JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION: REPORTING: Recreation Coordinator Recreation Therapy AVENS A Community Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor PURPOSE The Recreation Coordinator is responsible for organizing, implementing and coordinating group activities to enhance the social, physical and psychological wellbeing of residents at AVENS A Community for Seniors. SCOPE The Recreation Coordinator 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) 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 working as part of the recreation team in developing, implementing and coordinating group activities including developing and implementing overall program goals and objectives; evaluating the programs; scheduling and coordinating activities; and ensuring resources are available to provide activities. RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Coordinate group recreation therapy activities by: Establishing goals and objectives for group recreation therapy activities Planning, scheduling and coordinating group activities that meet identified goals Ensuring that programs respect cultural and spiritual values of the residents and clients Ensuring that the necessary arrangements are made for pub nights Actively promoting participation in group activities by residents, family members and community members Recreation Coordinator January 2014 Page 1 of 5
Booking facilities and coordinating facilities set-up including arranging snacks and meals where appropriate Arranging activities outside of the facility and ensuring the availability of required staff and volunteers Ensuring the AVENS handi-van is operated safely and maintained in good working order Managing and scheduling use of the handi-van and ensuring the operator has the appropriate driver s license is in their possession Leading and/or participating in group activities Formally and informally evaluating the effectiveness of the programs and preparing reports on group activities Modeling the Supportive Pathways philosophy of care Maintaining relevant program documentation and statistics Preparing program reports as required Making recommendations on program improvements and enhancements Ensuring that recreational programs meet the established Standards of Care 2) Perform other related duties as required by: Participating on various internal and external Committees Assisting with individual and group recreation therapy programs Remaining current in the field of recreation therapy Planning staff functions Planning and implementing fundraising events Participating in the preparation and the monitoring of activities budgets and variance reports Preparing the activities calendars and information and materials to promote activities Performing resident assessments upon admission [Measurable Assessment in Recreation for Resident Centered Care (MARRCC)] Making suggestions for ongoing quality improvement Performing other related duties as required 3) Develop individualized Recreation Therapy for residents and Elders Circle clients by: Developing program goals and care plans to meet resident/client recreational needs and that promote independence and self-esteem Participating in resident care case conferences to determine recreation therapy needs Encouraging community connections are part of the recreation program Ensuring that the programs respect and enhance the cultural and spiritual values and needs of the residents and clients Evaluating and modifying programs as necessary Developing new and innovative programs to reflect changing resident needs Evaluating program development procedures to ensure the programs are responsive to each resident s recreational needs Evaluating program implementation to ensure efficiency and effectiveness Implementing and coordinating programs within available resources 4) Provide training and guidance to Resident Care and Elders Circle staff on recreation therapy programs by: Recreation Coordinator January 2014 Page 2 of 5
Explaining recreation therapy programs and individual care plans to Resident Care staff Providing training on recreation therapy activities to staff Providing in-service training and workshops Monitoring and assessing the delivery of recreation therapy programs and activities by staff Ensuring that recreation therapy activities are completed according to standards of care and safe practices QUALIFICATIONS The preferred incumbent will have education related to therapeutic recreation combined with experience in planning, implementing and coordinating recreation therapy activities, preferably with aged persons and/or in a long term care setting. The preferred incumbent will be eligible for membership with a Provincial Recreation Therapy licensing body. Requirements for the position include Standard First Aid, C.P.R. (level C) and a valid class 4 drivers license. Experience working with an elderly population and individuals who have dementia is an asset. An acceptable criminal records check is required and must be maintained. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The preferred incumbent will have the following knowledge and skills: Recreation therapy programs, activities and techniques, particularly group activities Recreation therapy philosophy and principles including group dynamics and age co-hort characteristics for appropriate activities programming and planning Program planning and implementation Mentoring and training skills Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy Ability to work independently with little direction Preparing comprehensive reports and records 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. AUTHORITY Performance of the duties of the Recreation Coordinator is governed by the AVENS Policy and Procedures Manuals, Infection Control Manual, the Emergency Response Plan, the Workplace Hazardous Management Information System (WHMIS) and Quality Assurance Program procedures. Recreation Coordinator January 2014 Page 3 of 5
The incumbent makes decisions on the implementation of recreation therapy programs. The incumbent has latitude to make decisions within the provisions of program policies and procedures. The incumbent assists with decisions on hiring the Recreation Therapy Assistant. The incumbent recommends policy, procedural and program changes to the Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor. EQUIPMENT The incumbent must be familiar with the operation of recreation therapy equipment, the handi-van, the computer and office equipment and programs, and the communication and security systems. CONTACTS Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor: Daily, in person and in writing, to report unusual circumstances, receive direction and to provide progress reports on the Recreation Therapy Program. Recreation Coordinator: Daily, in person and writing, to provide direction and guidance, review performance, exchange information relevant to the on-going care of residents/clients. Resident and Day Care Team Members: Regularly, in person and writing, to provide feedback relating to the resident and client needs and participation and to exchange information relevant to the available activities as well as the security of the facility. Managers/Supervisors of Housekeeping and Dietary: regularly to make arrangements for food orders and preparation. Residents/Clients: Daily, in person, to contribute to the physical and mental well-being of residents and Elders Circle clients. Director of Care and Care Supervisor: Regularly, in person, to discuss the recreation therapy activities and resident involvement. Residents' Family and Friends: Regularly, in person involving casual and friendly conversation. Information sharing is in accordance to Confidentiality Policies. Volunteers: Regularly, in person or by phone, to provide direction, guidance, assistance and appreciation to volunteers. Information relating to the resident s health record is not disclosed in accordance to confidentiality policies. 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. Recreation Coordinator January 2014 Page 4 of 5
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 may be required to work various shifts including weekends, day, and evenings. 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/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 Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor 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 Recreation Coordinator January 2014 Page 5 of 5