Activities Director

POSITION PURPOSE: Activities are an essential aspect of dementia care. The primary purpose of the Activities Director is to plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct individual and group ACTIVITY PROGRAMS and to provide training and resources to facilitate the involvement of all staff in the provision of appropriate planned and spontaneous activities. The Activities Coordinator is responsible to ensure the activity programs are in accordance with current existing Federal, State and Local standards, as well as established policies and procedures. Activities shall be planned and facilitated that take into consideration individual abilities and disabilities and assure that the spiritual, diversional, emotional, recreational and social needs and preferences of each resident is met and/or maintained.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Demonstrates good faith effort to support, maintain, and improve the overall well-being of
• Residents and a positive work environment for employees.
• Demonstrates knowledge, interest, and skills in the provision of care for persons with dementia.
• Assesses each resident’s abilities and disabilities, likes and dislikes, preferences, past habits and
• experiences to evaluate appropriate activities for the resident.

Communicates individual resident activity interests, preferences, potential and activity possibilities to all staff and volunteers.

Works with family/interested others to develop a visual and written life-story for each resident within seven days of admission.

• Maintains a working knowledge of activities appropriate for individuals with dementia.
• Participates in resident service planning.
• Acquire and maintains a selection of supplies to promote a variety of activities.
• Operates from the premise that everything is and can be an activity.
• Provides on-going training for staff on ways to engage residents in appropriate, useful and meaningful activities.
• Some weekend days are required each month.

Ensures a program of both individual and group activities based on the needs, interests and abilities of the resident(s) are available. A balance of recreational activities including physical, social, religious, and arts and crafts, diversional and intellectual is preferred. Communicates and promotes staff communications of activity offerings to residents through monthly calendar, daily postings, announcements, etc. Works effectively with other staff and secures their support for activities. Provides for seasonal art/decorations/etc. to support recognition of environment and holidays. Recruits, orientates, and supervises the volunteer program. Ensures volunteers are used effectively to supplement the activities program. Identifies and purchases items needed for activities. Works with Administrator to provide support for family members and responsible parties through group interaction and educational opportunities. Assist in the development of the department budget and monitor expenditures to control expenses.

Recruit and coordinate community groups in an organized, safe, and reciprocally beneficial experience for visiting groups and residents.

• Effectively utilizes activity space – outdoor space, theme rooms, etc. – to promote resident involvement.
• When receptionist is absent, performs receptionist duties including welcoming tasks, greeting and directing public and providing tours.

NON ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include the following:

• All duties are essential.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS:

Exposure to Blood/Body fluids is possible.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Two years experience in a social or recreational program within the past five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting preferred. Two years experience in long term care. Demonstrated interest and ability in serving a population with dementia and related behaviors. Ability to organize, prioritize events and motivate and supervise individuals

Must obtain/maintain valid Oregon Food Handler’s Card. Must function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies and persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job requires some weekend days each month.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.