JOB DESCRIPTION. Therapeutic Recreation Assistant. AVENS A Community for Seniors Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor PURPOSE

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: REPORTING: Therapeutic Recreation Assistant Resident Care AVENS A Community for Seniors Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor PURPOSE The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant is responsible for delivering the Recreation Therapy Program to ensure program activities are completed in a safe, timely and effective manner within the parameters of AVENS A Community for Seniors (AVENS) policies and procedures, legislated requirements and accreditation and professional standards of care. SCOPE The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant (TRA) operates based on the AVENS Vision Seniors have a safe and caring community for life and the Supportive Pathways Model of Care including: 1) Respect, Dignity and Self-worth 2) Privacy and Independence 3) Control, Choice and Autonomy 4) Social Interaction 5) Safety and Security 6) Residential Home-Like Environment 7) Trained and Supportive Staff, and 8) Resident Focused Care. Within these principles, and under the direction of the Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for delivering all requirements for Therapeutic Recreation Services including treatment, leisure, education, and recreation participation. This also includes ensuring all legislative and accreditation requirements are met. The RTA assists with the supervision and delivery of the Recreation Therapy program serving residents, clients, staff, volunteers and visitors. This position liaises closely with the Resident Care Department (especially during evening shift) and Food Services as part of the overall Care Team. RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Assist with delivery of the Recreation Therapy Program by: Implementing and monitoring overall recreation therapy goals and objectives Using standard therapeutic procedures to develop and implement goal oriented programs including assisting residents, analyzing specific therapy components, Therapeutic Recreation Assistant January 2014 Page 1 of 5

2 observing and monitoring residents progress and adjusting program content in consultation with the Recreation Therapy Coordinators and the Director of Care Assisting the Recreation Therapy Coordinators with resident assessments upon admission using the Measurable Assessment in Recreation for Resident Centered Care (MARRCC) Promoting, supporting and respecting a home-like atmosphere Maintaining relevant resident and program documentation and statistics Assisting with program reports as required Making recommendations to the Recreation Therapy Coordinators and the Director of Care on program improvements and enhancements Implementing and monitoring quality control and risk management programs and best practices Modelling the Supportive Pathways concepts of care Ensuring respect for the residents cultural and spiritual values 2) Implementing individual Recreation Therapy Plans for residents and Day Program clients by: Implementing and monitoring program goals and care plans to meet resident recreational needs and promote independence and self-esteem Providing input for resident care case conferences and care plan meetings to determine recreation therapy needs Making recommendations to the Recreation Therapy Coordinators and the RT/CLS on evaluating and modifying programs as necessary Suggesting new and innovative programs to reflect changing resident needs Supporting the importance of maintaining community connections as part of the recreation program 3) Provide support to Resident Care and Day Program staff on recreation therapy programs by: Explaining recreation therapy programs and individual plans to Resident Care and Day Program staff Ensuring that recreation therapy activities are completed according to standards of care and safe practices 4) Complete administrative duties associated with the Recreation Program by: Maintaining an ongoing inventory of recreation therapy supplies and equipment Recommending purchases of recreation therapy supplies and equipment Maintaining recreational equipment/supplies in good working condition (Karaoke machine, fish tank, popcorn machine, stereo system, Nintendo Wii and other equipment relating to the recreation department) 5) Assist with group recreation therapy activities by: Actively promoting participation in group activities by residents, family members and community members Assisting the Recreation Therapy Coordinators with group recreation therapy activities and assisting residents/clients with participation in the activities Assisting with activities outside of the facility Operating and assisting residents/clients with entering and exiting the handi-van Participating in group activities Therapeutic Recreation Assistant January 2014 Page 2 of 5

3 Securing cognitively impaired residents money when caring for residents during outings or events requiring resident funds 6) Perform other related duties as required by: Participating on various internal and external Committees Applying the principles and activities of the accreditation process to ensure the highest standards of care Under the direction of the Recreation Therapy Coordinators and the Director of Care, coordinating in-house hair appointments for residents with the care team members and the hairdresser Performing any assigned administrative work Maintaining a detailed inventory of pub and bingo supplies and notifying the Recreation Therapy Coordinators when additional supplies are needed Remaining current in the field of recreation therapy for the aged by reading current literature and participating in ongoing learning opportunities Under the guidance of the Recreation Therapy Coordinators, arranging entertainers for weekly pub nights Performing additional related duties as required QUALIFICATIONS The preferred incumbent will have Certification from a recognized Recreation Therapy Aide/Assistant Program combined with Recreation Therapy experience, preferably with elderly persons and/or in a long term care setting. The preferred incumbent must be eligible for membership with a Provincial Recreation Therapy or other related licensing body. Other requirements for the position include: Standard First Aid, C.P.R. (level C) and a valid class 4 driver s license. An acceptable criminal record check is required and must be maintained. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The preferred incumbent will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities. Recreation therapy philosophy and principles including group dynamics and age cohort characteristics for appropriate programming Assessment and treatment skills in the physical, social, cognitive and emotional functioning of individuals Program implementation and coordination Strong observation/reporting and documentation skills needed to maintain appropriate, accurate and up-to-date resident records Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and must display strong attributes in the area of organizational and co-ordination skills Confidentiality is of prime importance, as well as tact, discretion and the ability to communicate effectively. Failure to demonstrate these qualities may result in inappropriate decision making and negative publicity for the organization. Therapeutic Recreation Assistant January 2014 Page 3 of 5

4 AUTHORITY Performance of the duties of the Therapeutic Recreation Assistant is governed by the AVENS Policy and Procedures Manual, Infection Control Manual, the Emergency Response Plan, the Workplace Hazardous Management Information System (WHMIS) and Quality Assurance Program procedures. The incumbent makes decisions on the implementation and coordination of overall and individual Recreation Therapy plans. The incumbent recommends policy, procedural and administrative changes to the Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor and the Recreation Therapy Coordinators to achieve safe, effective and efficient work and management processes. EQUIPMENT The incumbent must be familiar with the operation of recreation therapy equipment, the handi-van, communication and security systems as well as the computer and office equipment and programs. CONTACTS Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor and the Recreation Therapy Coordinators: Daily, to report unusual circumstances, receive direction and to provide progress reports on the Recreation Therapy Program. Residents/Clients: Daily, in person, to deliver recreation therapy programs and contribute to the physical and mental well-being of residents and clients. Director of Care, Care Supervisor and Team Leaders: Regularly, in person, to share information relevant to recreation therapy programs and the on-going care of residents or the security of the facility. Resident Care and Day Program Team Members: Regularly, to share recreation ideas and activities that they can support or implement for the residents/clients. Interpreters: Regularly and as available, in person, to ensure that residents, clients and family members have the opportunity to receive care in their language. Residents' Family and Friends: As opportunity provides, in person, involving casual and friendly conversation. Information sharing is provided in accordance with confidentiality Policies. Volunteers: Regularly, in person, to provide guidance, appreciation and assistance to volunteers. Therapeutic Recreation Assistant January 2014 Page 4 of 5

5 ENVIRONMENT AVENS Team Members must work co-operatively where assigned duties overlap. Establishing relationships with and providing care to aged residents or clients who may be ill, disabled, palliative or cognitively impaired can be stressful. Working with residents or clients who may become confused, intoxicated, physically or verbally aggressive or may have language barriers can be stressful at times. Family members can be challenging, and lack understanding of the limits to care in a facility, causing stress. Work schedules will be regularly reviewed and may be changed as needed in accordance to operational requirements. The incumbent will regularly work the evening shift, however, may be required to work various shifts including weekends, day and evening shifts to accommodate special activities. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The incumbent must be able to: Stand for extended periods during the shift Walk for extended periods during the shift Bend forward and in various directions to assist residents and complete duties Kneel for periods of time Lift and carry loads up to 25 kg in weight Assist residents and clients who are dependent for support with transfers and mobility Regularly engage in physical exertion Complete repetitive motion, and Operate in awkward positions. CERTIFICATION Employee Support Services Manager Printed Name Printed Name Date I certify that I have read and understand the responsibilities assigned to this position. Date I certify that this job description is an accurate description of the responsibilities assigned to the position. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbents of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position. Therapeutic Recreation Assistant January 2014 Page 5 of 5