Recreational Therapy Director jobs in Arkansas

Plans, organizes, supervises and directs all administrative and operational activities of the Activities Department.

Responsible for the ongoing developing and implementation of an activities program designed to meet the social

psychosocial and therapeutic needs of Nursing Home residents.

Coordinates the establishment of a Resident Council and renders assistance to the Council.

Responsible for the scheduling of various activities programs.

Oversees the transportation of residents to social activities programs inside and outside the Nursing Home facility.

Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of Departmental operating procedures and recommends changes as required.

Assist in arranging transportation for field trips, doctor appointments, etc.

Develops care plan goals for residents in compliance with Federal & State regulations, and participates in Interdisciplinary Team and Unit Care Conferences.

Interview resident/families as necessary and in a private setting.

Develops and applies of new approaches to activity therapy to enhance the quality of resident's lives.

Completing all required reporting procedures in a timely manner.

Adjusts activities program content to respond to the diverse and individual needs of Nursing Home residents.

Maintains contact with staff from the Nursing, Food Service and Environmental Service Departments on a continual basis to exchange information on resident care and problems and coordinate services.

Consults with staff from community organizations to arrange activities outside the Nursing Home

Monitors supplies used and resident charges as well as resident satisfaction.

Performs administrative and personnel functions pertaining to the operations of the Activities Department.

Evaluates the effectiveness of the Department's operating procedures and modifies procedures accordingly.

Maintain an excellent working relationship with the residents, family members, co-workers, etc.

Make oral reports/recommendations to the administrator concerning the operation of the social/activity department.

Report all incidents/accidents.

Provide information to resident/families as to the activity programs available to the residents.

Be alert to any change in residents/condition. Report to charge/staff nurse immediately.

Invite and encourage residents to participate in day’s activities and assist in discovering methods to motivate residents’ interest in life and the community.

Work with the facility’s consultants as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.

Make routine visits to residents and perform assistance with crafts, projects, etc., as necessary.

Help to create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the facility.

Follow universal precautions.

Maintain confidentiality of all resident information.

Other duties appropriate to role as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in well-lighted and ventilated areas.

Sitting, standing, bending, lifting, and moving intermittently during working hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved with the residents, family members, personnel, visitors, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

Communicates with nursing personnel and other department supervisors.

Is willing to work beyond normal working hours and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs as directed.

Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.

Be economical and careful with supplies, equipment, etc.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to read, write and speak the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public.

Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.

Must be willing to work harmoniously with other personnel.

Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.

Possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activity programs.

Must have a sincere desire to work with the aged.

Must have some understanding of the social, psychological, and recreational needs of the aged.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.

Must be able to speak the English language in an understandable manner.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Must be able to see and hear, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.