Director of Activities

Upstate Services Group; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Services Group in Central New York is seeking a Director of Activities to lead a comprehensive activities program in a long-term care facility. The role involves planning, implementing, and evaluating person-centered activities that meet physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of residents.

The director will supervise staff, develop individualized goals, coordinate resident councils and family collaboration, ensure CMS and NYSDOH compliance, and maintain documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, Human Services, or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in long-term care, rehabilitation, or healthcare.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience working with residents living with dementia preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, supervise, and evaluate a comprehensive activities program.
• Ensure activities reflect residents' interests, preferences, and abilities.
• Maintain monthly activity calendars and distribute to residents, families, and staff.
• Develop specialized programming for residents with dementia and other needs.
• Document resident participation and progress in the EMR.

Skills

CMS regulations

Resident-centered care

Dementia care

Staff supervision

Communication skills

EMR proficiency

Education

Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Associate degree with relevant experience

Tools

EMR systems

MS Office

Job description

Director of Activities

Job Summary:

Long Term Care facility in Central New York is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Director of Activities to join our team of healthcare professionals. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, directing, and evaluating a comprehensive, person-centered activities program designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, and cognitive needs of our residents.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, supervise, and evaluate a comprehensive therapeutic recreation and activities program

• Ensure activities reflect residents' interests, preferences, cultural backgrounds, and abilities

• Provide a balanced schedule of individual, small group, large group, evening, weekend, and holiday programming

• Develop specialized programming for residents with dementia, behavioral health diagnoses, and physical disabilities

• Maintain monthly activity calendars and distribute them to residents, families, and staff

Additional Responsibilities:

• Complete activity assessments upon admission and as required by CMS and New York State regulations

• Participate in comprehensive resident assessments and interdisciplinary care planning

• Develop individualized activity goals and interventions

• Document resident participation, responses, and progress in the electronic medical record

• Monitor residents for changes requiring modifications to activity interventions

• Ensure compliance with CMS F679 – Activities Meet Interests and Needs, CMS F680 – Qualified Activities Professional, 42 CFR §483.24(c) – Activities Program, New York State Department of Health regulations, Resident Rights requirements, Infection Prevention policies, and Emergency Preparedness requirements

• Maintain all documentation necessary for state and federal surveys

• Recruit, hire, orient, train, supervise, and evaluate Activities Department staff

• Develop staff schedules to ensure adequate department coverage

• Conduct annual performance evaluations

• Provide ongoing education regarding person-centered care and dementia programming

• Encourage resident participation while respecting resident choice

• Coordinate resident council activities

• Collaborate with family members regarding resident interests and life history

• Coordinate volunteer services and community involvement

• Organize holiday celebrations, special events, entertainers, outings, and intergenerational programs

Requirements:

• -Bachelor's degree preferred in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, Human Services, Recreation Management, or Social Work; or Associate degree with relevant experience

• -Minimum two (2) years of experience in long-term care, rehabilitation, or healthcare

• -Previous supervisory experience preferred

• -Experience working with residents living with dementia preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of CMS and New York State Department of Health regulations

• Understanding of resident-centered care principles

• Knowledge of dementia care and behavioral interventions

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities

• Ability to supervise and motivate staff

• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic medical records

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional relationships

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk throughout the facility

• Ability to push wheelchairs and transport residents safely

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds

• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and reach throughout the workday

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a skilled nursing facility and may include indoor and outdoor programming

• The position requires frequent interaction with residents, families, visitors, volunteers, and staff and may involve exposure to infectious diseases in accordance with standard precautions

Equal Opportunity Employer:

• The facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer