Therapeutic Recreational Activity Aide, CENA

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Resident Activity and Recreation Manager, in cooperation and collaboration with the Activity Department, the Therapeutic Recreational Activity Aide will assist in enhancing and supporting residents’ recreational, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs, in accordance with the resident’s assessment and care plan. To succeed as a Therapeutic Recreational Activity Aide, you should be observant, driven, creative and caring. The employee will implement recreational activities and programs daily and other related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct daily activities programs and be able to implement independent or group activities on demand.
• Perform necessary prep work prior to and after an activity.
• Stores activity equipment and supplies properly and cleans area after conclusion of the activity.
• Encourage residents to engage in daily activities that will stimulate his/her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
• Transport residents to and from activity programs.
• Supports a wide range of resident abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and emotional and mental behaviors.
• Documents all resident participation, interactions and even refusals after every shift.
• Assists with decorating the facility and preparing for special events and seasonal parties.
• Implement 1:1 visits using leisure interests of individual throughout shift to encourage activity participation for all.
• Adheres to strict infection control guidelines. Demonstrate awareness of potential hazards and report unsafe conditions to supervisor to maintain a safe environment
• Above all ensures that residents are treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
• Must be able to work flexible assignments including weekends, evenings and holidays.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• The statements contained in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Possession of a high school diploma or certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test.
• Successful completion of an approved Nurse Aide Training Program. Must possess and maintain a current registry document for Competency Evaluated Nurse Aide (CENA), maintain CENA certification by completing a minimum of twelve (12) continuing education hours per year.
• A minimum of two (2) years experience within a long-term care facility; preferably in activity and recreation/divisional therapy.
• Successful completion of the probationary period for the position of Therapeutic Recreational Activity Aide.
• Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Desire to help the disabled and encourage them toward independence in their self-care.
• Ability to withstand pressure for sympathy from residents, while showing understanding.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, residents and families.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent teamwork.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to adapt any activity to suit an individuals needs, regardless of physical or mental functional level.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of residents care.
• Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy, i.e. respectful, empathetic, driven.
• Ability to manage change in scheduled activities due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Ability to work independently in assigned work area.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while managing time appropriately.
• Ability to understand and utilize computer programs.
• Must have flexibility in working with residents, families, volunteers, visitors and staff.

Martha T. Berry employees who are applying must meet the following 3 criteria:

1. No more than 5 absences in the last 12 months.

2. No more then 1 written discipline in the last 24 months.

3. Applicants must pass any required job specific testing.