Activities Director

Southern Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center is seeking an energetic Activities Director to join our team in Tulsa, OK.

About the Role

Plan, organize, and direct a program of activities that provides opportunity for entertainment, exercise, relaxation, and expression, fulfilling basic psychological, social, and spiritual needs for all residents of the facility. Assist physically, emotionally, and cognitively impaired individuals and families in exploring appropriate avocation and leisure pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Develop, organize, and implement a program of activities to meet the social, emotional, physical, and other therapeutic needs of residents as identified on the residents’ plan of care and within the specified budget.
• Initiate and promote activities both within and outside the facility, ensuring the safety and well-being of each resident at all times.
• Coordinate and verify assistance is provided to residents for activities and events as necessary.
• Create an ongoing calendar of activities that creatively meets multiple needs and is accessible and appealing to both men and women of all ages and abilities.
• Maintain standards for activity scheduling and documentation established by policies and regulatory requirements.
• Solicit involvement from the community (clubs, groups, organizations, agencies, churches, individuals) when planning facility activities and events.
• Plan, organize, and direct Activity Department fund-raising events to benefit the residents of the facility.
• Maintain detailed records of activity programs and participation of individual residents, identifying progress toward established care plan goals.
• Participate in resident care planning by identifying the activity needs of residents in accordance with medical assessments.
• Develop and distribute a monthly calendar of events, providing a copy in each resident’s room and displaying at least one large calendar prominently in the facility.
• Maintain a pictorial scrapbook of activities and events sponsored by the facility during the year.
• Develop and maintain an active volunteer program through marketing, development, support, and organization.
• Encourage participation by residents, family members, staff, visitors, and community groups and individuals.
• Assign and train volunteers and maintain documentation of volunteer hours; reward volunteers for service annually and at other special events.
• Train groups of volunteers and students in techniques of recreation and therapy.
• Prepare progress notes for medical staff reflecting residents’ reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
• Maintain all activity-related records required by regulations, including activity assessments, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Assist residents with organizing and maintaining an active Resident Council, ensuring meetings occur at least once per month.
• Channel feedback from Resident Council to appropriate facility personnel to address resident issues in a timely and efficient manner.
• Document minutes of Resident Council meetings and follow up on concerns expressed.
• Attend in-service education programs to meet facility educational requirements.
• Be familiar with Standard Precautions, Exposure Control Plan, Fire Drill & Evacuation Procedures, and know how to use the information.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident and facility records/information.
• Protect residents from neglect, mistreatment, and abuse; protect the personal property of residents.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor or administrator.

Requirements

• Meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Degree and certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist, music therapist, or art therapist;
  • Certified activity coordinator by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals;
  • Two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the past five years, with one year full-time in a resident activities program in a health care setting;
  • Prior completion of a state-approved training course, or willingness to complete one within six months of employment.
• Excellent creative and communication skills.
• Skill at working with individuals who have cognitive, physical, or sensory disabilities.
• Practical knowledge of how an Activity Department functions in a nursing facility.
• General knowledge of regulatory requirements for an activity program in a long-term care facility.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with a high level of energy and enthusiasm.
• Experience in working with volunteers and ability to organize and develop a volunteer program.
• Strong organization, documentation, and implementation skills for detailed programs.
• Genuine caring for and interest in elderly and disabled people in a nursing facility.
• Comply with Residents' Rights and Facility Policies and Procedures.
• Perform work tasks within physical demand requirements.

Working Conditions

• Subject to frequent interruptions and the need to make decisions quickly.
• Fast-paced environment involving interactions with residents, personnel, visitors, and government agencies under various conditions.
• May work beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily when necessary.
• Subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster).
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Meet general health requirements set forth by facility policies, which may include a medical and physical examination.

Benefits

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Insurance (75% of employee portion paid by company).
• Dental Insurance (50% of employee portion paid by company).
• Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Ancillary benefits.
• Paid Time-Off.