Activity Director

Description

Provides an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.

Responsibilities:

• Help design programs to encourage socialization
• Provide different forms of entertainment that is of interest of residents
• Work with other department to provide events that will enhance the residents stay
• Plan and implement activities to meet resident specific needs including large and small groups and individual participation
• Coordinate community involvement
• Inform residents and staff of scheduled activities through up-to-date monthly calendar
• Strengthening communications among residents, families, and the facility staff
• Assisting the facility to achieve and maintain a therapeutic environment essential to the optimal quality of life and independent functioning of each resident and to provide for maximum participation of residents in planning activities and policies
• Communication and collaboration with the care plan team and others involved with residents’ care
• Initial and annual assessments and quarterly reviews
• Ensure each resident has a care plan that addressed problems, measurable goals, and interventions
• Input on the MDS as required
• Attend IDC meetings.
• Attend resident council meetings and follow-up on any concerns/grievance
• Coordinate quarterly Grievance Committee meetings, take minutes and address concerns that arise
• Provide support and care for residents as needed
• Attend facility meetings and provide data and input as needed and required
• Rounds on the unit to be available to the patients/residents/families and address issues or questions that may arise as well as observe any changes in the patients/residents that may need to be addressed emotionally or clinically.
• Work on projects as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Minimum educational requirements include a high school diploma or its equivalent and satisfactory completion of a training course for activity directors. 
• This person may also be either a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional certified by a recognized accrediting body or a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in healthcare/skilled rehab/long term care

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database products
• Must be highly motivated and willing to assume additional jobs and duties as needed
• Must be able to handle stress of working efficiently with frequent interruptions and distractions
• Hours must be flexible to accommodate for needs during surveys and unscheduled events
• Must be able to prioritize tasks and adhere to strict deadlines
• Recognizes and responds to priorities, accepts changes and new ideas. Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives
• Accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness
• Understand, respects and displays sensitivity to culture, age and persons with disabilities
• Participates actively and positively affects the outcomes of customer service activities
• Developing peer relationships that enable the work group to accomplish the daily workload within the allotted time frame and achieve departmental goals
• Timely notification to Department Manager/Director of potential problems or concerns. When faced with a problem or concern, is proactive by presenting suggested solutions at the time that the Department Manager/Director is made aware of the problem or concern
• Displaying teamwork ability to promote cooperation and collaboration; gaining support for programs and goals
• Supports Patient Rights
• Treating internal and external customers as the most important part of the job
• Being sensitive to customer’s emotions, thoughts and feelings
• Refraining from negative comments of any kind where the public or other customers can hear
• Interacts with coworkers, other hospital staff, physicians, and the public in a courteous, professional and efficient manner
• Establishes good rapport and working relationships with coworkers, other hospital staff, physicians and the public
• Observes dress code policy and wears hospital identification as required by our policies and procedures
• Understands and abides by all departmental policies and procedures as well as the Codes of Ethics, HIPAA requirements and patient rights
• Complies with federal, state, local laws that govern business practices. Complies with all Department of Health Services requirements for the State, and CMS standards that apply to the position
• Is knowledgeable and adheres CMS standards specific to the position
• Conducts business in an ethical and trustworthy manner at all times when dealing with patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees
• Attends scheduled in-service and mandatory in-service. Communicates ideas to supervisor for a safer layout of equipment, tools, and/or processes.
• Follows standard precautions and transmission based precautions as shown by consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment
• Complies with all hospital safety and injury prevention policies and regulations
• Understands the Continuous Quality Improvement Process and applies it in performing everyday tasks/duties. Active participant in Continuous Quality Improvement program by assisting in finding new and better ways of performing duties and responsibilities

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting approximately 1-2 hours a day
• Walking/Standing approximately 4-5 hours a day
• Wrist deviation (side-to-side and up and down) approximately 2 hours a day
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally have the potential to be exposed to hazardous chemicals or infections