Activity Director

Children; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CHONC Subacute Hospital in Saratoga, CA seeks a Recreational Therapist / Activities Director to oversee pediatric therapeutic recreation services for medically fragile children. You will assess patient needs, plan and deliver group and 1:1 sessions, and help achieve individualized goals while coordinating with the IDT and Zarcone School.

You will supervise Activity Assistants, manage volunteers, maintain program records, and lead a dynamic, multidisciplinary activities program focused on quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy or related field and CTRS certification.
• BLS certification required.
• Experience working with medically fragile pediatric patients preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient needs, develop treatment plans, deliver group and 1:1 sessions with clear goals.
• Lead and supervise Activity Assistants; manage volunteers and scheduling.
• Coordinate with IDT and Zarcone School; document care plans and progress notes.

Skills

CTRS

BLS Certified

Pediatric experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

A. Job Summary:The Recreational Therapist / Activities Director oversees and delivers pediatric therapeutic recreation services for medically fragile children at CHONC Subacute Hospital. The purpose of this role is to assess individual patient needs and developmental levels, delivering targeted group programming, 1:1 support, and joint therapy sessions to support personalized therapeutic goals. Additionally, this position leads the Activities Department by supervising Activity Assistants, managing the volunteer program, coordinating with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and Zarcone School, and maintaining department administration to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care.B. Core Responsibilities & Tasks:I. Patient Care & Therapeutic ProgrammingThis section focuses on the direct clinical responsibilities of the role, from assessment to intervention and evaluation.Organize daily activities at a CHONC Subacute Pediatric HospitalAssess patient, treatment plan, initiate intervention, document engagement, and evaluate activities with clear therapeutic goals and outcomesFacilitate appropriate individualized sessions for patients to strengthen their developmental abilities, fine motor, gross motor and cognitive skills.Track patient activity engagement and identifying any barriers leading to decreased activity participationFacilitate and advocate for treatment planning that will support improved quality of life for each patient within the hospital settingProvides feedback or input of child’s responses to activity, observations about their physical and emotional behavior to both the responsible party during care conferences and during Interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.II. Program Management & AdministrationThis section covers the administrative and operational aspects of the job, including documentation, resource management, and facility maintenance.Manage activity documentations such as assessments, quarterlies, progress notes, care plans, care conference notes, and IDT notes.Order and maintain activity department equipment and supplies to provide a wide range of unique and engaging interventions.Oversee and maintain an organized and sterilize Dayroom, shed, and office.Sterilize and clean Rehab room after each group or one-on-one sessionCoordinate the daily activities to ensure consistent and quality programmingIII. Staff & Volunteer SupervisionThis section highlights the leadership and management responsibilities, including training and collaborating with other staff and external partners.Manage and oversee Activity Assistants who assist with leading and conducting diversified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, organized games, and pet therapy.Train Activity Assistants to provide patient-centered care including, but not limited to; using patient’s interests to motivate and engage patient and provide hand-over-hand support when necessary.Establish and sustain working relationships with staff members and a variety of internal and external working groups and individuals, including community partnersOversee and manage the volunteer program at the Saratoga Subacute CHONC facility. This includes recruiting new volunteers, collecting and documenting required prerequisites such as mandated reporter training, vaccine records, and background checks. You’ll also be responsible for overseeing volunteer orientation, and creating and managing schedules of volunteersIIII. Program ManagementThis category includes tasks related to the logistics, planning, and administration of the therapeutic recreation program. It focuses on the behind-the-scenes work that ensures everything runs smoothly.Hiring Training and Staff ManagementHire, manage and train Activity Assistants and coordinate their schedulesManage volunteers and their schedulesProgram and Event PlanningPlan daily and monthly activity calendars and special eventsCo-plan with the social committee for company-wide eventsIncrease staff morale by decorating for holidays and planning festive eventsCoordinate with community partners and establish new community partner relationshipsReceive and organize donationsV. Patient and Family CareThis category focuses on the direct and indirect work you do with patients and their families. It emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic interventions, and communication.Direct Patient Care and InterventionFacilitate daily group and individualized programingProvide developmentally appropriate play to individual childrenTake children outside for increased quality of life and motor skill development/activities, weather permitting.Manage patient’s electronic devices to be used appropriately for leisureCoordinate with the rehab team to integrate and maximize therapeutic activity group time for advancing patients' rehabilitation goals.Write measurable, evidence-based, and individual objectives for each patientCollaboration and CommunicationWork with families, nursing staff, and activities department team to organize quarterly field trips and family-engaging eventsDevelop and present in-service training to nursing and respiratory staff on the holistic care of pediatric patients such as patient-centered care, behavioral management, and therapeutic interventions.Work together with the on-site Zarcone School and report school engagement to parents during care conferencesSend patient’s families updates and fliers about upcoming family events.C. Minimum Qualifications:I. Formal Education/Training:Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy (or related field ie art therapist, music therapist, dance therapist or occupational therapist assistant) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS); must meet California Title 22 requirements for Activity Director in a pediatric subacute facility.BLS CertifiedI. Job Related Experience:A minimum of one (1) year experience working with children in a healthcare, daycare, or educational setting.Direct experience working with medically fragile individuals preferred.II. Physical Requirements:Ability to lift 25 pounds comfortably and physically interact with children.Physical mobility to safely maneuver, transfer and position patients (as appropriate) to maximize engagement during group and 1:1 interventions.III. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Proficiency in timely, objective clinical documentation, including initial assessments, progress notes, and care plans.Ability to write measurable therapeutic goals and individual objectives tailored to each child's functional level.Proven ability to coordinate large group activities and maintain structured, organized scheduling for multi-patient programs.Ability to communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team membersAbility to assess and meaningfully interact with infants, children, youth and families.Computer literate (Microsoft office).Demonstrates effective leadership and able to take initiative.Problem-solving, listening and communications skills.Able to work independently after given direction.