Description Through comprehensive assessment and evaluation, develops program of activity therapy from a holistic approach to meet the needs of a diverse resident population. Essential Functions • Performs comprehensive assessment for each resident to determine level of abilities combined with past and current interests. • Based on findings, develops an individualized person-centered program of activity pursuits that are meaningful to the resident. • Completes MDS, CAAs in a timely manner, utilizing observation and assessment/monitoring tools. • Documents resident response to care plans and evaluates individual resident activity care plans for effectiveness, through participation records, etc. • Develops and utilizes a budget sufficient to maintain equipment and purchase supplies, enabling staff to provide for prescribed activity models. • Utilizes the “biopsychosocial” model to create meaningful activities for individuals. • As an active member of the facility’s interdisciplinary team, utilizes cutting edge models of approach, such as music therapy, pet therapy, aroma-therapy, therapeutic touch, etc. to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, aggression and pain. • Assists in evaluating efficacy of interventions for nursing and physician action. • Develops a variety of activity “tracks” to appeal to a heterogeneous resident population, including assorted lifestyle desires (such as individuals who prefer self-initiated activities), cultural diversity and age-appropriate choices. • Utilizes the environment to provide both comfort and stimulation to the resident population. • Assists residents and staff in orientation to time and place by strategic use of center-wide bulletin boards and appropriate holiday decorations or reminders. • Arranges for speakers, presenters, advocates and clergy to interact with individuals and groups of residents. • Supports residents’ needs and desires through 1:1 interaction, small group activity and large group meetings. • Organizes resident activities into a clear format (calendars and other communication tools) as a resource residents and co-workers can refer to. • Assists residents and guests to activities with the help of direct care staff. • Arranges and coordinates off-site activity trips, when available and appropriate. • Provides a venue for resident activism through the resident council process; communicates expressed desires and concerns of those residents to the CEO and appropriate department heads. • Together with the Social Services Director, provides a venue for family involvement through the family council process. • If assigned by resident leadership, takes comprehensive minutes at resident council meetings, and keeps files in safe, confidential storage, and assists with providing follow-up to concerns • Develops and maintains community volunteer efforts. • Fosters sense of community with the center environment. • Supervises Activity Assistants, if any. • Punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts. Other Functions • Collaborates with Therapy Department to arrange activities that promote functional independence (Example: Provides range of motion activity plan with and for restorative nursing services). • Communicates relevant data to other disciplines, such as providing information on fluid and snack intake at activities to nutrition services. • Through in-service training, educates all staff members on approaches and models. • Collaborates with social services personnel in developing intervention strategies for residents with evident psychosocial concerns • Consults with interdisciplinary team on residents who may have behavioral disturbance or symptoms of a mood disorder, making recommendations based on observed and documented interests and needs. • Ensures all resident activity documentation is complete, and reflects analysis of effectiveness and reaches a conclusion on how to proceed with plan of care. • Utilizes Quality Indicators/Quality Measures Report to evaluate program efficacy for individuals and overall performance; makes program changes when needed. • Assists resident/family and social services with discharge planning, by providing insights on effective activity interventions. • Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, its policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws and applicable professional standards. • Performs other duties, as assigned. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities • Skill in team building, collaborating with other disciplines. • Articulate writing skills. • Good oral communication techniques. • Ability to assess resident moods and revise approach accordingly. • Willingness to advocate for residents’ needs and desires, protecting resident rights. • Knowledge in variety of activity approaches. • Willingness to learn about areas that impact resident population, i.e. dementia. • Builds rapport easily – with residents, family members and co-workers. • Enjoys working with diverse populations. • Desires to improve, learn new methods. • Ability to maintain confidentiality. Requirements Education High school diploma with two years of experience in social or recreational programming within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activity program in a health care setting. Licenses/Certification Certified Activity Director (NCCAP or state-specific). Valid driver’s license Experience Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred. One year in a patient setting in a health care environment required. Experience in management/administrative duties preferred. Note: All employees of Cascadia Healthcare are required to submit and be cleared to work in the facility per each state’s specific background check requirements prior to contact with patients/residents.