MAJOR WORK ACTIVITIES:

1) Assist in preparing & posting Monthly Activity Calendars in centralized locations within the building, circulation of copies of the monthly calendar to departments and interested parties, and by the posting of copies of monthly calendars in the resident’s room indicating scheduled activities and times for coming month’s plan which reflects interests identified by the comprehensive assessment as follows, but not limited to:
a. Offer activities at hours convenient to the resident (morning, afternoon, some evenings, weekends, and holidays)
b. Reflect the cultural and religious interests of the resident population.
c. Appeal to both mean and women and all age groups living in the facility.
d. Take place in a variety of locations (i.e. indoor/outdoor and community-based activities).
e. Include seasonal and special events.
2) Assist in the organization of programs for group and individual activities based on residents’ individualized needs as identified in resident’s health-care plans.
3) Maintain a balance of recreational activities including physical, social, religious, diversional, intellectual, and creative arts and crafts
4) Provide motivation for participation in Resident’s Council and assist director as needed in scheduling times, dates, and meeting places.
5) Exhibit a knowledge base and skill in the use of the facility’s “It’s Never Too Late” resident interactive computer program.
6) Select resident’s for activity participation according to each resident’s activity interest.
7) Assist, as needed in interviewing assigned residents and their family on admission using the facility approved activity assessment tool.
8) Record continuing progress notes on assigned resident’s activities and response of resident to activity programs.
9) Communicate residents’ programs to resident, residents’ families, volunteers, and facility staff.
10) Assist in preparation, maintenance, and updating identified facility bulletin boards or displays (as applicable) indicating, but not limited to, future events, holidays, special events, resident birthdays, anniversaries, picture reviews, etc.
11) Assist residents’ as needed and requested to open and read incoming mail; writing and addressing letters/cards; posting outgoing mail.
12) Responsible for transportation of resident within the facility to and from one area to another area where activities may occur.
13) Participate in community planning related to interests of facility and arrange for the use of community facilities by residents as applicable.
14) Participate in the orientation of new facility employees as needed.
15) Recognize abnormal signs and symptoms which may signify a physical change in resident’s condition that could require nursing intervention. Report same to charge nurse immediately.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITES:

1) Nursing home regulations/standards and the knowledge of the applicable Nurse Practice Act
2) Ability to work in groups
3) Knowledge and appropriate utilization of resources to find needed information(e.g. medications/geriatric/other)
4) Public and community relations, as well as relations with other health-care providers
5) Ability to handle crisis situations and to make appropriate judgements and decisions
6) Practices within professional standards as identified by the applicable association(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school diploma/adult equivalent or GED required
Completion of a State approved Activity Training course preferred
Licensure/Certification: None needed
Experience: A minimum of six months of long-term care experience or experience working with the older adult population is preferred
Other: Enjoy working with older people, exercise judgment, display empathy, creative skills, imagination, friendliness, resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and have a caring attitude and sincere interest in others.

BASIC PURPOSE:

Assist the activity director in developing the resident activity programs of the facility. Conduct activities in accordance with physician orders. Participate in the assessment process and resident care plan and maintain necessary required records and documentation.
To function in the role and responsibilities of activity director should the need arise.
The person holding this position is delegated the responsibility for carrying out the assigned duties and responsibilities in accordance with current existing federal and state regulations and established company policies and procedures.

DEMONSTRATES PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

1) Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner and keeps appropriate persons informed of problems.
2) Completes assigned tasks in a manner to enhance patient satisfaction.
3) Demonstrates basic and advanced departmental competencies.
4) Attends required meetings as determined by the Department Director.
5) Demonstrates appropriate use of Standard Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment.
6) Demonstrates adherence to a professional appearance in accordance with the facility dress code.
7) Completes mandatory requirements as below, but not limited to:
a. Mandatory Education: Resident Rights/Abuse; Safety; Disaster Management; Infection Control/Bloodborne Pathogens; Corporate Compliance; Customer Service; HIPAA
Obtains annual TB testing according to facility policy/practice.