Job Description and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Life Enrichment, the Recreation Assistant is responsible for understanding the theory and philosophy of Therapeutic Recreation and how it applies to the delivery of therapeutic recreation activities to the geriatric resident. This position will primarily serve residents in the Dogwood Memory Care Assisted Living. The Recreation Assistant should be a motivated and enthusiastic individual who is capable of interacting with staff and residents on an interpersonal and group basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following description of job responsibilities and standards are intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job, but it is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

• Assist in identifying residents who are self-isolating and engage them in activities.
• Tailor activities and/or develop new activities to meet the needs of residents with mild cognitive impairment.
• Provide recreational activities using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings to residents.
• Provide structured group activities and meet with resident’s one-on-one.
• Demonstrates an understanding of Therapeutic Recreation and is capable of engaging in various daily tasks that are essential in the delivery of recreational activities to the resident of the Dogwood Memory Care Assisted Living neighborhood and residents of Caleb as needed.
• Conducts therapeutic group and individualized recreational activities.
• Maintains equipment used in activities.
• Takes responsibility for set-up and cleanup of assigned activities, and assure that all work areas are safely maintained.
• Disseminates information to the Director of Life Enrichment about resident's behavioral reactions in group or individualized activity.
• Attends Resident Care Conference meetings as indicated.
• Conducts ongoing evaluation of all recreation programs and reports findings to the Director of Life Enrichment.
• Able to work with interdisciplinary teams in providing the proper recreational services for residents.
• Supervises volunteers when requested.
• Shows ability to conduct independently all activities including, games, crafts, art, socials, parties, and music, etc. on an individual or group basis.
• Informs the Director of Life Enrichment all new recreational ideas and plans before implementation.
• Performs additional duties as assigned, i.e., purchasing supplies, charting, etc.
• Demonstrates an understanding of all the policies and procedures in the Recreation policy manual, and an ability to exercise specific polices when necessary.
• Demonstrate an ability to engage socially and therapeutically with staff and residents on a regular basis.
• Demonstrates ability to interact with residents impacted by dementia and/or other psychosocial behaviors.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure is required.
• Current certification by the State of Connecticut as a Recreation Therapist or experience in a comparable job is required.
• Must be able to speak and write English in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to safely perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must exhibit a practical understanding of Therapeutic Recreation when conducting 1:1 or small group recreational activities.

Environment and Working Conditions

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have personal integrity, have flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with other personnel, and agencies.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• May be required to lift, push, pull, and move office equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds to fifty (50) pounds without assistance.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents.
• Must be able to push/pull residents weighing 78-250 pounds in wheelchairs.
• Must be able to comprehend oral and written instructions.

What are the benefits?

• 401(k)
• Free Access to Aquatic & Fitness Center
• Employee discount lunches

Req. 1834

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