Director of Therapeutic Recreation

Department: Recreation

Cherry Brook Health Care Center, a division of New Horizons, Inc., offers short-term rehabilitation, long –term respite, hospice and dementia care. Our dedicated staff provides individualized care with compassion, dignity and respect. Located in Avon, our facility has spacious private and semiprivate rooms, a well-appointed dining area, comfortable lounges and a beautiful landscaped outdoor terrace.

Cherry Brook’s mission is to provide the highest quality of care and customer service to our residents and their families by using best practices, highly trained staff and innovative programs and services designed to meet their needs.

PURPOSE OF YOUR POSITION:

The primary purpose of your position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of the Activity Department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Administrator to assure that an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interest and the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident is maintained.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assists in plans and provisions of patient care by visiting residents regularly to evaluate needs.
• Document and report to the nursing department any unusual or significant findings.
• Encourage residents to take part in activities of daily living that will stimulate his/her potential, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
• Spend duty time with residents rather than with other facility staff.
• Assist with and follow through on the establishment of resident care goals within the framework of the entire therapeutic team.
• Document accurately, timely, and comprehensively.
• Demonstrate initiative and follow through.
• Participate in public relations, media coverage, marketing efforts and volunteer activities.
• Follow facility van operation policy and procedures, if applicable.
• Demonstrate correct safety techniques.
• Contribute to effective communication and pleasant working conditions.
• Contribute to and promote positive resident and family relations.
• Demonstrate leadership skills and maximize the potential of each employee supervised.
• Fully complies with all federal and state laws and standards of ethical and professional conduct applicable to their position.
• Knowledge about laws and regulations relating to job responsibilities, e.g., EEO, OSHA, patient rights, fraud/abuse laws

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility.
• Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing services and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends, holidays, when necessary, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary. Scheduled hours may change to meet the needs of the facility.
• Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, exposure to chemicals, etc., throughout the workday.
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for resident activities.

EDUCATION:

Must possess, as a minimum Associate Degree with major emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and one year of full time employment in Therapeutic Recreation in a health care facility; or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 6 credit hours of Therapeutic Recreation coursework; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field and two years full time employment in Therapeutic Recreation in a health care setting; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field and nine credit hours of Therapeutic Recreation coursework. A related field shall include, but is not limited to Sociology, Psychology, Art, Music and Education.

EXPERIENCE:

Must be a qualified Therapeutic Recreation Director who is credentialed by the State of CT and is eligible for certifications as CTRS. A minimum two years’ experience in a social/therapeutic recreation program in a health care setting. Experience in a supervisory capacity in a health care setting is preferred

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable in the Privacy Rule and ensure all staff comply with facility privacy practices policies and procedures.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise professional and non-professional personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing policies and procedures.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull or lift, all without restrictions up to 51 lbs. Moving various equipment up to about 75 pounds may be required, but rarely. However, it is accomplished WITH equipment designed for that purpose.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergencies.

EEO STATEMENT:

New Horizons, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. New Horizons, Inc. considers applicants for employment without regard to and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does New Horizons, Inc. discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.