Valley View Rehab & Nursing Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:Therapeutic Recreation Aide

RESPONSIBLE TO:Therapeutic Recreation Director

DEFINITION:Under the supervision of the Therapeutic Recreation Director is responsible for implementing the activities program for a designated group of residents via creative planning, implementation, participation, evaluation and documentation of same.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Education and/or experience in activities.

2.Competency in dealing with the elderly and ill residents.

3.An outgoing, caring person with the willingness to learn, good judgment, and the ability to work well with others.

4.Must have, as a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalency.

5.Satisfactory personal and professional references.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Complete initial and ongoing assessment (s) of residents per facility policy, as assigned.

  1. Provide activities in 1:1 settings, small groups and or large groups to residents of all ages in need of recreation services under the supervision of a certified therapeutic recreation specialist or activity coordinator.
  2. Implement and supervise diversional group activities.
  3. Utilize appropriate communication skills when relating with residents, families and other members of the health care team.
  4. Maintain confidentiality of resident care and departmental information.
  5. Perform all duties according to infection control standards, which include handwashing, linen handling and universal precautions.

7.Participate in Care Planning Process as assigned and identify resident activity needs.

8.Maintain all required documentation for a designated group of residents.

9.Promote and maintain good interpersonal relationships with nursing, volunteers, residents, visitors, and other facility personnel.

10.Promote public relations and quality assurance.

11. Work evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

  1. Assist with transportation of residents as required.
  2. Supervise volunteers as required.
  3. Use Nursing electronic software to record level of resident participation in activities.

16. Other related duties as assigned.

WORK CONDITIONS:

1.Generally works in well-lighted/ventilated climate controlled areas.

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

3.Is subject to frequent interruptions.

4.Is involved with residents, family members, personnel, visitors, etc., under all

conditions and circumstances.

5.Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.

6.Communicates with nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.

7.Must be able to work above and beyond normal work hours, which includes evenings, weekends and holidays.

8.Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to stay abreastof changes in profession.

9.May be exposed to wet, slippery floors, hot objects, sharp/dangerous equipment, infectious diseases, substances, malodors, etc., throughout the workday.

10.Must be economical and careful with supplies, equipment, etc.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1.Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

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

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

4.Willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.

5.Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

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

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

8.Must have a sincere desire to work with the aged.

9.Must have basic understanding of the social, psychologicalrecreational needs of older adults.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1.Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

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

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

4.Must possess sight/hearing senses, oruse prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

5.Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.

6.Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.

7.Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.

8.May be required to lift equipment, suppliesoccasionally move furniture up to fifty(50) lbs.

9.Must be able to push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day.

- i.e. transport residents to activities, etc.

10.Must be able to bend, squat, reach and twist body frequently throughout the day.

11.Occasionally exposed to outside inclement weather conditions.

RESIDENT AND STAFF SAFETY:

Employees are responsible for actively participating in Valley View Rehab &Nursing Center resident and staff safety improvement. Employees have the responsibility to: Identify processes or systems that could potentially lead to errors and adverse events. Know and follow organizational and department policies and procedures applicable to assigned duties. Avoid taking shortcuts or encouraging others in the organization to shortcut established policies and procedures as a means of facilitating resident care. Use sound judgement and awareness of potential hazards before taking action. Participate in required departmental and organizational resident and staff safety programs. Promptly report serious events and incidents in accordance with established facility policy and procedure. Assume responsibility for one’s own professional development and education to improve individual performance and facility resident safety. Work safely, as a condition of continued employment.

HIPAA Privacy Requirements

The Employee acknowledges and agrees that while performing job responsibilities for Valley View Rehab Nursing Center, the employee may create, receive, or review certain Resident Protected Health Information (PHI), as such term is defined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the regulations promulgated thereon (The “ HIPAA Privacy Rule “). The Employee further agrees to use and/or disclose PHI only as permitted or required to do their job, to use all reasonable efforts to maintain the security of the PHI, and to prevent the unauthorized use and/or disclosure of the PHI. Employee also understands and agrees to maintain PHI as confidential, and not divulge such information to any unauthorized third party for which PHI was not intended.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

I have read the job description and fully understand the requirements set forth therein. I hereby accept the position of Therapeutic Recreation Aide and agree to abide by the requirement set forth and will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability. I understand as a result of my employment, I may be exposed to the AIDS and Hepatitis B Viruses.

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DateSignature

Therapeutic Recreation Aide

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DateSignature

Therapeutic Recreation Director

10/97,10/05

Updated: 6/06; 12/2017