Therapy Aide I (Life Enrichment/Activities) - Cedarbrook Senior Care & Rehab

Cedarbrook Senior Care & Rehab is seeking a PT/PRN Therapy Aide I (Life Enrichment/Activities) Department for its Allentown and Fountain Hill facilities.

General Definition:

This is technical work at the entry level assisting in the provision of therapy to residents of a County long term care facility. A position in this class observes and assists residents participating in recreational therapy and facilitates the effective provision of such therapy. Work includes extensive contact with residents. A position in this class is differentiated from related classes by the level of technical work performed. A position in this class receives instruction and direction from a higher level technical, professional or supervisory position.

Typical Examples of Work:

• Assists in planning for individual and group recreational and devotional programs for residents, leads motivational groups and other learning groups.
• Leads and/or attends, assists and encourages resident participation in such activities.
• Schedules, accompanies and may drive van and bus on trips.
• May assist with volunteer and/or other facility programs and related activities.
• Writes and prepares a monthly newsletter for residents; maintains inventory and records related to the sale of residents' products.
• Maintains bulletin boards; may decorate resident areas for special events.
• Maintains appropriate records, cleans and cares for equipment; keeps supplies at required levels and available for use.
• assists residents in transfers and ambulation as instructed.
• observes and reports progress and response of residents.
• may assign and review the work of volunteers assisting residents, transports residents.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of goals, objectives, methods, techniques and equipment used in providing recreational therapy.
• Ability to learn specific practices, procedures and operations of the recreational therapy field.
• Ability to learn and practice safety procedures when working with residents; utilize precautionary or remedial measures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, including providing encouragement and securing participation in activities.

Acceptable Training & Experience:

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
• one year of experience providing assistance to individuals with mental or physical limitations which has included exposure to long term health care and/or therapy on a regular basis; or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.
• First preference will be given to an individual with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation (TR) as well as those with a BS in TR and a certified TR specialist. (CTRS).
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, if required by work assignment.