Activity Director Jobs

Class Title: ACTIVITY DIRECTOR

Department: Brooke Haven Healthcare

Immediate Supervisor: Nursing Home Administrator

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The primary purpose of this position is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Activity Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Nursing Home Administrator, to assure that an on-going program of activities is designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school graduate or GED is required and a minimum of two (2) years college is desired, but not necessary. Certification from Missouri Health Care Association from Activity Director’s Workshop, desired, but if not certified, must be able to complete within first year of employment.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies: problem solving; customer service; oral communication; written communication; delegation; managing people; quality management; cost consciousness; organizational support; judgment; planning and organizing; professionalism; quality; safety and security; adaptability; attendance and punctuality; dependability; and initiative.

Qualifications:

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activity services.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the activity programs of the facility. Assist in the development, administering, and coordinating of department policies and procedures. Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to the Nursing Home Administrator.

• Involve residents and families in planning facility activity programs. Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary. Provide consultation to members of staff, community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs and problems of the resident through the development of activity programs. Interview residents or family members to obtain activity information. Involve the resident/family in planning objectives and goals for the resident. Ensure that all charted activity progress notes are informative and descriptive of the services provided and of the resident’s response to the service. Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff, as well as other related departments in planning activity programs.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the identification of medically related activity needs of the resident. Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of activity care plans and resident assessments. Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the resident and family.
• Assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of directing the activity department. Assist in the review and updating of departmental job descriptions at least annually. Maintain a reference library of written material, laws, etc., necessary for complying with current standards and regulations; that will provide assistance in maintaining a quality activity program. Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the Nursing Home Administrator as required.
• Make weekly inspections of all activity functions to assure that quality control measures are continually maintained. Be prepared to handle emergencies as they come up (i.e., rescheduling work assignments and work schedules, etc.). Be sure that appropriate protective clothing/devices are on hand for handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids. Assist in making appointments for residents as requested. Schedule movies, plan parties, and provide games/activities for residents. Encourage residents to participate in hobbies and crafts; provide materials as necessary. Supervise activities as necessary. Develop and maintain an activity schedule (calendar). Provide reading materials in braille, tapes and records as necessary. Assist in providing library service for residents through cooperation with local library. Assist bed residents by visiting with them, writing letters, running errands, making appointments, etc. as necessary. Encourage residents to develop their educational development through reading, etc.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: (Licenses, certificates, credentials, altered work schedules, travel, etc.)

Certification from Missouri Health Care Association from Activity Director’s Workshop, desired, but if not certified, must be able to complete within first year of employment. Occasional overnight stays are required to attend and participate in continuing education programs. Work schedules may be altered to accommodate resident activities as needed.

SUPERVISION:

The Activity Director reports to and receives supervision from the Nursing Home Administrator. The Activity Director will also receive direction from the following:

• Vice President of Finance: regarding budget and payroll; and
• Vice President of Patient Cares: regarding patient cares;
• Vice President of Human Resources: regarding human resources policies to ensure that appropriate human resources practices are implemented.