Recreation Aide

About the role

The Recreation Aide implements the facility's Recreation activities and events under the direction of the Recreation Director (RD). They consistently engage residents in familiar routines of daily living through personalized familiar tasks that residents enjoyed doing in the past, and that can still bring a sense of success, meaning, and purpose in the present.

Responsibilities

• Implements Recreation Programs in accordance with the planned Monthly Calendar and as assigned by the Recreation Director, ensuring programs are conducted timely and at the specified locations.
• Assists in completion of the Recreation Calendar and Facility newsletter as assigned.
• Reschedules programs when necessary, advises appropriate staff members, and corrects the calendar after approval from the Recreation Director.
• Implements the One-on-One and Room Visit Programs as assigned by the Recreation Director and completes electronic and paper charting of visits accurately and timely.
• Maintains records in the electronic chart of resident participation in group and one-on-one programs.
• Assists in the completion of the Leisure Interest Assessment and communicates any new leisure interests or needs to provide varied interventions consistent with residents' interests.
• Reports changes in resident conditions or leisure needs to the Recreation Director.
• Promotes the Volunteer Program by assisting in orientation, training, and providing continued cooperation and support.
• Assumes responsibilities of the Recreation Director and performs related tasks as requested.
• Leads programs such as music, crafts, recreation, exercise, religious services, and other group programs, ensuring group participation records are completed accurately.
• Transports residents to and from programs and assists with community trips as scheduled.
• Prepares for programs by gathering necessary equipment and supplies.
• Advises the Recreation Director when assistance from nursing, maintenance, or other departments is required.
• Assists other Recreation staff with programs and preparations as assigned or when own assignment permits.
• Encourages resident participation through one-on-one invitations, announcements, and involvement during programs.
• Notifies nursing personnel immediately if an accident or incident occurs with a resident during a program or visit.
• Reports changes in resident behavior, mental, or physical condition to the Charge Nurse or Clinical Care Coordinator and the Recreation Director.
• Charts resident behavior incidents in the electronic health record accurately and timely.
• Adheres to Standard Precautions and the Facility's Infection Control Procedures, ensuring safe use and storage of activity equipment.
• Reports equipment and building fixtures in need of repair.
• Knows limitations of residents and self when taking individuals or groups out of the care area and reports whereabouts to the Charge Nurse.
• Knows special diet restrictions of all residents prior to offering refreshments or food items.
• Supervises or ensures adequate supervision of residents during group programs.
• Participates in department meetings and assists with assigned paperwork.
• Adheres to Resident rights and reports suspected deviations to the immediate supervisor.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines, sharing information only on a "need-to-know" basis.
• Assists the Recreation Director with training new Recreation Assistants as assigned.
• Attends and participates in facility in-services and orientation.
• Performs other duties or functions as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Graduate or equivalent required.
• Experience working with senior groups or leading and assisting with group activities is preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with various types of arts and crafts is preferred.

Skills

• Exceptional customer service skills and telephone etiquette.
• Ability to relate to older adults.
• Ability to organize and perform assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in the department and facility.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well with families, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment.
• Ability to travel as needed or assigned.