Activity Director

Job Classification- Administrative/Management

Position Purpose- Oversees, directs, and manages a program of diversified activities for residents of the healthcare facility, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, standards, and established facility policies and procedures to provide residents with appropriate care and services. The director is to assure than an ongoing program of activities is designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 2 years of experience in a patient activities program in a healthcare setting.

• Must be a state-licensed or certified Activities professional

• CTRS or certification by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCA)

• Must be able to instruct and supervise others in activity program functions and techniques.

• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in English.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates, develops, and maintains a quality activity program utilizing staff expertise and family and community resources.

• Provides an activity program that meets the needs and interests of the residents and state, federal, and facility expectations.

• Develops and organizes individual and group activities for a wide variety of interests, from music to intellectually stimulating activities to special events.

• Interviews and assesses all residents prior to the initial resident care planning conference and enters assessment information into the medical record, regularly updating the assessment and plan.

• Develops an activity plan with measurable objectives consistent with the resident's care plan and the physician's orders.

• Creates and conducts 1:1 activities as indicated by resident preferences

• Document the resident's progress on a timely basis.

• Organize activity calendar and programs which are congruent to the needs/interests of the residents, and which meets state, federal and corporate expectations, ensures its posting and communicate calendar functions throughout the facility.

• Maintains a log regarding the resident's attendance in activity programs.

• Organizes and monitors volunteer records and reports.

• Coordinates development of facility newsletter and news releases to local newspapers and other media.

• Evaluates the overall effectiveness of the resident activity program and, as necessary, modifies the program to meet resident needs/interests.

• Arranges for community outings.

• Ensures an offering of religious programs that considers resident preference.

• Assists the residents in the organization and continued development of Resident's Council. Confirms that the minutes of each meeting are recorded and promptly submitted to the Administrator.

• Bring the community into the facility through outreach programs, guest speakers, entertainment programs, voting drives, etc.

• Selects, trains, and develops a capable and efficient activities staff.

• Provides mental and physical stimulation and fosters a vibrant social atmosphere for residents.

• Oversees other activity personnel in implementing activity programs and services

• Assists in training, teaching, and directing volunteers and students.

• Provides the Administrator with monthly statistical reports on planned activities and participant numbers in in-service programs.

• Maintains records, including information on residents, progress notes, attendance, discharge summaries, Resident Council meeting minutes, activity assessments, and plans for each resident.

• Attends care plan conferences to identify problems and develop goals approaches for inclusion in the care plan.

• Interviews new residents upon admission

• Decorates the facility with seasonal and holiday decor

• Requisitions equipment and supplies for activity programs, conducts inventory audits, and prepares yearly budget for activities.

• Maintains resident confidentiality and complies with company, state, and OSHA standards

• Performs other related duties as required or requested

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in interdisciplinary assessments for Medicare residents upon admission, during interim periods, and at discharge.

• Develops and maintains proper storage, use, and sanitization processes for activities equipment and supplies.

• Represents the facility's activities department in public and professional arenas, confidently delivering clear messages to diverse audiences.

• Builds and maintains positive relationships with residents, employees, and families through regular communication.

• Serves on or participates in facility committees as needed.

• Delivers high-quality, compassionate care, as evidenced by competent staff, a clean activities environment, and resident satisfaction.

• Works with interdisciplinary teams, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to enhance services or address issues.

• Collaborates with Human Resources to recruit qualified activities staff to build a strong activities team.

• Fosters teamwork, respect, and effective communication, promoting problem-solving and positivity.

• Reports to the administrator on activities department operations.

• Ensures the activities department’s readiness for health inspections, OSHA surveys, and other regulatory requirements.

• Stays informed on regulatory updates, practice act changes, and best practices impacting resident centered activity outcomes.

• Promotes workplace safety and accident prevention measures.

• Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to current laws, healthcare regulations, and professional standards is a primary duty. Keeping abreast of healthcare policy changes, conducting audits, and leading training initiatives are essential actions to ensure compliance across the activities team.

• Budget Management: Resource allocation is managed with precision to balance operational efficiency and high-quality patient care. Analyzing financial reports, projecting future expenses, and making necessary adjustments help maintain budget integrity, supporting the sustainability and growth of activities services.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Facilitating collaboration among healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and personalized patient care plans. Clear, consistent communication and a shared pursuit of goals are fostered, promoting a unified approach to patient care.

Additional Tasks:

• Treats residents with dignity and respect, protecting their rights.

• Establishes a culture of compliance with facility policies, regulations, and professional standards.

• Addresses and resolves patient complaints or concerns

• Communicates with patients and their families about the resident’s Lifestory Legacy, likes, dislikes, interests, and personal history, etc... to create patient centered care activities.

• Adheres to safety and hygiene protocols, maintaining the confidentiality of health information.

• Reports any noncompliance, breaches of confidentiality, or retaliation to the appropriate personnel.

• Reports allegations of abuse or mistreatment of residents and assists with investigations.

• Follows infection control procedures and reports occupational exposures as per facility policy.

• Participates in life safety drills and emergency plan implementations.

• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately.

• Completes all assigned training and competency tasks as a condition of employment.

Activities Director Behavior and Cultural Description Expectations:

• AD will hold him/herself to the highest integrity standard for all interactions and tasks.

• Maintain respectful, empathetic, communication with all staff, patients, families, volunteers, and visitors.

• AD will lead the activities team by exemplifying timeliness and thorough documentation,

• AD will be self-motivated and demonstrate creativity, flexibility, compassion, and teamwork for all daily operations.

• AD will efficiently organize activities, communications, and programs.

• AD will demonstrate a willingness to accept and implement feedback.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired / Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Ability to interact tactfully with residents, staff, family members, and government agencies.

• Patience, tact, and the ability to work with difficult residents, families, and staff.

• Must not pose a health or safety threat to others in the workplace.

• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday and meet general health requirements as per facility policy.

• Willingness to work beyond normal hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

• Capable of assisting in the evacuation of residents during emergencies.

• Ability to perform common physical movements such as bending, kneeling, and lifting as required by the position.

• May encounter falls, equipment burns, or unpleasant odors during the workday; and be exposed to reactions from disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and conditions like AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.

• May experience hostile or emotional interactions with residents, family members, visitors, or staff.

• Exhibits teamwork, leadership, and the ability to supervise and work harmoniously with others.

• Capable of making independent decisions when needed.

• Able to handle the mental and emotional stress of the position.

• Communicates effectively with medical and nursing staff as well as other departments.

• Available for call-backs during emergency conditions.

• Works both in an office setting and throughout the facility.

• Completes tasks despite frequent interruptions.

Compliance as a Condition of Employment and Performance Evaluation

• Employees must agree to adhere to all facility standards, policies, and procedures, including the compliance and ethics program, as a condition of their employment. Compliance will be considered when assessing job performance. Any violations, including the failure to report infractions, may result in disciplinary action, which could include termination.

• This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities associated with this position. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed. Regular updates may be required to align with evolving expectations from various governmental agencies regarding long-term care. This job description will be reviewed and updated annually and as necessary.