Recreation Assistant

SUMMARY

The Recreation Assistant is responsible for implementing and monitoring assigned life enhancement/life enrichment programming for residents consistent with regulations and established policies, procedures and best practices designed to meet the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual needs for each resident/tenant. This will be an on-call position anywhere between 0-40 hours per week.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate therapeutic recreation programs provided to meet the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual needs for each resident/tenant.  
  • Ensure programs promote socialization, independence, self-care and enjoyment of leisure time. Assist residents with activities of their choice, group, individual or one on one. 
  • Assist in planning, developing and implementing special events (both on-site and off-site) Perform assigned work routines and daily assignments to meet the psychosocial and activities needs of residents and the community assigned including creating diverse opportunities for meaningful pursuits, daily pleasures, life enrichment, exercise, friendships, social interaction, growth and learning, fun and enjoyment, personal routines, spontaneous activity and Household rituals. 
  • Assist in escorting residents/tenants and/or seek assistance as necessary based upon needs such as uncertainty about abilities, dietary restrictions, health needs, etc. 

•  Modify/adapt programs to meet the needs/abilities of individuals or groups. 
• Effectively collaborate with staff to promote the residents’ total wellbeing. Assure that the communities have the necessary resources (community linkages, materials and supplies, skills and knowledge) to be successful and to provide continuity in quality resident care. 

• Ensure resident safety and health by following all safety practices, using proper safety equipment, and utilizing appropriate behavior strategies. 
  • Ensure resident/tenant activity level remains within physical and psychosocial abilities. 
  • Utilize Listen, Understand, and Act techniques, as needed for residents/tenants. 
  • Clean and organize work areas.  Be aware and respond accordingly to potential hazards (i.e. wet floors, hallway obstructions, etc.) 
  • Observe and utilize appropriate intervention skills for individual dietary, visual, hearing and transfer needs.  
• Create and maintain a documents based on regulatory requirements and best practice standards, records and reports including:  
  • Observe tenant/resident participation in therapeutic recreation programs to assess effectiveness and document in participation record books. 
  • Assist with inspecting equipment and supplies and report-needed repairs to supervisor. 
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team members in providing appropriate programs.  
  • Suggest observed needs of residents/tenants based upon group and individual interaction to Therapeutic Recreation team. 
• Assist with various other Therapeutic Recreation duties as requested.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education, Experience and Certifications

• High School Diploma or related required.
• Current certification in CPR preferred; upon hire if not certified, must obtain no later than 90 days from hire.
• Class B license or willingness to obtain within six months of hire as designated or required by site.
• One or more years’ hands on experience with seniors preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to learn and be competent in transfer techniques and physical ability to assist residents/tenants during activities.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety of people and personalities inside and outside the organization.  Able to effectively handle interactions at all levels and to respond appropriately in sensitive situations.
• Able and willing to work flexible hours such as during evenings and weekends for planned programs.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language to communicate with all customers
• Able to display high levels of customer service, responding promptly and thoroughly to the inquiries and needs of individuals both internal and external to the organization in accordance with our PROUD standards.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to all levels of people inside and outside the organization, including possessing good English speaking skills, fluency and understandability.
• Detail-oriented, organized and applies effective time management skills in order to meet all deadlines.  Able to successfully prioritize and manage multiple tasks and numerous projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Work as an effective and proactive team player; understands the importance of supporting the organization, residents, customers and other Sholom employees.
• Understand and maintain confidential nature of organization and client information, including and in accordance to HIPAA regulations.
• Able to understand and follow facility and department safety and emergency procedures
• Able to understand the use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals used in cleaning. Keep chemicals and cleaning supplies safely stored.
• Able to follow and adhere to Universal Precautions and Infection Control procedures related to Nursing. 
• Familiar with computers and software, including using the Internet, Microsoft Office, Outlook and other applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO PERFORM THIS JOB

Incumbent must be able to: 

• Perform light work, lifting up to 20 pounds, with frequent lifting/carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Push and move wheelchairs with residents of all weights and sizes for short and long distances.
• Transfer, position, escort and attend to the basic needs of residents/tenants including transfer from wheelchair to chair, push or walk with resident/tenant to activity, provide water as needed, and seek appropriate assistance to help with toileting needs.   
• Twist, turn, bend, stoop, squat, and reach frequently in the performance of therapeutic recreation activities, picking up supplies and transporting residents. 
• Physical ability to move around office/building area repeatedly throughout the day.
• Hear, speak and effectively verbally communicate in the English language, including following oral and written instructions, in order to communicate with residents, staff and caregivers.
• Apply manual dexterity, visual acuity and ability, for computer keyboarding, office equipment use, performance of recreational activities, review detailed reports, information, fine print and warning labels.
• Able to work a flexible work schedule, including overtime, nights and weekends as required including attending events/meetings as needed.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Incumbent must be able to use telephone, calculator, copy machines, computers, printers and other office equipment.  In addition, ability to use a variety of equipment needed for recreation activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is primarily indoors.  Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions in traveling outside of the workplace or events held outside.

 This job description does not necessarily list all the functions or accountabilities of the job.  Employees may be asked by management to perform additional duties and tasks.   Management reserves the right to revise and update job descriptions at any time.  

 Sholom is dedicated to the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of relevant background, employment verification and TB tests, as well as participating in mandatory vaccine programs (ex. COVID-19), testing requirements (ex. COVID-19, TB), and using designated PPE where and when required.

Sholom is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.