Therapeutic Recreation Assistant

Department: Recreation

Cherry Brook Health Care Center, a division of New Horizons, Inc., offers short-term rehabilitation, long -term respite, hospice and dementia care. Our dedicated staff provides individualized care with compassion, dignity and respect. Located in Canton, our facility has spacious private and semiprivate rooms, a well-appointed dining area, comfortable lounges and a beautiful landscaped outdoor terrace.

Cherry Brook's mission is to provide the highest quality of care and customer service to our residents and their families by using best practices, highly trained staff and innovative programs and services designed to meet their needs.

PURPOSE OF YOUR POSITION:

The primary purpose of your position is to assist the Director of Therapeutic Recreation in planning, organizing, developing and directing the overall operation of the Activity Department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Administrator, to assure that an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident is maintained.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assist in plans and provisions of patient care by visiting residents regularly to evaluate needs. Document and report to the nursing department any unusual or significant findings.
• Encourage resident to take part in activities of daily living that will stimulate his/her potential, physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
• Spend duty time with residents rather than with other facility staff.
• Assist with and follow through on the establishment of resident care goals within the framework of the entire therapeutic team.
• Document accurately, timely and comprehensively. Demonstrate initiative and follow through.
• Participate in public relations, media coverage, marketing efforts and volunteer activities. Follow facility van operation policy and procedure, if applicable.
• Demonstrate correct safety techniques and comply with training principles. Respect and take care of facility equipment and is not wasteful of supplies. Contribute to effective communication and pleasant working conditions.
• Complies with facility Privacy Practices policies and procedures and protects residents' individual health information.
• Contribute to and promote positive resident and family relations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in areas throughout the facility.
• Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing services, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends, holidays when necessary and in other positions temporarily when necessary. Scheduled hours may change to meet the needs of the facility.
• Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, chemical exposure, throughout the workday.
• Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for resident activities.

EDUCATION:

Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience working in a skilling nursing facility is required.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, which are essential for building rapport with residents and collaborating with healthcare teams.
• Organizational skills for planning and executing diverse recreational programs that meet the varying needs of residents.
• Creativity to develop innovative activities that engage residents and promote their well-being
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques and assessment tools that will be utilized daily to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make necessary adjustments.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise professional and non-professional personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.
• Must be able to push, pull, and do heavy lifting without restrictions up to 51 pounds.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of this position.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents in an emergency situation.

EEO STATEMENT:

New Horizons, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. New Horizons, Inc. considers applicants for employment without regard to and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does New Horizons, Inc. discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.