SUMMARY: Oversees the daily operations of the Activity Program on the Alzheimer’s Unit. Ensures that the daily schedule is maintained and that the Village Techs and the environment support a therapeutic milieu for persons with dementia. Supports resident mobility by providing an environment that fosters independent ambulation for residents who are able. Ambulates residents who are unable to do so independently.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the daily operations of the Activity Department on the Secured Unit.
• Maintains a balance of recreational activities including physical, social, religious, intellectual, creative arts, and crafts.
• Selects residents for appropriate activity participation according to each resident’s needs and potential.
• Maintains activity equipment and supplies in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Works within the budgetary guidelines as outlined by the facility’s Administrator. Maintains an adequate record of expenditures.
• Keeps professional matters confidential.
• Participate in on-going education.
• Supervises the employees on the unit, which includes recruitment, selection, position assignment, orientation, In-service education, supervision, 1:1 in-services.
• Provides leadership for team members and gives support to staff as needed.
• Coordinates the daily resident programming schedule (in writing) and maintains adequate resources to conduct the daily activity schedule.
• Ensure that the activity schedule is followed.
• Plan and participate in Resident Outings for the Unit. Coordinate the use of facility Van and Drive with the Activity Director.
• Make suggestions of needed equipment for Activities. Assist with prioritizing these needs.
• Supervise meal times (as available) on unit to ensure policies are followed by Personnel. Report problems to the DON.
• Plan and coordinate decorations for bulletin boards for appropriate season and holidays.
• Encourage Activity Aides to play an active role in the overall activity program including calendar planning and decorations on the unit.
• Plan and coordinate individualized Resident Birthday Parties on the Unit.
• Assist with daily care, as needed.
• Facilitates a problem solving pro-active approach to negative resident behaviors through team meetings and maintaining a therapeutic environment.
• Ensures the dignity of all residents is maintained, and that respect is shown, regardless of the nature of the interaction.
• Responsible for the timely completion of the Activity Assessment, Quarterly Progress Notes and other documentation assigned by the Administrator.
• Participates in or submits written information on assigned resident at Resident Care Conference.
• Actively participates in Quality Assurance Monitoring and research involving the Alzheimer’s Program.
• Ensures Attendance Records are kept up on a monthly basis by the Activity Aides
• Other duties as assigned by the Administrator or designee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education, training or experience in management or supervision
• LPN/RN or social Services Experience
• Completion of the 36-Hour Activity Director Course or at least two years working with Alzheimer’s Disease or related disorder.
• Ability to work well with a team of caregivers
• Ability to accept and adapt to changing needs and maintain attitude of flexibility.
• Previous experience working with persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias.
• Display a working knowledge of dementia care in an Activity Focused Model of Care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the cognitive, physical, behavioral, and psycho-social aspects of dementia by using a sensitive, professional approach to all aspect of the residents care.
• Must have the ability to work as a team leader and motivate staff.
• Knowledgeable in group process and group dynamics.
• Ability to adapt to residents current abilities
• Ability to take initiative
• Ability to guide and instruct others
• Must be in good physical and emotional health in order to perform all facets of the job.