's activity participation in resident's individual medical record. Keep group records of participation on scheduled activities. Record Section I of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), activity pursuits' portion, and resident's activity interests and activity-needs assessment. After completing the MDS, record resident's initial activities-health-care plan. Recruit, orientate, and supervise volunteer programs and maintain records of volunteer programs, and communicate facility's volunteer needs to the community. Prepare for meetings of Health-Care Plan team by reviewing resident's previous care plan, MDS, and assessment, talking with resident to be reviewed (or a family member if resident is unable to comprehend concepts of care planning), and is prepared to discuss resident's progress and makes appropriate entries in resident's medical record. Make entries on resident's health-care plan as required by resident's condition. Participate in community planning related to interests of facility and arrange for the use of community facilities by residents. Participate in in-service program officially. Is knowledgeable to provide in service training for staff regarding activity program, reality orientation, volunteer services, etc. Recognize abnormal signs and symptom5 which may sign@ a physical change in resident's condition that could require nursing intervention. Report same to charge nurse immediately. Maintain professional confidentiality.
Job Type:
Full-time Benefits:
Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to
Commute:
Starkville, MS 39759 (Required) Ability to
Relocate:
Starkville, MS 39759: Relocate before starting work (Required)
