SSD/AD

Description

Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Social Worker, the AD evaluates the activity needs of residents. They are responsible for many resident care tasks to ensure that each resident receives the comprehensive and personalized care they need.

Supervision:

The Activity Director must report to the Social Worker at the start of each shift, before leaving the immediate unit, whether on break or for another purpose, and is accountable for making sure there is another employee to monitor residents’ while any  activities are going on during the time of absence.  The AD will report to the Charge Nurse immediately when there is any change in a resident’s condition, and any pertinent information concerning the resident that would be helpful in planning that resident’s care.

Education Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification as an Activities Director

Experience Preferred:

The facility prefers Activities Director to have six (6) months experience working as an AD in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, or other health care facility.

Physical, Emotional and Interpersonal Requirements:

The employee must be able to:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Clearly speak and write the English language
• See, hear or use prosthetic devices to enable use of the senses adequately.
• Sit, stand, bend, stoop, and move for extended periods of time.
• Use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Lift, move, push or pull a minimum of 20 pounds
• Maintain good general health and demonstrate emotional stability
• Relate to, communicate and work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset and, possibly hostile people within the facility.
• Deal with frequent interruptions and some stressful situations.
• Assist in evacuation of elders during emergency situations.

• Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public.
• Work harmoniously with other personnel.
• 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.
• Assist with the organization of a social service program according to established policies.
• Assist in the coordination of resident transfers.
• Interview residents and families upon admission.
• Coordinate services with other departments.
• Complete a Social History on each resident.
• Identify and evaluate personal, emotional and environmental concerns.
• Participate in the development and review of the Care Plan according to established policies.
• Record continuing progress notes on the resident’s social needs and response of the resident to delivered social service.
• Be responsible for the Discharge Plan.
• Assess spiritual needs and facilitate participation in religious activities.
• Assist with the development of a community volunteer program.
• Assist in coordinating the Resident Council.
• Help open and read incoming mail, and help address and post outgoing mail upon the resident’s request.
• Assemble and maintain information on community resources and help other staff to use these resources.
• Gives assistance in locating and arranging for services of other professionals or agencies to solve problems and needs of residents.
• Participate regularly in case conferences with nurses and other staff to assist in better understanding the resident/family.
• Help needy residents and families locate funds for dentures, glasses, etc.
• Participate in pre-admission screening of prospective residents whenever possible.
• Conduct facility tour and orientation for new resident and family.
• Actively listen to the residents.
• Comply with federal, state and local requirements.
• Document observed data on flow sheets, notes and charts in an informative and descriptive manner.
• Introduce newly admitted or newly transferred residents to other residents and to co-workers as appropriate.
• Assist residents in preparing for activity and social programs.
• Assist with caring for resident’s eyeglasses, hearing aids, prostheses, etc.
• Assist and direct visitors as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Be a certified nurse aide in good standing with the State of Kansas.

Be or become a Kansas certified Activity Director and Social Services Designee.

Possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

Be able to clearly communicate in English (speak, read, write).

Have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.

Be able to pass a drug screen and criminal record check.