LTC Activities Assistant

Pioneers Medical Center

Walbridge Memorial Convalescent Wing

Meeker, Colorado

Job Description/Performance Expectation

Position: Activities Assistant

Department: Nursing Services

Reports to: Long Term Care Director

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-exempt, Hourly

Hourly 14.00 - 18.00

Definition of Position:

The Activity Assistant is responsible for the development/planning, implementation and evaluation of Walbridge Wing and Pioneers Hospital Swing Bed Activity programs which are designed to assist the individual resident to re-establish and/or maintain his/her lifestyle. The Activity Assistant will be accountable for maintenance of a diversified program of activities which will strive to meet the interests, needs, and capabilities of the varied resident and hospital swing bed populations.

Qualifications:

A. Professional

1. A qualified therapeutic recreation specialist; or possess two years experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years (of which, one year was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting); or have successfully completed a state approved basic training course.

2. Experience in long term care, preferred.

3. Current BLS (CPR) certification (preferred; required within six months of date of employment or transfer).

4. Demonstrates knowledge of confidentiality principles.

5. Demonstrates a firm and positive commitment to the value and necessity of flexible, diverse, activities program and continually seeks opportunities for improvement and fresh, creative ideas for activities.

6. Comprehension of the psychosocial/physiological processes, responses and needs of geriatric and disabled individuals. Possesses basic knowledge of the process of aging and health related problems.

7. Strives to promote the optimal level of wellness, self-determination, and independence in others.

8. Meet state requirements as an activities professional (preferred, required within one year of date of employment or transfer)

1. Completes pre-employment physical and physical therapy work capacity evaluation.

2. Cognizant of the potential for exposure to blood/body fluids. Understands and utilizes universal precautions.

3. Demonstrates honesty and integrity at all times.

4. Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal communication skills necessary to deal effectively with patients/residents/families, facility and medical staff, and the public.

5. Understands the need to adhere to established dress code. Presenting a neat and well groomed appearance.

6. Present and punctual for all scheduled shifts.

7. Is aware that differing shift work may be required in order to ensure adequate coverage to meet the needs of the residents. May be required to work days, nights, weekends and holidays.

C. Hazards

1. Possible exposure to biohazards, waste, blood/body fluids, odors, chemical agents and explosive gases. Exposure to heated surfaces and other kitchen hazards. Exposure to computer screens.

2. Subject to lifting (up to 50#), frequent walking, standing, and bending activities during the work day. Is expected to adhere to principles of proper body mechanics.

3. May be subject to cramped work spaces. Subject to cuts, bruises, falls and other injury. Is expected to follow facility safety practices and protocols

4. May be subject to working with hostile residents and patients; may be subject to verbally abusive behaviors due to the disease process.

D. Working Conditions

1. Requires sitting, standing, bending, lifting, pushing, and moving intermittently during work hours.

2. Is required to function in stressful situations where many different patient care issues are addressed simultaneously.

3. Must be able to cope with life and death situations as well as other unique situations that pertain to patient care activities.

4. Subject to frequent interruptions.

5. Requires documentation of individual resident activity care plan as well as other documentation as required to monitor resident status. 6. Requires participation in Resident/Patient Care Conferences as well as meetings with individual residents, families, and staff as needed to plan care and address concerns.

E. Physical Requirements

1. Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

2. Must possess visual/auditory senses, or use prosthetic devices that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of the position will be met.

3. Must observe and adhere to proper principles of body mechanics.

4. Demonstrates ability to understand and follow written/verbal instructions.

5. Must be able to cope with physical/emotional stress of the job. Demonstrates, under stress, good communication and interpersonal skills.

6. Must possess personal integrity, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with other personnel.

7. Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability. Activities Assistant-Performance Expectation

I. Major Duties and Responsibilities

Provides appropriate, individualized and diverse activities which meet the needs of the residents and swing bed patients. Develops/plans, implements and evaluates activity programs, adjusting and adopting new programs as indicated. Documents interventions.

1. Cognizant of and provides for patient privacy and rights. Maintains confidentiality of patient/resident information.

2. Develops and plans a diversified activities program which is designed to meet the interests, needs and cognitive/physical skill level of the individual resident and patient. To include opportunities for mental and physical stimulation, recreational activities, spiritual needs, and other creative endeavors.

3. Implements and evaluates all activities on a regular basis to ensure resident interest, appropriateness, effectiveness and opportunities for change and improvement. Ensures availability of appropriate activities to meet resident needs including weekend and evening activities. Accountable for meeting state and federal long term care regulations pertaining to Activities programs. Obtains and maintains certification as required for an Activities professional.

4. Creates and follows through on individual activity plans for each resident based on the determined and documented needs/interests. These needs/interests are generated through interviews with the resident and family, observation, research and surveying.

5. Develops individual resident activity goals, which correlate with the goals of the health care team. These goals take into consideration resident desires, preferences and needs.

6. Reviews and evaluates resident activity plan and goals with the resident care team, at Resident Care Conference and with the resident. This is performed on a routine basis and this review/evaluation is appropriately documented.

7. Documents, in a timely, appropriate and accurate manner, the following information; resident interest and needs, individual activity plans and progress notes, evaluation of program and individual goal achievement, and volunteer performance.

8. Actively participates as a contributing member of the resident care team, communicating all pertinent information to the appropriate persons in a timely fashion. Assists in collaborative attainment of resident care goals.

9. Attends departmental meetings, in-services, patient care conferences and all pertinent meetings. Actively participates in meetings as indicated and as required.

10. Seeks new activities/activity programs for varying resident needs. Maintains currency in job skills through continuing education and other opportunities to expand knowledge base. Shares new information/findings and suggestions with members of the Resident Care Team.

11.Adheres to the standards and policies of the corporate compliance program, including the duty to comply with applicable laws and regulation, and report to a designated manager (or employer hotline) any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices.

12.Adheres to the safety guidelines as outlined by the facility and reports unsafe equipment, areas, practices, etc., as required by policy.

II Program Assistant

Demonstrates accountability for overall coordination of activity program.

1. Coordinates the efficient and effective function of the activities program. Seeks and utilizes input and feedback from other nursing and non-nursing departments.

2. Supervises the recruitment, orientation, training and record-keeping for volunteers who assist with the residents. Works collaboratively with the Volunteer Coordinator to create opportunities by which volunteers can be acknowledged and recognized for their contributions

3. Provides effective methods of communication of activities programs and the associated schedule on a consistent basis. Makes this information available to residents, families, staff and other pertinent individuals.

4. Actively utilizes community resources, i.e., people, materials, information, in the development and implementation of the activity program. Seeks to tap into the creative abilities of other pertinent individuals.

5. Actively involved with the Resident Council and Social Service staff to meet resident needs and plan for future activities and goals.

III. Personal Responsibilities

Functions in a responsible manner through adherence to the policies and procedures which direct the operation of this facility.

1. Does not abuse or take advantage of sick time or personal days. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness and is punctual for scheduled shifts.

2. Observes hospital/departmental dress code. Wears name badge/identification in an openly visible fashion.

3. Demonstrates understanding of emergency procedures (fire drills, evacuation procedures, external and internal disaster plans.)

4. Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned and necessary. Demonstrates flexibility in assignments, will flex to function in the various areas of responsibility/assignment.

5. Supports and adheres to administrative and nursing services policies and procedures.