Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Program Director and as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, the incumbent is responsible for recreational therapy assessments and implementation of participant goals. Responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating age-appropriate, therapeutic recreational activities for all participants to include those with cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities. Provides direction for staff and volunteers providing assistance within the ADHC as appropriate.

Essential functions and Responsibilities
Plans and implements group and individual activities to improve or maintain the participants cognitive, physical, functional, social, psychosocial, spiritual and artistic needs. Activities include, but are not limited to, exercise, arts and crafts, birthday and holiday celebrations, special events, recreational games, community outings and cognitive groups.
Organizes community outings and special events at the Adult Day Health Center and (ADHC). Duties include: arranging for participant transportation, entertainment, catering and involving other ADHC staff.
Develops and distributes a monthly calendar of activities on a timely basis.
Provides direction for staff and volunteers providing assistance within the ADHC as appropriate.
Dementia-specific programming: Plans and implements activities for dementia-specific population. Oversees daily flow of dementia activities area. Activities may focus on small groups, one-on-one programming and sensory stimulation.
Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and participants individual therapy goals.
Assists participants and caregivers by providing leisure education for activity modification or skill development, and supplies for in-home use, as needed.
Coordinates, monitors and evaluates recreational program plans to promote effectiveness according to client abilities and preferences within the ADHC daily flow of events.
Contacts group homes and nursing homes regarding participants that have been placed. Assesses participant activity involvement and works with nursing home and other community based living facility staff to impact participants in these settings. May include 1:1 visits with participants in these settings.
Maintains general order in the activities area, including daily clean-up, routine supply inventory ordering /shopping, and overall general budgeting.
Works cooperatively with other staff and departments to meet participants needs.
Completes all documentation and assessments in a timely fashion as required.
Supports Quality Improvement efforts.
Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of employee, participant and sensitive agency information.
Supports agencys mission and values.
Performs related duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements
Education: Education or training in geriatrics and dementia preferred. CPR Certification required. CNA certification preferred
Experience: A minimum of one-year experience working with frail and elderly population is required. Dementia programming experience preferred.
Skills and Knowledge:
Working knowledge of recreational therapy techniques and practices of the elderly including assessment, care plan development, monitoring and evaluation needs.
Working knowledge of physical, psychosocial and behavioral needs of the elderly population.
Demonstrated creative abilities to plan, develop, and implement varied activities to meet diversified needs.
Good working knowledge of dementia disease process.
Familiarity with illnesses common to a diverse population including but not limited to frail older, developmentally or physically disabled adult populations.
Ability and experience working with volunteers.
Effective written and oral communication skills
Productive as both an independent and team contributor.
Ability to effectively prioritize and efficiently follow-through with responsibilities.
Ability to use and be trained in computer skills for the workplace.
Demonstrate necessary skills and knowledge as outlined in attached position specific Competency Assessment Profile.

Desired Personal Attributes
Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with staff, public and private agencies, governmental officials and the elderly.
Ability to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Interest in the advocacy for risk-based long-term care program to better serve frail elderly population.
Energetic, proactive, creative, dependable, resourceful, flexible and patient.

Other:
Must be able to work required schedule.
Requires valid drivers license and use of personal vehicle for routine local travel.
Requires proof of automobile insurance coverage.
This position has exposure to communicable disease and body fluids.
The majority of time is spent walking and / or standing (up to 70% of work time) with frequent lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 50 lbs. (up to 30% of work time). 30% of time sitting.