Recreation Aide (Activities Aide)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Recreation Aide implements the facility's Recreation activities and events under the direction of the Recreation Director (RD). They consistently engage residents in familiar routines of daily living through personalized familiar tasks that residents enjoyed doing in the past, and that can still bring a sense of success, meaning, and purpose in the present. The Recreation Aide is responsible for providing residents with encouragement, prompts, and hands-on assistance

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implements Recreation Programs in accordance with the planned Monthly Calendar and as assigned by the Recreation Director and ensures that the programs are conducted timely and at the locations specified on the calendar.

• Assists in completion of the Recreation Calendar and Facility newsletter as assigned.

• Reschedules programs whenever necessary and advises the appropriate staff members and corrects the calendar after approval from the Recreation Director.

• Implements the One-on-One and Room Visit Programs as assigned by the Recreation Director and completes the electronic and paper charting of the visits accurately and timely.

• Maintains records in the electronic chart of resident participation in group and one-on-one programs.

• Assists in the completion of the Leisure Interest Assessment, and communicates any new leisure, interest, or need identified in order to provide a variety of leisure interventions during visits that are consistent with the Resident's interests.

• Reports changes in resident conditions, or any changes in residents' leisure needs or interests to the Recreation Director.

• Promotes the Volunteer Program by assisting in the orientation and training of volunteers and providing continued cooperation and assistance as needed.

• Assumes responsibilities of Recreation Director and performs related tasks as requested.

• Leads programs such as music, crafts, recreation, exercise, religious service, and other group programs as assigned/scheduled, and ensures group participation records are completed timely and accurately.

• Transports residents to and from programs and assists with community trips as scheduled.

• Prepares for programs by gathering the equipment and supplies as needed prior to starting program.

• Advises Recreation Director when assistance from nursing, maintenance, or other departments may be required to prepare for a program.

• Assists other Recreation staff with programs and preparations as assigned, or when own assignment permits.

• Encourages resident participation in group programs by one-on-one invitations, make announcements, and encouraging involvement during the program.

• Notifies nursing personnel immediately if an accident or incident occurs with a resident during a group program or one-on-one room visit.

• Reports to the Charge Nurse or Clinical Care Coordinator any change noticed in a resident's behavior, or mental or physical condition, and reports to the Recreation Director any and all incidents, occurrences, and changes in condition.

• Charts any resident behavior incidents in the electronic health record as appropriate, and timely.

• Adheres to Standard Precautions and the Facility's Infection Control Procedures in all aspects of work performance, and stores and uses all activity equipment in accordance with good safety practices.

• Reports equipment and building fixtures in need of repair.

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

• Know special diet restrictions of all residents prior to offering refreshments and special food items.

• Supervises or provides for adequate supervision of residents during a group program.

• Participates in department meetings and assists with the completion of paperwork as assigned.

• Adheres to Resident rights and reports suspected deviations to immediate supervisor.

• Maintains a high level of confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines at all times and protects confidential information by only providing information on a "need-to-know" basis.

• Assists the Recreation Director with the training of new Recreation Assistants as assigned.

• Attends and participates in facility in-services and orientation.

• Performs other duties or functions as assigned.

Required/Desired Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience

• High School Graduate or equivalent required.

• Experience working with senior groups, or in leading and assisting with group activities is preferred.

• Knowledge of and experience with various types of arts and crafts is preferred.

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Exceptional customer service skills and telephone etiquette.

• Must be able to relate to older adults.

• Ability to organize and perform assignments with minimal supervision.

• Must be able to work cooperatively with others in the department and facility.

• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate well and work with families, volunteers, and the public.

• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Basic computer knowledge is needed.

Other Special Requirements:

• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment.

• Ability to travel as needed or assigned.