Activity Director

Activity/Recreation Director Responsibilities

Develops and delivers activity/recreational programming to promote the patients’ opportunities for engaging in normal life enhancement pursuits and to increase and/or maintain functioning levels.

Completes a monthly calendar of available activity/recreational programs and posts it in the center.

Plans community activities that jointly include the community, staff, families and patients.

Completes the “Preferences for Routine and Activities” section of the Minimal Data Set, the CAA when triggered, and the Recreation/Activity Evaluation within five (5) business days of admission

Attends and participates in Patient Care Plan Meetings

Reviews/documents patient progress regularly according to center policy.

Assures physician’s approval for involvement in activity/recreational programs; Maintains precautions/limitations list on each patient.

Charts individual patient’s attendance and participation in group, individual and one-on-one recreational pursuits daily.

Provides patients with opportunities and support for involvement in group and individual leisure pursuits (i.e. arts/crafts, community outings, religious activities, intellectual/educational activities, community/center service activities) based upon individual interests and needs. Invites/encourages patients’ participation.

Supports each patient’s right to self determination; Documents patient refusal of activity services offered

Assists patients in the organization and implementation of Patient Council Meetings.

Coordinates an effective Volunteer Program.

Supervisory/People Management Responsibilities

Assists in planning, coordinating, and conducting continuing education programs and special in-service training sessions relevant to the needs of department personnel.

Staffs the department with capable people.

Ensures that employees are adequately oriented and trained to perform their duties.

Reviews employee performance annually and makes recommendations for pay increases, promotions or performance improvement plans as deemed appropriate.

Counsels/disciplines personnel as necessary up to and including termination.

Establishes and maintains effective two-way communication to understand the needs and concerns of employees.

Devotes adequate time and attention to personal development and training, particularly in the management of people resources.

Receives, investigates and responds to employee complaints

Education

To be qualified, must meet one of the following criteria: Completion of a state approved Activity Director training course Qualification as Occupational Therapist or Therapist Assistant and/or Qualification as an Activity Professional or Recreational Therapist who is: licensed or registered either nationally or by the State in which practicing; and eligible for certification as an Activity Professional or as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990

Experience

Two years of experience conducting social/recreational programs within the past five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting.

Physical Demands

Lifting 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds; Standing, walking, talking, hearing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, feeling.

General Requirements

Must be able to execute the terms and conditions set forth in the Employee Handbook, including, but not limited to: Works in a safety-conscious manner which ensures that safe work practices are used in order not to pose a risk to self or others in the workplace. Reports any safety violations or hazards to supervisor. Complies with company policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. Adheres to policy on Drug-Free Workplace. Interacts in a tactful, diplomatic, and humanistic manner with patients, families, visitors, and co-workers to provide a safe, efficient, and therapeutically effective caring environment which ensures the self-respect, personal dignity, rights and physical safety of each patient and facility guest

Maintains a dependable attendance record and adheres to standards of cleanliness, grooming, hygiene, and dress code. Takes positive action to ensure equal opportunity in the conduct of business activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, citizenship, veteran status or any other legally protected category.

Disclaimer

This description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work for this position. It is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be periodically assigned.