Activity Director

The Activities Director will oversee and implement activities programming, including group activities, one-to-one visits, charting, outings, transportation, and other activities for which the Activities Department is responsible. The Activity Director is expected to evaluate and develop social programs that include the input of residents and programs that foster individual choice.

The Activity Department functions seven days a week, including holidays. Scheduling reflects the needs of the department.

Activity Director (Recreational Therapy Director) ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop, create, and post a monthly activity calendar and responsible for execution of activities noted on said calendar. Calendar is created taking into account the coordination of multi-departmental needs such as nursing and dietary. Calendar format and delivery is as required by regulation and as best meets resident needs.
• Oversee, implement, and facilitate group programming that promotes interaction between residents.
• Notify residents and staff of activity schedules.
• Oversee and/or conduct activity including set-up and break-down as needed.
• Monitor residents and visitors at events to help maintain orderly conduct.
• Visit with residents on a one-to-one basis as directed by the ED in order to provide:
  • A friendly visitor.
  • Sensory stimulation.
  • Reality orientation.
  • Individual instruction on specific leisure pursuits.
  • A means of meeting individual needs as outlined in each resident’s care plan.
• Recognize abnormal signs and symptoms that signify a physical change in condition of resident which might require nursing intervention.
• Select residents and communicate with nursing personnel for purpose of assistance in transporting residents to and from general activity areas.
• Is aware of conditions that may interfere with the safety and well-being of residents involved in activity pursuits. Report hazardous conditions to the ED and/or Director of Nursing Services immediately.
• Receive, store, and issue activities equipment and supplies. Maintain an ongoing inventory of supplies and equipment and needed maintenance.
• Activities Department may be responsible for general housekeeping duties in Activity areas:
• Arranges chairs, tables, and equipment in designated rooms or other areas for scheduled group activities, such as banquets, receptions, parties, group meetings, or special events.
• Transport residents via personal or Center-owned vehicle when applicable to activities outside of the Center.
• Knowledge of emergency and disaster processes of the Center.

Activity Director (Recreational Therapy Director) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic understanding of the needs of the ill and elderly and an empathetic approach to the residents and their needs. Previous experience working with elderly and activities including crafts, games, and other activities as required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English. The majority of the Center residents are English-speaking; therefore, English is required in order to allow a resident to communicate wants and needs.
• Demonstrated experience in scheduling activities and following up on those scheduled activities.
• Ability to follow verbal and written directions.
• Prompt, reliable, and enthusiastic about working with the elderly and other populations.

Activity Director (Recreational Therapy Director) EDUCATION, LICENSURE, AND EXPERIENCE

• High School graduate or possess a GED.
• Licensed or registered by the state in which they are practicing and is eligible for certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or activity professional on or after October 1, 1990 OR
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a social or recreational program within the past five years, with at least one of the years in a therapeutic recreation program OR
• Is a qualified Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant OR
• Has completed a training course approved by the state.
• CPR Certification.