Recreation Aide

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Recreation/Leisure Activity Aide

BASIC FUNCTION

Assists in planning, developing, organizing, implementation, monitoring and evaluating the Recreation/ Leisure Activity Program in accordance with current existing Federal, State, local and facility regulations, codes, standards and policies to ensure that the individual emotional, recreational and social needs of residents are addressed.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

1.   Assessment of all residents to determine interests and needs related to recreational and leisure activities.

2.   Development of a daily in-house and community recreational/activity program that addresses these individualized assessed interests and ensure participation by every individual to the extent of their abilities.

3.   Ensuring that the maximum number of residents are involved in community resources, activities and events on a daily basis to the fullest extent possible with available transportation.

4.   Developing, implementing and monitoring written program plans for individuals when deemed priority by the Interdisciplinary Teams that meet regulatory and facility guidelines

5.   Maintaining participation records/data of each individual served.

6.   Participating in the Interdisciplinary Team process.

7.   Purchasing, inventorying and cataloging sufficient recreational equipment, supplies and materials to address individualized assessed preferences [within budget constraints] and maintain accountability of the inventory.

8.   Training staff responsible for implementing recreational programs and activities.

9.   Monitoring the recreational programs and assisting when needed to ensure that the programs are implemented per the initiation date.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

1.   Perform clerical functions, such as completing forms, reports, etc., as required.

2.   Assist with orientation of new employees in relation to recreation services.

3.   Participate in professional organizations, associations, activities and programs related to the position.

4.   Create and maintains an atmosphere of warmth, calm, personal interest and a positive attitude and treats everyone one with dignity and respect.

5.   Maintain a professional image in appearance and in the office/work environment.

EXPOSURE RISK

Is at medium risk of exposure to blood and body fluids when actively performing job duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervised by the Program Service Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises other staff when implementing recreational activities under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Department and Volunteers helping with activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma.

EXPERIENCE

An aptitude for music of all types, art, crafts, adult sports activities and other leisure activities, is preferred.

GENERAL

Must have and maintain a current Driver’s License to drive all vehicles used in the facility’s recreation program, i.e., vans, buses, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1.   Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently throughout the workday.

2.   Subject to frequent interruptions.

3.   Attends ongoing educational experiences pertaining to the position and/or required for licensure/certification of the professional degree to keep current with trends in the field.

4.   May be subject to infectious diseases, waste, conditions, etc., including the potential exposure to AIDS and HEPATITIS B viruses.

5.   Works beyond normal 8-5 working hours, weekends, holidays, other positions and various shifts.

6.   Subject to falls, cuts, bruises, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the working day.

7.   Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, visitors, etc.

8.   Generally will work in an air-conditioned, heated and ventilated building and may work outdoors.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

1.   Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

2.   Role model professional behavior by performing and/or assisting other staff,  supervisors, peers, consultants and direct support staff in an effective, cooperative manner, in all duties.

3.   Must be of good moral character.

4.   Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with all consumers, including personnel, residents, families, and visitors, etc.

5.   Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

6.   Must have the ability to work harmoniously with other personnel and be willing to manage persons of various maturity and cognitive abilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  (With or without the aid of mechanical devices)

1.   Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

2.   Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

3.   Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

4.   Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable those senses to function adequately so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.

5.   Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

6.   May be required to lift, push, and pull.

7.   Must have personal integrity, have flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with others.

8.   Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile persons including residents, family members, visitors, etc.

9.   Must function independently without direct supervision.

10. Must maintain good grooming, personal hygiene skills and appearance.