Licensed Activities Associate (Activities Director)

BASIC FUNCTION: Develop, plan, document, coordinate, direct, and evaluate the resident activities program. Arrange and coordinate the use of the facilities by the community and supervise the volunteer program of assigned unit.

RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS:

NOTE: Some descriptions may have more specific duties and/or goals and objectives attached to this form. Such attachments normally reflect unique aspects of specific locations, shifts, departments, etc.

• Develop, plan and implement social, recreational, spiritual and educational activities for residents.
• Encourage, motivate and assist residents to participate in social, recreational, spiritual and educational activities as determined by individual assessment; take part personally in activities.
• Assist and facilitate organized parties, games, trips, and other departmental activities in which residents participate campus-wide.
• Counsel residents at least once monthly; perform validation therapy one-on-one and in groups.
• Participate in the development of interdisciplinary care plans for residents in cooperation with appropriate staff; document resident programs.
• Order activity supplies; coordinate the maintenance of music and craft supplies. Maintain orderliness and cleanliness of activity room, storage areas and offices.
• Recruit, train, coordinate and actively work with volunteers assigned to assist with activities.
• Make appropriate arrangements for off-campus group activities. Coordinate and provide transportation for residents to off-campus activities and other appointments as needed.
• Post daily activities and special events. Conduct night and weekend functions as needed; coordinate seasonal decorating.
• Design and develop monthly activity calendars and newsletters for residents.
• Participate in Resident Council. Encourage the residents in leadership positions.
• Assist residents with personal care such as grooming, dressing, cleanliness, and eating as necessary.
• Manage program resources to ensure they are used efficiently and appropriately; provide all requested budgetary information to management on periodic basis.
• Maintain records of residents' attendance at activities. Maintain files of activities and programming ideas; maintain monthly department budget.
• Detect, correct or report situations that have a possibility of causing accidents or injuries to residents or others.
• Observe and report resident symptoms, reactions and changes.
• Conduct staff meetings regularly as required. Attend and participate in staff meetings and in-service training as required.
• Source, hire, supervise, monitor, evaluate and provide direction to direct reports, as needed.
• Provide professional growth and development; develop and communicate goals and objectives.
• Assist, guide and support supervisors with employee selection, review, evaluation and terminations.
• Develop emerging leadership through professional growth and development.
• Responsible for supporting and representing Buckner at special events, activities and other assigned functions.
• Monitor and provide constructive feedback; conduct annual performance evaluation.
• Maintain compliance with all Buckner policies, procedures and requirements. Maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements, state and federal laws.
• Work successfully as part of a team and responsible for developing then maintaining strong working relationships with co-workers.
• Perform general office tasks as required.

1. Perform special assignments, projects, and other duties as required.

Numbers 1-4, 6-10, 13, 14, and 24 are considered Primary Duties for this job.

* Indicates an essential function of the job.

POSITION EXPERIENCE & ABILITIES:

NOTE: These requirements represent minimum levels in order to perform the job on a satisfactory basis. Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Requires understanding and ability to use simple arithmetic and grammar with accuracy. This level of knowledge is normally associated with the attainment of a High School Diploma (or G.E.D.). High School Diploma (or G.E.D.) required.
2. Must meet at least one of the following criteria:
   1. Holds and maintains a current license or registration by the State of Texas as a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist and is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist, therapeutic recreation assistant or an activities professional by a recognized accredited body; or
   2. Has a minimum of two (2) years prior related experience in social or recreational programming in a patient activities program in a health care setting; or
   3. Holds and maintains current status as a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or
   4. Has successfully completed an activity director training course approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals or the National Therapeutic Recreation Society.
3. Requires proficient ability to speak, read and write English.
4. Requires ability to understand and carry out detailed oral and written instructions. Requires ability to convey detailed oral and written instructions which can be understood and carried out by residents, guests, volunteers, and co-workers.
5. Requires ability to plan, promote, and direct community service programs in the interest of residents. Requires ability to evaluate and assign volunteers to appropriate tasks.
6. Requires ability to work under flexible and busy schedules; some nights and weekends required.
7. Requires ability to work under minimal supervision while exercising excellent professional judgment.
8. Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, guests, co-workers and the public; ability to communicate effective orally and in writing.
9. Requires ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and hospitality in the delivery of services to residents.
10. Requires ability to encourage dignity and self-esteem in residents, utilizing basic knowledge of human behavior and basic knowledge of physical/emotional needs and modalities of senior adults.
11. Requires proficient working knowledge and skill in recreation, creative arts, crafts, music, and drama activities appropriate for senior adults; ability to plan, organize and direct sessions with a wide variety of well and impaired residents.
12. Requires knowledge of basic health care practices and procedures; proficient working knowledge of counseling and education techniques in health care field.
13. Requires ability to relate positively, influentially, and sensitively to a broad spectrum of persons in a variety of multi-tiered relationships and settings.
14. Requires ability to effectively manage personnel; requires administrative skills to include but not limited to staff selection, development, motivation, scheduling, and evaluation.
15. Requires proficient ability to exhibit detail-oriented skills necessary to understand and manage a wide-range of information.
16. Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, including a 12-passenger van or similar, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner's insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
17. Requires ability to maintain confidentiality.
18. Requires ability to recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative.
19. Proficient working knowledge and ability to accurately and timely operate and perform computer related tasks with specific equipment and software applications required.
20. Requires commitment to Christian principles and teachings both professionally and personally.
21. Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 pounds continuously to move objects and/or people.
22. Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. Requires ability to bend, stoop, walk, stand, and frequently push and pull objects.
23. Requires sufficient good health to properly discharge duties. Employees shall not be permitted to work who have infectious disease or skin lesion for the duration of the communicability

POSITION CRITICAL SKILLS:

NOTE: These requirements represent minimum levels in order to perform the job on a satisfactory basis. Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Self management. Demonstrate self-control and an ability to manage time and priorities. Make sound decisions even under pressure.
2. Communication. Clearly express ideas, either verbally or in writing, to include but not limited to grammar, organization, and structure.
3. Willingness to Learn. Assimilate and apply new job-related information promptly.
4. Ethics & Integrity. Consistently earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions. Includes meeting commitments and promises.

POSITION CRITICAL BEHAVIORS:

NOTE: These requirements represent minimum levels in order to perform the job on a satisfactory basis. Candidates must have the ability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Team Player. Work effectively with others in the organization and outside the formal lines of authority (i.e., peers, other units, senior management, and the like) to accomplish organizational goals and to identify and resolve problems. Includes considering the impact of your decisions on others.
2. Critical Thinking. The ability to actively and skillfully conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize, and/or evaluate information as a guide to belief and action.
3. Self-Starter. Demonstrate initiative to take action to achieve goals beyond what is necessarily called for. Includes the ability to work in a less structured environment.
4. Customer Service Orientation. Make efforts to listen to and understand the customer (both internal and external), anticipate customer needs and give high priority to customer satisfaction.
5. Self-Confidence. Demonstrate initiative, confidence in oneself, resiliency and a willingness to take responsibility for personal actions. Have the courage to voice views that are unpopular
6. Thoroughness. The ability to balance an attention to detail with the cost and benefit of doing so.
7. Adaptability. Maintain effectiveness in varying environments, tasks and responsibilities, or with various types of people. Stay agile in the face of change.

NOTE: Buckner Senior Living dba by Buckner complies with all the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The purpose of Buckner's job description is to describe the basic function, major responsibilities/tasks and essential functions of each job so that employees can better know what is expected of them. The descriptions also provide information useful for recruiting, training, and performance appraisal. This document does not create an employment contract, nor does it modify the at-will employment status of all employees.

A job description is not meant to inhibit employee creativity or innovation. The description will be revised as job responsibilities change materially.