CNA-Life Enrichment Aide

Job Title

Job Purpose: Responsible for the creation and maintenance of on-going therapeutic programs and activities to meet the diversified interests and therapeutic needs of assigned resident. The goal of all programming should be to enrich and improve residents' quality of life and their overall functioning. All activities are to be conducted in accordance to state/federal regulations and facility requirements. All activities should be conducted in accordance with the organization's core values should be focused on the accomplishment of the organization's mission. This position will participate in the care plan process for assigned residents and document recreational therapy opportunities provided. This position will collaborate on campus-wide activity events with the Life Enrichment team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provides activities to assigned residents in a long-term care setting. Ensures that all activities are compliant with federal and state regulations and facility policies. Ensures that all activity programming meets the interests and needs of assigned residents and have a therapeutic outcome to both improve residents' quality of life and their overall functioning.
2. Coordinates all aspects of a therapeutic recreation program for assigned residents, including creating, scheduling, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs designed to meet their therapeutic needs.
3. Determines/Assesses the individual interests and needs of each assigned resident; evaluates; develops/delivers activities designed to meet identified interests and therapeutic needs. Creates and facilitates activities appropriate for different resident groups, different functional abilities, and different interests. Encourages residents to participate in a variety of activities and programs.
4. Estimates time needed for activities and schedules accordingly.
5. Coordinates, updates and maintains documentation and medical information for assigned residents, related to activity programming, calendars, individual charting, progress notes and nurse's notes. Participates in interdisciplinary care plan conferences and plans therapeutic recreation activities for assigned residents based on the care plan. Maintains current charting and MDS as required.
6. Interacts with residents on a daily basis to affirm their self-esteem and to alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. Initiates interaction with residents as appropriate. Assists residents in adjusting to life in their new environment. Communicates with and notifies other staff members of any information related to activity programming or recognized changes in condition. Speaks with resident concerning their troubles and problems. Affirm resident's identities and needs as individuals.
7. Transports (or arranges for transportation) residents to/from activities and programming in which the residents wish to participate. Transports residents to off-campus activities in 15-passenger van or wheelchair van, as needed.
8. Anticipates special days/holidays and plans ahead for special programs and/or thematic activities.
9. Arranges for special entertainment and diversions for residents. Coordinates dates and times for entertainers and programs. Facilitates the use of building and sound equipment for entertainers and programs.
10. Establishes a schedule of activities for assigned residents and publishes schedule according to facility procedures.
11. Arranges for and facilitates special activities for residents with special interests and/or needs.
12. Collaborates with campus staff to better serve resident needs and improve quality of life.
13. Supervises and trains assigned partners or volunteers.
14. Responds to residents, staff and families in a courteous, professional demeanor.
15. Furnishes ample opportunities for residents to participate in all programming offered, including activities provided by other departments (i.e. spiritual care).
16. Assists the volunteer coordinator in the recruitment and training of facility volunteers as needed. Originates new ideas for activities and present to staff and management.
17. Communicates volunteer needs to the volunteer coordinator. Appropriately supervises and fully utilizes assigned staff.
18. Motivates and encourages volunteers to ensure continued service to the department and organization. Recognizes/praises volunteers for their contribution as appropriate.
19. Participates with the Life Enrichment team in campus-wide programs and special events.
20. Transcribes admission information into records and responsible party mailing.
21. Operates within assigned budget.

Minimum Education Required: Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field required. Minimum Experience Required: A minimum of one (1) years' experience in an activities or recreation program. Additional Qualifications: (Preferred qualifications) National or state recreation certification and/or Certified Activities Professional designation strongly preferred. Certified nursing assistant preferred. Experience in an activities or recreation program within a long term care or assisted living facility.

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