SUMMARY: Supervises and provides an Life Enrichment Program appropriate to meet the physical, social, cultural, spiritual, emotional, and recreational needs and interests of each patient/resident. provides the opportunity for residents/patients to engage in normal pursuits, as well as promoting a successful and well-balanced leisure lifestyle. Works with all disciplines to assist the patient/resident in reaching their highest level of independence. Plans and monitors leisure activities for recreation and therapeutic purposes, designed to enhance the quality of like of each patient/resident as well as maintain an open working relationship with the patient/resident’s family or guardian. Follows all Extendicare policies and procedures.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of this position involve significant physical activities including standing, lifting (up to 60 pounds unassisted), bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and twisting. the tasks on this position description marked with an asterisk (*) are those that regularly require these physical activities. All employees of nursing homes may be required to provide lifting and transfer assistance to residents. Lifting and/or transferring some residents will require use of a lifting device and /or assistance of other staff.

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the Life Enrichment Program. 
• Assesses individual/group resident/patient needs and develops related meaningful morning, afternoon, evening and special programs. 
• Prepares and posts a monthly schedule of activities. 
• Coordinates, directs and/or conducts all planned activities.
•  Establishes and maintains good public relations and rapport with community groups, in order to provide outside activities and special projects for patient/residents, (i.e. church services, special concerts, school group visits, etc.) 
• Documents in patient/resident’s medical record as appropriate. Charts patient/resident’s attitude, participation level, etc. 
• Attends patient/resident care conferences, updates activity care plans with progress notes, goals and treatment plans. 
• Confers with and reports to Administrator on a regular basis or as particular situations require. 
• Coordinates the writing, printing and distribution of the facility newsletter. 
• Assists patient/residents with the voting process by helping them register and obtaining absentee ballots when necessary. 
• Assists with resident council by providing a meeting place, nametags, and other assistance as determined by resident council. 
• Coordinates volunteer services through orientation, training, and direction of volunteers. 
• Prepares and plans department budget for equipment, supplies, programs and labor and submits to Administrator for review, recommendation and approval. Seeks methods to control costs. 
• Functions independently with minimal supervision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Must meet one of the following requirements:

· Must be a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who is licensed or registered, as required, by the State and is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body. · Has 2 years experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a patient/resident activities program in a health care setting.

· Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

· Has completed a training course approved by the State.

2. Understands the social, psychological and recreational needs of the aged.

3. Commercial driver’s license or eligibility preferred.