Life Enrichment Director

Qualifications:

Has an interest and ability to work with the elderly in the area of activities.

Requirements:

1. High school education. Leadership ability in planning an activity program, and involvement of residents.  Creative ability to make the activity program meaningful, interesting, appropriate and worthwhile.
2. Good character with excellent organization and communication skills. Outgoing, energetic and pleasant personality.  Ability to understand and relate to residents, volunteers and other staff members.  Capable of working without direct supervision. A love and respect for older people and their needs.
3. Knowledge of records. Ability to accept new concepts and use them advisedly.  Ability to evaluate the activity program and take necessary measures to ensure maximum effectiveness.
4. Ability to earn respect and support of entire staff. Eagerness to work cooperatively for the best advantage of the residents.
5. Confidentiality – maintains confidentiality of resident, employee and facility information.
6. C.N.A. Certification preferred.
7. Has a degree in therapeutic recreation, is licensed in Kansas as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, has a bachelor’s degree in a therapeutic activity field in art therapy, music therapy, special education, OR has 2 or more years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was full-time in a life enrichment program in a healthcare setting OR has completed a training course approved by the state of Kansas (Activity Director Certification)
8. Full Time position, including some evening and weekend hours.

Job summary:

Under the direction of the Administrator, the Director of Life Enrichment plans, coordinates and evaluates the resident activity program.  Provides necessary documentation.

Duties:

1. Become personally acquainted with each resident. Plan an effective program to fit individual needs.  Record individual activity involvement and achievement.  Make this record an integral part of the resident’s chart.
2. Become acquainted with new residents as soon as possible. Take measures to facilitate adjustment to the new environment.  Advise them of the activity program and how they can be involved.
3. Attend weekly care plan meetings for those residents assigned. Participate in the development and completion of the MDS for each resident as it is required.
4. Develop a plan of care for all residents. Establish goals and formulate plans according to the doctor’s orders, the resident’s interests and abilities.
5. Follow the plan and chart the progress of the resident – evaluate every 90 days and PRN and make changes as indicated.
6. Post notice of activities – giving time, place, and day. Keep notices current.
7. As needed, meet with other staff members to work through special problems. Keep Administrator and Director of Nursing knowledgeable concerning any meetings or problems.
8. Attend educational meetings that would be helpful in fulfilling the duties assigned.
9. Allow each resident to maintain his or her identity and individuality. Work within the activity program to have each resident live at their greatest potential, while recognizing limitations that exist while adhering to approved budgets.
10. Schedule department work hours (including vacation and holiday schedules), personnel, work assignments, etc. to expediate work.
11. Delegate administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability to other activity personnel as deemed necessary to perform their assigned duties and responsibilities.
12. Conduct departmental performance evaluations in accordance with Bethesda’s policies and procedures.
13. Assist in preparing and planning the Life Enrichment department’s budget for food, equipment, supplies and labor and submit to the Administrator for review, recommendations and approval.
14. Coordinates volunteer program at Bethesda.
15. Attend continuing education programs and conferences especially designed for activity directors.
16. Other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Administrator.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

(With or without the aid of mechanical devices)

1. Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
2. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
3. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
4. Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
5. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
6. Must be able to push, pull, transfer 25 pounds unassisted.

Must be able to push, pull, transfer 25-50 pounds with the assistance of another staff member.

7. May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.