Activity Director

Description

JOB SUMMARY

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

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job responsibilities will comply with the ADA and any/all applicable state and federal laws. Duties and responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

•  Responsible for understanding and consistently following the principles of the Happy to Oblige (H to O) program.
•  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, diversion, intellectual, and creative arts and crafts.
•  Provide motivation for participation in Residents' Council and schedule a time and place for meetings; maintain Council minutes and attendance binder.
•  Ensure group activities are scheduled to provide for maximum involvement by interested residents; Select residents for activity participation according to each resident's activity interests, 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.
•  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.
•  Prepared 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.
•  Work with assigned consultant and follow through on all recommendations.
•  Participate in community planning related to interests of facility and arrange for the use of community facilities by residents.
•  Provide in-service trainings for staff regarding activity program, reality orientation, volunteer services, etc.
•  Recognize abnormal signs and symptoms which may signify a physical change in resident's condition that could require nursing intervention. Report same to charge nurse immediately.
•  Maintain professional confidentiality.
•  Assist in planning and coordinating facility/staff events as directed.
•  Participate in facility committees as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

•  High school diploma or equivalent, some college preferred.
•  At least six months of experience in a nursing facility, a long-term care setting or a recreational/arts/crafts program; 2 or more years of experience preferred.
•  Includes one of the following:
• Is a registered/certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS), Occupational Therapist (OTR), or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or
• Is a college graduate in a related field of study approved by the state licensing agency or
• Has 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
• Has completed a training course approved by the State.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

•  Knowledge of special needs and limitations of residents as well as methods and techniques used to include residents and involve them in activities.
•  Familiarity with handicrafts, skills, games, other activities, and vendors of supplies and equipment.
•  Understanding of community, social agencies, contacts with clubs and groups, and knowledge of sources of materials and local services.
•  Computer literacy is a must.
•  Enjoy working with older people, have a caring attitude and sincere interest in others; alert to attitudes and feelings of residents.
•  Exercise judgment, display empathy, creativity, friendliness, resourcefulness, and enthusiasm.