Description To assist in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident. The activities program should reflect each individual resident's needs, promote physical, cognitive and/or emotional health; enhance, to the extent practicable, each resident's physical and mental status; and promote each resident's self-respect. This position requires every other weekend and holiday. PAY BASED UPON VERIFIED EXPERIENCE Responsibilities 1. Assist in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the Activity programs of this facility. 2. Participate in interdisciplinary team care planning meetings as required by the Activity/Therapeutic Recreation Director. 3. Participate in monthly Resident Council. 4. Encourage resident involvement in activities. Encourage residents to enhance their educational development through reading, etc. Involve the resident/family in planning activities when possible. Assist in encouraging residents to participate in religious activities through religious services, reading material, visits with clergy, etc. to fulfill their basic religious needs. 5. Assist in providing in-room activities for residents who are confined to or choose to remain in their room 6. Assist residents with activities they can pursue independently as appropriate. 7. Assist in carrying out an effective system to inform residents when activities are occurring. 8. Assist in obtaining necessary adaptive equipment for residents with visual and sensory impairments. 9. Assist residents to and from activities programs and coordinate efforts of nursing and other departments when they are assisting with resident transport. 10. Assist in arranging transportation for field trips and to other facilities when necessary. 11. Work closely with Social Services to assist in evaluating, planning, and coordinating behavioral interventions for designated residents as indicated by interdisciplinary referral. 12. Interview residents and/or families as directed and in a private setting. 13. Assist in obtaining information concerning the resident's background to better provide activities to meet their needs. 14. Be alert for any change in the resident's condition. Report to charge nurse immediately. 15. Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the resident and family. 16. Provide information to resident/families as to the activity programs available to the residents. Maintain contact with the resident's family, involving them with non-medical progress reports as directed. 17. Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter- department personnel, other departments within the facility, and outside community health, welfare, and social agencies, to assure that Social Service programs can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents. 18. Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department. 19. Assist in coordinating programs and activities with other departments as necessary. 20. Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent resident care information to assure resident rights are protected. 21. Record and maintain activity progress notes as well as a record of resident activities, as directed by Activity/Therapeutic Recreation Director. Progress notes should identify the outcomes and responses to activities interventions. 22. Assist in compiling and maintaining an activity schedule, available projects, crafts, resources, etc. Recommend to the director the equipment and supply needs of the department. 23. Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, charge slips, reports, etc., and submitting to the director as required. 24. Serve on various committees of the facility as required by current regulations, and as appointed by the Activity/Therapeutic Recreation Director or facility Administrator. 25. Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff and other related departments in planning activities. 26. Develop and participate in regularly scheduled orientation and in-service training programs in relation to the social, emotional, and medical needs of the residents. 27. Report all incidents/accidents immediately. 28. Report all unsafe/hazardous conditions/equipment immediately. 29. Other duties as designated by Activity/Therapeutic Recreation Director and/or Administrator. 30. Driving of company vehicles for resident outings. Qualifications Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma. Must be able to read, write and speak the English language. Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public. Willingness to work harmoniously, with other personnel. Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning. Possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices. Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies. Must be able to relate to and work with ill disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility. Must have current PA Driver's License with good driving record and be willing to drive, as needed.