The Director of Therapeutic Recreation is responsible for directing the development, planning, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of an ongoing program of activities designed to meet the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial needs of each individual resident. Responsible for the total Therapeutic Recreation program and assuring that the program meets all Federal and State regulations. Responsible for completion and/or delegating the completion of the activities component of the comprehensive assessment, contributing and/or delegating contribution to the comprehensive care plan goals and approaches that are individualized to match the skills, abilities, and interests/preferences of each resident.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

•       Must be a qualified Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with a Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college or university, plus have a minimum of two years experience in a long-term care facility, or have a Bachelor of Science Degree in a related field, with three years experience in a long-term care facility and eligibility to earn a CTRS certification with certification obtained within 6 months of hire.

•       Must maintain CTRS credentials and remain up to date on requirements of the CTRS credential.

•       Must successfully complete the facility CPR/AED training course and facility Feeding Assistant (FA) training course within 90 days of hire.

•       Employment is contingent on successful completion of a pre-placement physical.

•       Employment is contingent on completion of all pre-employment screening inclusive of a criminal background check and Medicaid Exclusion Screening, both indicating negative results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•       Direct the development, planning, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of an ongoing program of activities designed to meet the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial needs of each individual resident on assigned floor. This program may include but is not limited to the following types of activities: trips and outings, exercise groups, trivia and topic discussion, arts and crafts, cooking, baking and food-related, sensory and low-functioning activities, games, holiday parties and socials, entertainment and music, religious and spiritual, pets and animals, 1:1 interventions, assistance with independent leisure pursuits, etc.

•       Accordingly with current Minimum Data Set (MDS) standards, complete and/or delegate completion of the activities component of the comprehensive assessment, and contribute and/or delegate contribution to the comprehensive care plan goals and approaches that are individualized to match the skills, abilities, and interests/preferences of each resident.

•       Plan, coordinate, and supervise job responsibilities of Therapeutic Recreation staff, and establish programmatic schedules (work schedules, trip schedules, activity schedules, etc.)

•       Coordinate and evaluate facility-wide special events, 

•       Plan and coordinate innovative and new projects as appropriate for and as deemed relevant to current resident interests and preferences, i.e., music appreciation, walking club, etc.

•       Plan and conduct Resident Council meetings. Request and prepare follow-up received from related departments for resident concerns and questions stated at the meetings to present at the following month’s meeting.

•       Periodically review and/or audit Therapeutic Recreation staff duties and responsibilities to ensure quality standards and deadlines are met. Discuss findings with TR staff, Administrator, Executive Director and/or any other related departments as needed. Address any concerns with appropriate staff.

•       Provide educational and program information/materials to TR staff.

•       Review monthly reports and statistics.  Prepare annual department report presented at Monthly QualityAssurance meeting.

•       Present educational sessions to volunteers, CNA training classes, and community groups.

•       Maintain useful Therapeutic Recreation resource file.

•       Prepare, submit, and supervise control of departmental budget. Determine resources needed and obtain approval when necessary to acquire items and supplies.

•       Must be or become proficient in the use of electronic documentation including but not limited to the CareTracker© system, Answers on Demand©, (AOD), etc.

•       Periodically update TR policies and procedures, department manual, and other documents as needed but no less than annually.

•       Maintain communications between Therapeutic Recreation and other departments, and with outside community groups and organizations.

•       Participate in internal meetings/conferences and committees as appropriate; attend seminars and workshops for professional stimulation and growth. 

•       Maintain and enforce department and facility procedures, safety and fire prevention standards.

•       Provide care and handling of facility pets as needed.

•       Conduct monthly TR staff meetings and/or as needed.

•       Assure that TR department is in compliance with State and Federal regulations.

•       Guide and supervise TR interns, when applicable. Oversee the TR intern program.

•       Operate various audio-visual equipment during recreational programs. This equipment may include but is not limited to the following: TV, DVD player, VHS player, CD player, tape player, surround-sound system, gaming console, MPR sound system equipment, etc.

•       Assist with maintenance and storage of recreational equipment and materials. Maintain neat and orderly supply cabinets and desk area. Report losses, damages, and needs to the Nursing Administrator

•       Must be an active participant in the facility’s Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) program and Performance Improvement Project (PIP) and carry out roles and responsibilities as assigned.  Must identify opportunities for improvement, lead PIP projects and provide education and coaching in order to build the needed skills in others to lead PIP’s.  Participate in multidisciplinary activities and collaborate with the committee to prioritize and develop QAPI efforts. Must also report potential or actual non-compliance issues to the facility’s QAPI committee.

•       Will possibly be subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses. 

•       Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by supervisor.

**** Must have experience****