Recreation Therapist at Senior Living Communities

Find your new career with a team of HEROES, who are extraordinary people doing ordinary things for seniors. We are dedicated to giving back and supporting our team members, local community, and others worldwide. Come join a team with (6) Industry Best of the Best Awards and help us put People First Always! Lakes at Litchfield is now accepting applications for a Recreation Therapist. This individual will plan & execute activities for residents in Assisted Living, Memory Care & Skilled Nursing. Being creative & enjoying working with seniors is a must! Varied work schedule may include some weekends, evenings, and holidays. Interviews offered daily! We look forward to meeting you!

POSITION SUMMARY: The Recreation Therapist serves as a support to the healthcare members for day-to-day wellness needs. This position is responsible for the cohesion and teamwork of the Life Enrichment Leaders to deliver outstanding customer service and develop an enriching community program for the members that integrates and meets their interests and needs into their daily routine. In order to meet the interests and needs of the members, this position shall assist in interviewing healthcare members to learn about their preferences, lifelong interests, favorite things, and daily routines. Under the leadership of the Healthcare Administrator, the Recreation Therapist shall assist in the development and integration of social events, outings, programs, and activities, with a multitude of choices, for the members of the campus based on what they learn about members. The social/activities program shall be multifaceted and reflect groups’ and individuals’ interests and needs and provide programming that focuses on the six dimensions of wellness: emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. The program shall be a well-tailored program that includes, but is not limited to, themed events, educational, opportunities, social functions, spiritual opportunities, day trips, cultural outings, lectures, informational meetings, and volunteer opportunities. This position shall collaborate with the Social Director to develop and continually update a file of resources available in the surrounding community to utilize and enhance the programming options available to members. The Recreation Therapist shall also assist in the recruitment and placement of volunteers to assist in the delivery of programming campus wide.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Represents the campus in a positive manner while creating an environment that fosters respect and courtesy for members and employees alike. Works within the campus programs to promote safety and the well-being of all members
and employees.
2. Upholds the Company’s Mission Statement.
3. Maintains HIPAA standards and regards all medical or healthcare information pertaining to members and employees as confidential.
4. Supervises Life Enrichment Leaders. Also responsible for the training and onboarding for this position.
5. Meets and interviews new members and family members to learn of member preferences, lifelong interests, favorite things, and daily routines.
6. Develops relationships with organizations in the local community, including but not limited to, galleries, museums, theaters, acting groups, chamber of commerce, men’s clubs, and women’s clubs.
7. Leads and/or participates in scheduled activities, encourages member participation, tracks and maintains attendance, participation, and member satisfaction, utilizes input and suggestions from members and member families on how to improve activities, and provides alternate activities or confirms substitutes due to absence.
8. Assists in providing adaptations for members’ individual needs (environment accessibility, leadership techniques, and adaptations).
9. Responsible to set up on time and clean in a timely manner all areas utilized for activities and programming. Also maintains cleanliness of all areas designated as activities spaces, including storage closets and offices, as well as any common areas where activities will take or have taken place.
10. Communicates with the Concierge to assist members with sign-ups for transportation, activities, outings, and distribution of games, puzzles, etc.
11. With the assistance of the Life Enrichment Leaders recruits, organizes, trains, and supervises volunteers providing assistance with or conducting activities for the Healthcare Department.
11. Develops a plan to individually recognize members’ birthdays-cards, balloons, flowers, special dessert in the dining room, etc.
13. Prepares monthly calendar items that may include, but is not limited to promotion of planned special activities and other matters of interest to the members.
14. Organizes, facilitates, supports, and assists in the operation of Member Council/Resident Council meetings.
15. Keeps an updated inventory of all equipment, supplies, and tools utilized within the department.
16. Must adhere to state regulations for proper documentation in residents’ charts for activities/programming. May be required to participate in care plan meetings as requested by the Healthcare Administrator.
17. Adheres to the budgetary guidelines assigned to the Member Services Department.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. This business is 24-7, 365 days a year, thus in this position one must remain flexible and be willing to meet the needs of the community as necessary.
2. Occasional travel may be required for training sessions, continuing education opportunities, emergency situations, and other company functions.
3. Responsible for knowledge of fire and safety procedures including those involving blood-borne pathogens.
4. Remains in proper attire at all times and maintains a high standard of appearance per Professional Appearance policy.
5. Participates in professional improvement workshops, seminars and meetings which allow continued education on current affairs in geriatric activity management.
6. Interacts well with marketing tours and prospective Members.
7. Maintains excellent Member and employee relations. Handles complaints and recommendations constructively.
8. Completes company assigned monthly training sessions via the Relias website.
9. Performs other duties as assigned by the Healthcare Administrator.
10. Occasionally, you may be required to operate a vehicle of your own or a Company-owned vehicle for designated Company purposes or facilitate a resident/member needs and/or requests.

PREREQUISITES:
A. Education
- High school graduation or GED required.
- CPR and AED certification required (must be attained in first 60 days of employment).
- Activities certification desired.
- Ideal candidate has Four-year college or university degree in Recreation Therapy or similar field.
B. Direct Previous Experience
- Two years' experience with geriatrics required.
- Two years' experience in a similar activities/recreation therapy position required.
C. Skills:
- Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook) plus the willingness to learn other computer programs if required.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Must conduct all business with a professional manner and with a high level of confidentiality.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record as specified by
the Company and by the Company’s automobile insurance carrier.
D. Abilities:
- Work indoors for the majority of the work day (fluorescent lights, HVAC system, carpeted flooring, normal office noise levels)
- Climb up to two flights of stairs occasionally.
- Lift objects of 25 pounds or less over the head.
- Move objects of 40 pounds or less.
- Remain standing for extended periods.
- Respond to medical emergencies if needed.

#SLC1