Job Description

The Recreation Therapist is responsible for assessing resident activity needs and interests, program planning, implementation and documentation for assigned nursing units under the supervision of the Director Recreation Therapy. You will participate in the coordination, implementation and evaluation of general Recreation Therapy Department programing. The Recreation Therapist is particularly skilled in providing special programming to lower functioning residents using multi media approached and standard reality orientation procedures for the sensory stimulation of regressed residents.

Essential Functions:

• Plans and implements unit programming based on resident needs, interests and abilities/limitations
• Suggests, researches and develops new programs as approved, creative and innovative unit programs.
• Coordinates programs with appropriate departments.
• Participates in Comprehensive Care Planning Conference and integrates the team's resident goals from Resident Care Plan into resident's individual Recreation Plan as needed.
• Reviews and updates resident's individual Recreation Plan at least quarterly and records in resident's medical record. Addresses any significant changes that may affect the resident care plan.
• Conducts and completes Initial Assessment and establishes Initial Recreation Plan for new residents within 24 hours of admission as assigned.
• Maintains accurate and attractive Recreation Therapy bulleting board on unit.
• Works with residents and family members, as appropriate, to encourage resident maximal involvement in recreation programs.
• Establishes contact with community organizations and individuals to arrange for programming as approved.
• Suggests ideas for creative and innovative programming and researches and develops programs as assigned.
• Ensures a safe environment through all scheduled recreation programs.
• On assigned trips, is responsible for coordination with other departments and supervision of residents, assigned staff and volunteers.
• Is responsible for following established procedures for maintaining adequate supplies as required and uses supplies prudently
• Participates in department quality improvement activities as appropriate.
• Adheres to customer service guidelines, including telephone performance.
• Gives directions and information to all residents, guests and visitors so that there is a positive, effective and orderly customer relationship.
• Attends and participates in in service educational classes and on the job training programs as directed.
• Reports all unsafe/hazardous conditions and/or equipment malfunctions or breakdowns to their supervisor and follows up as directed.
• Assures the work assignment areas are clean and the office equipment is properly secured before leaving.
• Adheres to polices and procedures as outlined in the departmental safety manuals, employee handbooks and infection control procedures and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Plans, directs and coordinates all functions of the department, continually analyzing work practices and outcomes and implements change and documents such changes.
• Performs other duties as needed

Education and Experience:

• Must have a Bachelors Degree in Recreation Therapy or a related field
• Experience with working with Dementia residents.
• At least 1 year of experience working in Recreation, preferably in a nursing home.