Recreation Therapist - Alaris Health at West Orange

Alaris Health at West Orange, a 120 bed-skilled nursing Center in West Orange, New Jersey, seeks a recreation therapist to assist with the Center’s activity programs and collaborate with other recreation staff to develop the recreation program. Additional responsibilities include:

1            Assists with planning the recreation program by contributing to the development of program philosophies and policies, writing procedures, goals and objectives for the program and by establishing an individualized recreation plan based upon each residents’ needs, interests and abilities;

2            Works with the Recreation Director to plan programs based on the resident’s needs, interests and abilities, and encourages resident involvement in recreation program planning;

3            Documents the recreation program and resident’s progress within recreation. Maintains records that improve future planning, individualized approach and continual evaluation and revision;

4            Contributes to the development of the resident care plan, maintains adequate records on volunteers, and complies with government standards for documentation;

5            Contributes to the implementation of a meaningful recreation program for all residents, that includes implementing creative, intellectual, physical, service, social and spiritual programs each week that provide opportunities for participation in community activities and opportunities for residents to be of service for others;

6            Assists in the recruitment and training of recreation program volunteers;

7            Assumes responsibility of department in Director’s absence;

8            Provides resources for the special interests of residents, whenever possible, as well as, materials for independent activity. While a schedule of a variety of group activities is important, flexibility in the program for spontaneous activities is also necessary;

9            Works with the Recreation Director to evaluate the effectiveness of the recreation program in terms of enhancing the quality of the resident’s life, based on goals and performance objectives of the program, and evaluations from residents, families, staff, volunteers, resource people, administration and consultants;

10         Works efficiently and cooperatively with the administration and staff by contributing to the orientation of new staff, by participating as a team member, by interpreting goals and methods of the recreation program to all staff, and by communicating information regarding the health and welfare of residents to staff;

11         Participates in various facility committees as needed, plans activities to avoid conflict with treatment plans, and accepts and delegates responsibility in cooperation with the Recreation Director;

12         Maintains cooperative relationships with members of the residents’ families by orienting family members to recreation programs, by encouraging families to participate in the volunteer and recreation program, and by encouraging families to evaluate and make suggestions for the recreation program;

13         Concerns his/herself with the safety of all facility residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the facility adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the facility’s fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;

14         Acts as a resource person to staff, other Recreation/Activity Coordinators and community organizations while demonstrating a positive and objective approach to observations and action;

15         Maintains confidentiality when dealing with residents, their families and records, demonstrate a knowledge of rights and concerns for the welfare of all residents in the facility, and effectively communicates with individuals and groups by establishing regular written communication through the use of a newsletter format to the community;

16          Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights;

17         Performs other duties as requested.

Job Requirements:

1            BA/BS in Healthcare Field OR

2            Certificate of completion of the MEPAP I/II State certified Course

3            High school degree.

4            Certification in accordance with regulatory agencies governing the facility.

5            Associate degree in recreation is preferred.