Life Enrichment / Activities Director (HAVE FUN AT WORK!)

The primary purpose of this position is to develop, implement, facilitate and evaluate the overall operation of the Life Enrichment (Activities for Seniors) Department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Executive Director, to assure that an on-going program of activities is designed to meet the needs interest and abilities of residents.

Essential Job Functions Duties and Responsibilities

Life Enrichment Functions

1. Develop, implement, facilitate, evaluate and direct the Life Enrichment programs.
2. Implement and communicate department policies and procedures. Communicate best practices to staff, residents and families.
3. Coordinate activities with other departments.
4. Organize and facilitate resident outings into the community as determined by their interests and abilities.
5. Provide necessary adaptations (creative or supplies) to meet individual resident needs.
6. Plan and participate in special events.
7. Publish monthly calendar and facility newsletter.
8. Purchase and maintain adequate equipment and supplies for activity department.
9. Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies. Review and develop a plan of correction for deficiencies noted during survey inspections.
10. Review and resolve departmental complaints and grievances and communicate to the Executive Director of action(s) taken as appropriate.
11. Develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing quality assurance program for the Life Enrichment department.
12. Participate in resident council meetings.
13. Use creative problem solving to address resident needs.

Personnel Functions

1. Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of personnel.
2. Partner with the Executive Director to determine staffing requirements and work schedules necessary to meet the community’s needs.
3. Assist in staff development. Formally and informally monitor performance of personnel and ensure adjustments/corrections are made by using coaching, counseling, and discipline methods. Work with the Executive Director to resolve staff performance issues including those that may lead to termination.
4. Develop and participate in the planning, conducting, and scheduling of timely in-service and orientation training classes.
5. Recruit, train, organize and supervise volunteers.

Safety and Sanitation

1. Ensure that department work areas are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and safe manner.
2. Assist the Infection Control Coordinator in identifying, evaluating, and classifying routine and job related activity functions to ensure that tasks involving potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.

Care Plan and Assessment Functions

1. Develop activity care plan for each resident that identifies the problems/needs of the resident and the goals to be accomplished for each problem/need identified.
2. Ensure the resident/family is encouraged to participate in the development and review of the resident’s activity care plan.
3. Ensure that all activity personnel are aware of the activity care plan and that the goals identified are incorporated into the daily activity routine for the resident.
4. Review and revise activity care plans, assessments, and progress notes as directed by regulations.
5. Complete activity assessments.
6. Document resident participation in activities.
7. Participate in care conferences and discharge planning.

Budget and Planning Functions

1. Make budget recommendations for supplies, outside contracts, and transportation and submit to the Executive Director for approval.
2. Maintain current written records of department expenditures and assure that adequate financial records and cost reports are submitted to the Executive Director upon request or as necessary.
3. Make departmental adjustments in order to conform to approved budget.

Requirements:

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, follow instructions, and accept constructive criticism. Must be able to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public. Must be able to work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and potentially hostile people within the facility. Must be able to speak, write and understand English in a manner that is sufficient for effective communication with supervisors, employees, residents, and families.

Education and Experience

A degree from an accredited college/university, or equivalent of experience in a related setting. Prefer degrees in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, or Recreation Management.

Licensing/Certifications

The Life Enrichment Director must meet one of the following qualifications:

1. Be a qualified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist who is:
   1. Licensed or registered either nationally or by the state in which practicing and
   2. Eligible for certification as a Therapeutic Recreation specialist by a recognized accrediting body.
2. Possess 2 years experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a resident activities program in a health care setting.
3. Be a qualified Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant.
4. Successfully complete a training course approved by the state.

Apply Here