Activity Director - Balch Springs Nursing Home

Job Purpose:

Develop, coordinate and implement activity programs for the personal enjoyment and benefit of the individual resident in accordance with current federal, state and local standards governing the facility to ensure that spiritual, emotional, recreational and social needs of the residents are met on an individual basis. Arrange, schedule and supervise these activities. Secure and maintain current

information on residents’ preferences, making adjustments as appropriate

Essential job Duties and Responsibilities:

Work Schedule:

In facilities with sixty (60) or more residents, this position requires the incumbent to work a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week. In facilities with less than sixty (60) residents, individuals will be required to work a minimum of (20) hours per week. In both instances, this may require evening and/or weekend work and/or mandatory overtime.

Activities:

Coordinate and follow a calendar of activities based on identified recreational resident needs. Arrange, schedule and supervise these activities. Physically transport residents to/from activity room as required. Activities include games, plays, parties, sewing, picnics, shopping, walking, reading, movies, trips, puzzles, hobbies, needlework, hair grooming, gardening, group discussions, crafts, art and other forms of recreation. Stated activities do not reflect a comprehensive listing of activities.

Equipment:

Care, storage and safekeeping of facility recreational equipment. Budget recommendations for new equipment. Develop and maintain system for resident use of recreational equipment and/or facilities.

Volunteer Supervision:

Recruitment, selection, orientation and daily supervision of volunteers in conjunction with the Administrator. Maintain accurate attendance records. Ensure all proper background checks have been conducted on any volunteer. Plan and coordinate annual recognition of services event for volunteers.

Documentation:

Record and report resident participation in clinical charts. Prepare, review and update a plan for each resident. Resident surveys will be required as needed to identify and update activities for the

residents’ personal enjoyment.

Quality Assurance:

Identify and monitor social, recreational and emotional needs of residents through routine interview, visits and consultations with resident, facility personnel and family members. Promptly report to appropriate nursing authority any changes in residents’ conditions. Solicit advice from interdepartmental sources concerning activities. Actively encourage resident participation in activities.

Other Job Functions:

Resident Safety:

Ensure that established safety rules and regulations are observed at all times. Promptly report accidents, incidents, unsafe and hazardous conditions/equipment to the Administrator or his/her designee.

Staff Development:

Attend and participate in training, educational activities and staff meetings; assist with orientation and training other staff.

Other Duties:

Other duties as assigned

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without the aid of mechanical device):

Works in a climate-controlled and well-lighted environment.. Works in an office and throughout the building daily. Has Category 1 risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in handwashing practices and Universal Precautions and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated. Is subject to interruptions, noise, and odors daily

Walking, reaching, climbing, bending, lifting, grasping, fine hand coordination, pushing and pulling, ability to distinguish smells, tastes and temperatures, ability to communicate with residents and employees, ability to understand and follow training, ability to instruct staff in service education, and the ability to remain calm under stress.

Qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalency certificate with two years of experience in social or recreational programs within the last five years, one year of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting. Successful completion on a State-approved and certified course of instruction in patient activities. An individual who is exempt from completion for the State-approved course is:

• A person employed full time in an activities director position since January 1, 1976; or

• A person who has successfully completed a minimum 36-clock hour activities director course prior to August 31, 1978, which is sponsored by an accredited educational institution or professional group or association.

Individuals who do not meet the above criteria may serve in the capacity of an Activities Director with consultation from a person meeting the above described qualifications if he/she successfully completes the State-approved and Certified Activities Director’s course within nine months of beginning of employment.

Must be able to relate positively and favorably to residents and families and to work cooperatively with other associates.

Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.

Must be capable of performing the Essential Job Functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Related experience at a level necessary to accomplish the job

“At Will” Statement:

This job description provides guidelines only and none of its provisions are contractual in nature. The Job Description does not guarantee employment for any specific period of time or any specific terms or benefits of employment. All employment with the Company is “at will,” meaning that you or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause. No member of the Company’s management staff has the authority to make oral or written promises of employment that are inconsistent with the policy of at-will employment. The at-will nature of employment may only be modified through a written employment agreement signed by the head of

the Company’s governing body and the team member.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):

Our Facility is committed to protecting the privacy, security and integrity of individually identifiable health information received from or on behalf of our employees. The Facility adheres to the highest standards of integrity in the performance of its business and is prepared to maintain compliance with HIPPA and other regulatory requirements by adopting and adjusting policies and processes as

necessary. All employees are required to adhere to all HIPPA regulations