Temporary Part Time - Therapeutic Recreationist

THERAPEUTIC RECREATIONIST

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM & SUPPORT SERVICES 
POSITION SUMMARY:
Is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluation of Therapeutic Recreational Programs in accordance with a comprehensive Recreation assessment to meet the Recreation and Leisure needs and interests of residents. The position requires the staff member to work collaboratively with team members, families, community providers, volunteers and residents and work independently in the delivery of programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In accordance with established policies of Albright Manor, and the standards and criteria as issued by the Ministry of Long Term Care, the Therapeutic Recreationist will:

• Complete resident assessments, develop resident care plan(s), implement plan(s), evaluate plan(s), and complete subsequent plan amendments in response to performance of residents, environmental factors, and any significant changes in resident health status;
• Be responsible for all matters associated with conducting individual and group activities, both internal and external, effectively including: space utilization, appropriate selection/utilization of materials, modification of activities to enhance resident function and promote self-esteem for participants, appropriate selection of residents specific to the function, utilization of group dynamics to achieve goals, planning and implementation of an activity to include effective introduction, time for the activity and closure, scheduling evening and weekend programming;
• Participate in evaluation of effectiveness of Therapeutic Recreation programs;
• Implement necessary precautions as determined by the Registered Staff in exercising responsibility for the care and safety of residents;
• Participate in the scheduled multi-disciplinary team reviews of Resident Care Plans, representing the residents with respect to their participation in TR programs;
• Complete all pertinent resident charting documentation, using the the electronic records documentation system; as per the requirements of the RAI-MDS System, and Albright Manor policies and procedures;
• Safeguard computer passwords, to respect residents privacy, maintain confidentiality of resident information and gain resident consent when required as per the Policies and Procedures of Albright Manor;
• Communicate with family members in assisting residents to adjust to the Long Term Care setting;
• Participate in the development of the Manor’s Activity Calendar and follow through with implementation of same;
• Make recommendations to the Director of Programs and Support Services for the selection of new and replacement Recreation supplies and equipment;
• Participate in learning opportunities that meet personal and departmental goals;
• Assess need for volunteers and work with the Manager of Volunteers or designate to schedule;
• Provide orientation and supervision of volunteers and/or placement students that are Department / Program specific;
• Comply with all aspects of Albright Manor’s Fire Safety Procedures, employment terms and conditions and departmental standards and requirements;
• Comply with all aspects of the Manor’s Health and Safety programs including: the WHMIS Program, the Infection Control Program, the Waste Management Program, the First Aid Program, the Safe Handling of Residents Program, the Early Return to Work Program, and all Safe Operating Practices specific to the Program and Support Services Department; and report all unsafe or unhealthy conditions, all accidents/illness; cooperate in health care treatment(s) and in all aspects of the early return to work/modified program; seek out first aid and comply with all work safety requirements.
  
  ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
• Exposure to pets, plants, perfumes, cleaning agents, dust, etc.;
• Unpredictable resident behaviour;
• Exposure to communicable diseases;
• Emotional impact in dealing with residents with deteriorating health;
• Outside work – exposure to elements of nature while implementing prescheduled therapeutic/recreational programming
• Travelling infrequently – emotional impact due to increased risks while supervising residents/volunteers on outings outside the Home (i.e. bowling trips , supervised shopping trips, seasonal outings)  
  
  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Constant (67-100%,of shift): standing; walking;
• Frequent (34-66% of shift): lifting; pushing; pulling; neck motion; back motion; elbow motion; shoulder motion; gripping; twisting; bending/stooping; forward reaching;
• Occasional (0-33% of shift): carrying; wrist motion; crouching; reaching above/below shoulder, reaching backward.
  
  QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
• a two year Recreation Diploma with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation, or a two year Recreation and Leadership Diploma as issued by an accredited Community College;
• Basic computer skills utilizing a windows environment;
• Effective oral and written communications skills with proficiency in the English language;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships through excellent interpersonal skills, strong work ethic and leadership abilities. Must possess strong desire to serve other people, while being tactful at all times, and able to work well in a team environment or independently while remaining professional
  
  PROFICIENCY PERIOD: 3 months
  Length of Contract: 12 months 
  The intent of this job description is to provide a representative sample of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.