Life Enrichment/Activities Director

Qualifications

• Education: BS in Recreation Therapy preferred or Bachelor’s degree in human service field, with relevant experience*
• or BS in Occupational Therapy, with relevant experience
• or Certification as Occupational Therapy Assistant, with relevant experience
• or Associate degree in human service field, with relevant experience
• *or Certified Activity Director (NCCAP or state-specific)
• AND must have worked full time under the supervision of licensed recreational therapist or certified activity director in a long-term care setting for a minimum of one year.
• If no state-specific certification program exists, may have high school diploma or equivalent with two years of experience in social or recreational programming within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full time in a patient activity program in a health care setting.
• Must have completed 6 credits of college courses, including 1 English course in composition, technical or report writing, and one course in area of Art/Recreational Programming, Science or Management with a passing grade.
• Licenses/Certification: Certified Recreation Therapist preferred or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant or Certified Activity Director (NCCAP or state specific)

Job Functions

• Performs comprehensive assessment for each resident to determine level of abilities combined with past and current interests.
• Based on findings, develops an individualized program of activity pursuits that are meaningful to the resident.
• Completes MDS, RAPS in a timely manner, utilizing observation and assessment/monitoring tools.
• Documents resident response to care plans and evaluates individual resident activity care plans for effectiveness.
• Develops and utilizes a budget sufficient to maintain equipment and purchase supplies, enabling staff to provide for prescribed activity models.
• Utilizes the “biopsychosocial” model to create meaningful activities for individuals.
• As an active member of the Interdisciplinary Team, utilizes cutting edge models of approach, such as music therapy, pet therapy, aromatherapy, therapeutic touch, etc.
• Arranges for speakers, presenters, advocates, and clergy to interact with individuals and groups of residents.
• Arranges and coordinates off-site activity trips, when available or appropriate.
• Develops and maintains community volunteer efforts.
• Fosters sense of community with the center environment.
• Supervises Resident Activity Assistants.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Clinical Functions

• Collaborates with rehabilitation department to arrange activities that promote functional independence.
• Communicates relevant data to other disciplines, such as providing information on fluid and snack intake at activities to nutrition services.
• Through in-service training, educates all staff members on approaches and models.
• Collaborates with social services personnel and consults with interdisciplinary team.
• Ensures all resident activity documentation is complete.
• Utilizes Quality Indicators/Quality Measures Report to evaluate program efficacy for individuals and overall performance; makes program changes when needed.
• Aids resident/family and social services with discharge planning, by providing insights on effective activity interventions.