Recreational Therapist, Pace Program

Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups. It’s about giving people the resources they need to live their best lives. At Neighborhood, this is our vision. A community where everyone is healthy and happy. We’re with you every step of the way, with the care you need for each of life’s chapters. At Neighborhood, we are Better Together.
As a private, non-profit 501(C) (3) community health organization, we serve over 350k medical, dental, and behavioral health visits from more than 77k people annually. We do this in pursuit of our mission to improve the health and happiness of the communities we serve by providing quality care to all, regardless of situation or circumstance.
We have been doing this since 1969 and it is our employees that make this mission a reality. Regardless of the role, our team focuses on being compassionate, having integrity, being professional, always collaborating, and consistently going above and beyond. If that sounds like an organization you want to be a part of, we would love to have you.

ROLE OVERVIEW and PURPOSE

The Recreation Therapist (RT) will coordinate, plan, supervise, and implement therapeutic and recreational programs and activities for the elderly, as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing all-inclusive PACE care. This role will build a sense of community and warm social atmosphere for the PACE participants by evaluating their needs, developing groups, and individual programming to meet those needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and implements group and individual activities to improve or maintain the participants’ cognitive, physical, social, psychosocial, and artistic needs
• Oversees daily flow of activities for dementia specific population to determine if smaller groups, one-on-one programming, or sensory stimulation are needed
• Organizes community outings and special events, including arranging for participant transportation, entertainment, catering, and involvement of other staff
• Develops a monthly calendar of PACE activities for participants
• Evaluates plans to promote effective programs according to participant abilities and preferences within daily flow of events
• Provides leisure education to participants and caregivers for activity modification, use of adaptive equipment, activity skill development, and recommended supplies for in-home use
• Maintains general order in the activities area, including daily clean-up, routine supply inventory ordering, petty cash, and overall general budgeting
• Conducts an initial in-person comprehensive recreational assessment, including semi-annual reassessments, as needed
• Coordinates with the PACE Interdisciplinary Team to develop a comprehensive plan of care for each participant
• Attends and participates in required meetings and trainings
• Maintains and completes charting in participant medical records and reporting according to requirements, including signature and dates on progress notes
• Assists participants with non-skilled activities of daily living (ADL), as needed
• Develops specific therapeutic programs as part of the plan of care, including recreational and social activities
• Communicates with skilled nursing or assisted living facilities the therapeutic needs of participants
• Serves as a resource to staff and coordinates volunteer activities at the PACE Center
• Coordinates with various community resources and partners to enhance recreational programming

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or related field
• Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist certification preferred
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification required
• Two years social or recreational programming experience for frail and elderly populations required
• Valid CA driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including superior composition, typing and proofreading skills
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Knowledgeable about and experience with psycho-social problems of aging
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent planning and organizational ability
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Ability to work with highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/carry 15 lbs/weight
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

Neighborhood Healthcare requires employees to be fully vaccinated (including a booster dose) against COVID-1 and demonstrate proof of vaccination/booster upon hire or receive approval for an exemption based on a medical reason, disability, or religious belief. Proof of booster dose will be contingent upon booster eligibility.

Pay range: $31.17 - $38.10 per hour. Depending on experience.