Life Enrichment Aide HCC

About the role

Responsible for the creation and maintenance of on-going therapeutic programs and activities to meet the diversified interests and therapeutic needs of assigned residents. The goal of all programming is to enrich and improve residents' quality of life and their overall functioning. Activities are conducted in accordance with state/federal regulations and facility requirements, focusing on the organization's core values and mission.

Responsibilities

• Provides activities to assigned residents in a long-term care setting.
• Ensures all activities comply with federal and state regulations and facility policies.
• Ensures activity programming meets the interests and needs of assigned residents and has a therapeutic outcome.
• Collaborates on campus-wide activity events with the Life Enrichment team.
• Participates in the care plan process for assigned residents and documents recreational therapy opportunities provided.
• Coordinates all aspects of a therapeutic recreation program for assigned residents, including creating, scheduling, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs designed to meet their therapeutic needs.
• Determines/assesses the individual interests and needs of each assigned resident; evaluates; develops/delivers activities designed to meet identified interests and therapeutic needs.
• Creates and facilitates activities appropriate for different resident groups, different functional abilities, and different interests.
• Encourages residents to participate in a variety of activities and programs.
• Schedules activities and coordinates documentation and medical information for assigned residents.
• Participates in interdisciplinary care plan conferences and plans therapeutic recreation activities for assigned residents based on the care plan.
• Maintains current charting and MDS as required.
• Interacts with residents on a daily basis to affirm their self-esteem and alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.
• Communicates with and notifies other staff members of any information related to activity programming or recognized changes in condition.
• Speaks with residents concerning their troubles and problems.
• Affirms residents' identities and needs as individuals.
• Transports residents to/from activities and programming in which they wish to participate.
• Anticipates special days/holidays and plans ahead for special programs and/or thematic activities.
• Arranges for special entertainment and diversions for residents.
• Facilitates the use of building and sound equipment for entertainers and programs.
• Establishes a schedule of activities for assigned residents and publishes schedule according to facility procedures.
• Arranges for and facilitates special activities for residents with special interests and/or needs.
• Collaborates with campus staff to better serve resident needs and improve quality of life.
• Supervises and trains assigned partners or volunteers.
• Responds to residents, staff and families in a courteous, professional demeanor.
• Furnishes ample opportunities for residents to participate in all programming offered, including activities provided by other departments (i.e. spiritual care).
• Assists the volunteer coordinator in the recruitment and training of facility volunteers as needed.
• Originates new ideas for activities and presents to staff and management.
• Communicates volunteer needs to the volunteer coordinator.
• Appropriately supervises and fully utilizes assigned staff.
• Motivates and encourages volunteers to ensure continued service to the department and organization.
• Recognizes/praises volunteers for their contributions as appropriate.
• Participates with the Life Enrichment team in campus-wide programs and special events.
• Transcribes admission information into records and responsible party mailing.
• Operates within assigned budget.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field.
• Minimum Experience Required: One (1) years’ experience in an activities or recreation program.
• Additional Qualifications (Preferred): National or state recreation certification and/or Certified Activities Professional designation; Certified nursing assistant preferred; Experience in an activities or recreation program within a long term care or assisted living facility.