Activities Specialist

Life Care Centers of America; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Activities Specialist at Life Care Centers of America provides, based on assessments and patient preferences, an ongoing program to support patients in choosing activities including group, individual, and independent options, designed to meet physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.

Reports to the Activities Director; requires state licensure/registration where applicable, and eligibility for professional certification. Prior geriatrics experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Qualified activities professional licensed or registered by the state, if applicable.
• Eligible for certification as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after Oct 1, 1990.
• Two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, including one year full-time in a therapeutic activities program.
• Completed a training course approved by the State.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and develop quality activity programs including entertainment, exercise, relaxation, and education.
• Chart patient progress and behavior in a descriptive manner.
• Escort patients to and from activities, including driving when needed.
• Make regular in-room visits to patients uninterested or unable to participate in group activities.
• Exhibit excellent customer service and maintain a positive attitude toward patients.
• Assist in the evacuation of patients.
• Maintain dependable, regular attendance.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and communicate effectively.
• Lift up to 35 lbs and perform routine physical tasks as required.

Skills

Arts/crafts proficiency

Music proficiency

Independent decision making

Interpersonal communication

Education

State license/registration as activities professional

Certification eligibility by accrediting body after 1990

Experience in social or recreational program (2 years; 1 year full-time in therapeutic activities)

Completed state-approved training course

Job description

Position Summary

• The Activities Specialist plans, organizes, and develops quality activities for patients, ensuring that the recreational, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social needs of each patient are met in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Life Care standards. Provides, based on the comprehensive assessment and care plan and the preferences of each patient, an ongoing program to support patients in their choice of activities, both facility-sponsored group and individual activities and independent activities, designed to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each patient, encouraging both independence and interaction in the community.
• Reports to Activities Director

Education, Experience, and Licensure/Certifications

• Qualified activities professional who is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; AND
• Eligible for certification as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; OR
• Has two (2) years of experiences in a social or recreational program within the last five (5) years, one of the which was full-time in a therapeutic activities program; OR
• Has completed a training course approved by the State
• Prior experience with geriatrics preferred

Specific Requirements

• Valid driver’s license in current State with satisfactory driving record per Life Care standards
• Demonstrated proficiency in arts/crafts/music is preferred
• Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
• Knowledgeable of activities practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing activities functions in the post-acute care facility
• Ability to implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the activities department
• Perform proficiently in all applicable competency areas
• Professional working relationships with all associates, vendors, etc.
• Confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
• Understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures
• Displays integrity and professionalism by adhering to Life Care’s Code of Conduct and completes mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training

Essential Functions

• Plan, organize, and develop quality activity programs (includes entertainment, exercise, relaxation, and education)
• Appropriately and descriptively chart patient progress and behavior
• Escort patients to and from activities which may include driving patients
• Make regular in-room visits to patients uninterested or unable to participate in group activities
• Exhibit excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards patients
• Assist in the evacuation of patients
• Demonstrate dependable, regular attendance
• Concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment
• Communicate and function productively within an interdisciplinary team
• Sit, stand, bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, walk, reach, and move intermittently during working hours
• Read, write, speak, and understand the English language
• Lift 35 lbs floor to waist, lift 35 lbs waist to shoulder, lift and carry 35 lbs, and push/pull 35 lbs

An Equal Opportunity Employer