Therapeutic Recreation Director (TRD) - Northbridge Health Care Center

We are hiring a Therapeutic Recreation Director to join our dynamic care team at Northbridge Health Care Center in Bridgeport!

This is not a department head role.

Working with our team and residents will give you purpose in your professional and personal life.

Here at Athena Health Care Systems, our employees are the heart of our organization, and we take immense pride in their dedication. We are not only committed to delivering high-quality care and customer service to our patients and their families, but we also aspire to be the employer of choice. We strive to create a workplace where your skills and talents are nurtured to allow you to grow within the company.

As a TRD, you assist the Director in planning, organizing, developing, and implementing the overall operation of the Activity Department including social events, activities for residents, organizing external performers, and more.

Education & Experience:

• Must possess, as a minimum, an associate degree with major emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation—or be a candidate in an accredited degree program with proof of enrollment and ultimately, completion of a program in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a related field and one year of full time employment in Therapeutic Recreation in a health care facility; or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 6 credit hours of Therapeutic Recreation coursework; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field and two years full time employment in Therapeutic Recreation in a health care setting; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field and nine credit hours of Therapeutic Recreation coursework.  A related field shall include, but not be limited to Sociology, Psychology, Art, Music or Education.
• Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) must be obtained within six (6) months.
• Must be a qualified Therapeutic Recreation Director who is credentialed by the State of Connecticut.
• Experience working with Alzheimer’s and Dementia residents in a healthcare setting preferred.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists in plans and provisions of patient care by visiting residents regularly to evaluate needs.
• Document and report the nursing department any unusual or significant findings.
• Encourage residents to take part in activities of daily living that will stimulate his/her potential, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
• Spend duty time with residents rather than with other facility staff.
• Assist with and follow through on the establishment of resident care goals within the framework of the entire therapeutic team.
• Document accurately, timely, and comprehensively.
• Follow facility van operation policy and procedures, if applicable.
• Contribute to and promote positive resident and family relations.
• Participate in new hire selection, orientation process and provide supervision for all new recreation staff.
• Participate in disciplinary/corrective actions, including the issuance and implementation of discipline, performance-initiated training, and other corrective measures.
• Assist with composing and implementing recreation policies and procedures.

Specific Requirements:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable in the Privacy Rule and ensure all staff comply with facility privacy practices policies and procedures.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise professional and non-professional personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing policies and procedures.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must participate in continuing education and in-service training.

About Athena Health Care Systems:

Athena Health Care Systems, headquartered in Connecticut, has been a pioneer in delivering exceptional healthcare services since its establishment in 1984. Operating nursing homes across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, Athena stands out as one of the premier and highly regarded providers of skilled nursing centers in Southern New England. Through our commitment to improving both the lives of our residents and the quality of our environments, we have transformed our managed facilities into thriving communities where residents enjoy an enhanced quality of life, and employees find a fulfilling and supportive work environment.

Become a vital part of our team committed to delivering exceptional care to the residents we serve.

Athena’s Benefits:

• Competitive and Weekly Pay
• Holiday Pay for Hourly and Salaried Employees
• Overtime Pay for Hourly Employees
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Exclusive Employer Discount Program

Available for Eligible Team Members:

• Updated benefits options effective January 1, 2025, with different plans available to choose from!
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Vacation and Personal Time
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Athena Health Care Systems and its managed centers follow federal and state mandatory guidelines regarding staff vaccinations; our vaccination policy requires all newly hired staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they receive an approved exemption from Athena, except where prohibited by state law.