Recreation Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

The Recreation Therapist for PACE is responsible for the coordination and planning of the therapeutic and recreational activities for participants in the PACE program.  Plans and develops individual and group recreation activities. Responsible for providing a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program for participants of PACE, including measurable goals of improvements.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from an accredited college with emphasis on recreation with special populations or senior populations.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating services for the frail or elderly population.  Experience within the past 5 years is required.
• 1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population preferred. If this is not present, training on working with a frail or elderly population will be provided upon hiring.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and the minimum state required liability auto insurance.
• Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.
• Pass a comprehensive criminal background check that may include, but is not limited to, federal and state Medicare/Medicaid exclusion lists, criminal history, education verification, license verification, reference check, and drug screen.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordination of day center social programming and activity, including communicating current events and PACE organizational issues to participants in culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Work closely with the Operations Director to oversee activity in the day activity room, including unsafe conditions for participants or staff.
• Conduct initial and periodic assessments, at a minimum of every 6 months, for all participants.
• Assessments must be completed prior to scheduled team meetings.  
• Establishes realistic and measurable goals and sets up individualized recreation therapeutic programs as part of plan of care to include recreational and social activities.
• Communicates participant changes to team members.
• Provide participant and family education in coordination of 24-hour care delivery.
• Record, sign, and date “Progress Reports” in the participant’s medical record.
• Develop, implement, and supervise the Activity Program- to include both group and individual activities; ability to supervise recreation aides and volunteers.
• Ensure that therapy being provided conforms to accepted industry practice standards and organizational/department standards.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of age-related characteristics, symptoms, and needs of participants served; explain activities and programming in appropriate way; work with other therapists and primary care staff to enhance the day center experience of participants.  
• Serve as a resource to staff and coordinate volunteer activities at the Center.
• Build relationships and coordinate with various community resources; coordinate performances by community organizations, including Holiday celebrations.
• Coordinate recreational and therapeutic outings into the community where possible.
• Build within the Center a sense of community and a warm, social atmosphere in which participants are able to identify a support system.
• Participate in QI activities as appropriate, lead participant discussions on PACE programming improvement.
• Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team: attend staff meetings, take part in participant care planning.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work independently and as an effective member of a team.
• Good understanding of psychosocial problems of aging.
• Social activities, including arts/crafts and performance programming, tailored to senior population.
• Basic computer skills and use of electronic mail.
• Be empathic and patient to attend to needs of frail elderly population.
• Communicate clearly and effectively to participants on a daily basis.
• Communicate effectively and openly with other Interdisciplinary Team members on participant status and needs.
• Only act within the scope of his/her authority to practice.
• Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by PACE and approved by regulatory agencies before working independently.

BoldAge PACE provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.