Recreation Therapist (CTRS)

Piper Shores is Maine’s premier nonprofit continuing care retirement community, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing Care for our residents with a person-centered approach to care.  

Recreational Therapist or Professional is responsible for following the APIE process (assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation) for programming a variety of therapeutic interventions that meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the Holbrook residents.  This role prepares and maintains assessments, program participation records, care plans, monthly, weekly and daily calendars in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Employee will exemplify Holbrook at Piper Shores PersonFirst ® approach to care which is founded in the principle that every Resident is a unique person, has a unique story to tell and should be encouraged to take part in guiding their own care.  The employee will provide compassionate, honest and accountable care while respecting the Resident needs, preferences, and choices.

Employee must be flexible to work rotating holidays and weekends.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Prepares and maintains program participation records, reports, studies, schedules, and calendars in collaboration with recreation staff and in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Completes the MDS, resident care plans, assessments and life stories. Attends resident/family conferences (IDT Meetings).
• Maintains and records accurate documentation of residents’ progress and responses to program.
• Responsible for completing resident council minutes and formatting and proofing of all life stores preparation before publication.
• In collaboration with the Recreation Manager and other members of the Recreation Department, purchases and inventories equipment. Inspects equipment to determine repair and maintenance needs and ensures cleanliness thereof.
• Reviews resident recreation and leisure needs and planning total activity/recreation program based upon individual needs and resident interest using the APIE process.

• Collaborates in coordinating and providing recreation, activities, orientation, current events, discussion groups, sensory stimulation, cultural activities, religious services, special entertainment, outings/trips, special events, and one-on-one visits to meet resident needs.
• Assists the Recreation Manager with identifying volunteer opportunities, enlisting volunteer support, and coordinating volunteer efforts. In conjunction with the Life Enrichment Manager, provides supervision of volunteers and assists in the maintenance of appropriate documentation and records of volunteers.
• Escorts residents for on-site and off-site scheduled programs.
• Drives Piper Shores’ vehicles and/or accompany residents for activity transportation. Accurately records vehicle mileage and resident attendance for scheduled activity transportation. Notifies Recreation Manager of necessary vehicle repairs and/or malfunctions.
• Communicates with other Piper Shores staff regarding resident concerns, problems, or incidents immediately.
• Responsible for ensuring timely and accurate calendar preparation, posting, and distributing information regarding programming. In collaboration with all other recreation staff, ensures all materials are proof-read prior to distribution.
• Encourages residents to take an active part in the community and recreation programs.
• Maintains safe and sanitary work practices, stations, and equipment.
• Works in a safe manner to prevent injury to self and others. Will communicate with supervisor immediately of any incidents resulting in injury of self or others.
• Maintains the self-respect, personal dignity, and physical safety of each resident.
• Performs specific work duties and responsibilities assigned by Recreation Manager.
• Attends in-service training and education sessions, as assigned.
• Works with the Life Enrichment Staff in Independent Living for programming and planning of shared events.
• Serves on employee committees as assigned (i.e. safety, EAC, diversity, SPIRIT)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and one (1) year experience in a therapeutic recreation program. Applicants must be able to sit for CTRS exam, or have current CTRS by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.
• Strong desire and ability to work with the senior population including those with dementia
• Current and ongoing CPR certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Thorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in English. 
• Must be available to work a flexible/rotating schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to work well with others in setting up events and coordinating programs both within the department and with other departments.
• Must have effective communication skills.  Ability to maintain positive, supportive environment for all others.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

PHYSICAL REQIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

Has the ability to move throughout Piper Shores promptly, especially in emergency situations. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted, and up to 150 pounds with the assistance of one; must be able to push and pull up to 150 pounds in a wheelchair; good visual and hearing acuity required.  Must be able to walk or stand for up to 80% of the workday.  Must be able to

work with others in setting up events and to load and unload cargo, including lifting, stooping, stretching, squatting, bending, and using a step stool.  May be exposed to the elements (rain, snow, cold, heat) for short periods of time.   Ability to maintain good driving skills in handling vehicles on wet and/or slippery roads and to maintain appropriate reaction times and visual acuity, both day and night driving. Must be free of communicable disease; may be exposed to communicable diseases, and blood and body fluids may contain HIV and/or HBV.  May be exposed to cleaning chemicals and offensive odors.  Will be exposed to pets, pet dander, flowers, and plants in both buildings and throughout campus.

Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance as low as $60/month for a top-tier plan
• 100% company sponsored short and long-term disability and life insurance
• 18 days of Paid Time Off to start, PTO buy-back feature
• 8 holidays (double pay for working holidays) and 2 paid personal days
• Retirement plan option with up to 4% company match
• Employee referral bonuses up to $1,000
• Growth opportunities and career pathways with tuition reimbursement
• Regular employee appreciation events including meals, raffles and contests
• Gift cards for outstanding service
• Generous annual performance increases to base pay
• Monthly Town Hall meetings to promote communication and hear employee concerns

Piper Shores is dedicated to a policy of compliance with all federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination in employment.

Consistent with the Maine Human Rights Act and the American with Disabilities Act, applicants may request a reasonable accommodation if needed to participate in the application process.

All employees must be fully vaccinated against Influenza, and required Public Health vaccines such as MMR/TB/etc.  A two-step TB test is required upon hire.