Recreation Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:
The Recreation Director develops and implements wellness focused recreation programs to seniors; including physical fitness, cognitive enrichment, and varied social programming. The Recreation Director should assess residents’ interests, plan and manage events and activities both inside and outside of the community to provide quality activities programing during the weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans individual and group activities daily, including weekend and at least two evenings per week. Programming will be in accordance with the various components outlined in the Activity Program Policy.

• Conducts, supervises or arranges for the implementation of programs by a qualified staff member, a Recreation Assistant, or a Volunteer.

• Prepares a monthly activity calendar in advance to be posted on the first day of each month. Ensures that the professional large print calendar is posted in a prominent location in the building and is printed in at least 12-point font.

• Ensure that all residents are made aware of group programs by personal invites, and/or by posting smaller calendars in each patient room.

• Maintains records of group participation and one-on-one visits.

• Coordinates resident outings and special events, including but not limited to the annual community picnic and Christmas party.

• Coordinates or assists with the setup and take-down of necessary equipment if needed.

• Store, clean and use all activity equipment in accordance with good safety practices. Report equipment and building fixtures which need repair.

• Communicates special diet restrictions and eating disorders to staff prior to offering refreshments and special food items.

• Know the limitations of residents and staff or volunteers when taking individuals or groups out of the care area and report whereabouts to the Charge Nurse.

• Coordinates group programs with other departments such as Food and Nutrition Services, Environmental Services, and Clinical Services.

• Encourages and coordinates the use of outside entertainment for programming on a periodic or routine basis. Write thank you notes and express appreciation for services provided.

• Conducts ongoing evaluation of group programs to ensure activities offered match the expressed interests of the populations currently residing in the facility.

• Provides input into the annual preparation of the department budget. Inform the Administrator of any needs for additional or replacement equipment items as necessary. Purchase departmental supplies within budgeted guidelines.

• Purchases supplies as needed according to the current money-handling policy.

• Conducts fundraisers and asks for community donations to assist with supplies, purchasing, and community trips.

• Organizes and supervises the development of the Volunteer Program, including: adherence to current volunteer program policy, volunteer job description and orientation, maintain records of volunteer attendance and required trainings, provide ongoing trainings as needed, and coordinate volunteer recognition.

• Conducts specific volunteer recruitment efforts on a regular basis.

• Participates in various community-minded programs conducted at the facility, as well as in the local community as requested.

• Performs other Public Relations tasks, including visiting local church groups and community service organizations as a member of the marketing committee as requested.

• Assists in the development and completion of a facility newsletter to be sent to the local physicians, other service providers, families, and current residents.

• Visits each resident upon admission to assess the Resident’s needs, skills, and interests in accordance with the physician’s order for activities. Participates in the completion of a comprehensive assessment and periodic reviews at least quarterly and modifies the plan of care to reflect the Resident’s expressed interests, needs, or current functioning level.

• Integrates the Resident’s goals with other elements of the plan of care and attends care conference meetings at leas quarterly or as scheduled.

• Writes progress notes in the Medical Record Chart under the “Activities” tab regarding progress toward goals, participation, and/or changes in needs or interests at least quarterly.

• Assists with discharge planning and initiates community referrals when appropriate. Completes discharge recap of stay as scheduled.

• Adheres to Resident Rights and reports any suspected deviations to the Administrator.
  Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.

• Assists residents with the development and organization of a Resident Council group. Makes sure that all residents are informed of the time and place of the meetings. Informs all new residents of the opportunity to attend and participate in Resident Council meetings.

• Serves as the liaison with the Resident Council group and attends and facilitates meetings when requested by the residents.

• Informs the Administrator and the Department Heads of concerns, suggestions and problems identified by the group for the appropriate follow-up.

• Coordinate the election of open positions on the Resident Council, including but not limited to President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

• Completes Resident Council minutes when requested by the residents and maintains the Resident Council minutes according to the current regulations/standards of practice.

• Adheres to Standard Precautions and the company’s Infection Control Procedures in all aspects of work and performance.

• Attends staff and department meetings as scheduled, including morning meetings and QAPI committee meetings.

• Attends workshops for continuing education as approved by the Administrator.

• Performs other tasks and functions as required.

Required/Desired Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience: 

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or an activities professional who is eligible for certification; OR

• Two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was a full-time therapeutic activities program; OR

• Qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; OR

• Has satisfactorily completed a training course approved by the state. 

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Knowledge of a variety of activities suitable for older adults and others who may have physical, behavioral, or mental disabilities.

• Be familiar with local, community, and regional recreational areas for older adult activities and social needs.

• Requires ability to communicate effectively with interdepartmental staff, patients, and families.

• Requires ability to supervise volunteers. 

• Plan, implement, and work within a departmental budget.

• Must have good writing skills. Basic business computer knowledge preferred.

• Must have or be able to obtain a chauffeur's license and provide own transportation.

• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings or weekends.

Other Special Requirements:

• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment. 

• Ability to travel as needed or assigned.