Therapeutic Recreation Director (TRD)

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 Canton, 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 Therapeutic Recreation Director (TRD) at Cherry Brook Health Care Center will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for residents through the development and implementation of engaging recreational programs. This position requires a deep understanding of therapeutic recreation principles and practices, ensuring that activities are tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals in a healthcare setting. The TRD will collaborate with healthcare professionals to assess residents' needs and preferences, creating a holistic approach to their care. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, the TRD will empower residents to participate actively in their own wellness journey. Ultimately, the goal is to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being through meaningful recreational experiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs that cater to the physical, emotional, and social needs of residents.
• Conduct assessments to identify residents' interests, abilities, and needs to tailor activities accordingly.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate therapeutic recreation into overall care plans.
• Train and supervise recreation staff and volunteers to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Monitor and document residents' progress and participation in recreational activities, adjusting programs as necessary.
• Understanding of required documentation as relates to assessments, care plans, MDS completion, etc.
• Contribute to and promote positive resident and family relations.
• Demonstrate leadership skills.
• Knowledge about laws and regulations relating to job responsibilities, e.g., EEO, OSHA, patient rights, fraud/abuse laws.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in areas 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, chemical exposure, 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:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree with certification as a TRD.
• Experience working in a long-term care setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management preferred.
• Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

As a minimum, one (1) year experience in an Activities Department in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility or other related medical facility is preferred.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, which are essential for building rapport with residents and collaborating with healthcare teams.
• Organizational skills for planning and executing diverse recreational programs that meet the varying needs of residents.
• Creativity to develop innovative activities that engage residents and promote their well-being
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques and assessment tools that will be utilized daily to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make necessary adjustments.
• 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 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 be able to push, pull, and do heavy lifting without restrictions up to 51 pounds.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of this position.
• 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 assist in the evacuation of residents in an emergency situation.

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.