VI.2.2h Recreation Assistant

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Under the direction and supervision of the Recreation Director and/or the Assistant Recreation Director, plan and lead recreational activities in accordance with residents' needs, interest, desires, and capacity to participate.
2. Help develop leisure and bedside activities appropriate for residents confined to bed. Continuously survey each resident to discuss individual needs and interest.
3. Stimulate residents' interests in a variety of programs including volunteer opportunities that will nurture Community involvement and increase self-esteem. Expand their knowledge of leisure activities, i.e., art therapy, crafts, etc., that can be made available to them. Teach residents basic life skills including grooming, social skills, and accepted consumer practices.
4. In conjunction with the residents and recreation staff, help plan and coordinate outings to include field trips, shopping trips, cultural programs, sport events, restaurant dining, etc. Assist in setting up programs to include crafts, exercise, movies, holiday celebrations, sing-alongs, religious programs, parties, picnics, socials, cooking or any other programs desired by the residents.
5. Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team when necessary.
6. Help maintain records to include:
   • a. Recreation profile for each resident
   • b. Daily status of recreation activity participation
   • c. Quarterly progress notes, due every three (3) months, continued documentation of problems and approaches
   • d. Prepare monthly calendar for facility and individual calendars for residents. Decorate bulletin boards.
7. Assist with interfacing with organizations within the community and help plan events in conjunction with them.
8. Drive facility van to outings or events as necessary and in the absence of van driver. Help cover Transportation Department by assisting with driving when runs are behind or a driver is not available. Assist with transportation statistics. Operate the two-way radio.
9. Work evening and weekend programs. Hours will be designated by Recreation Director. Time schedules must be flexible to reach programming.
10. In the absence of the Recreation Director, ensure that the residents have activities that they will find interesting and entertaining both in-house and in the community.
11. Perform any and all functions related to the efficient and effective operation of the Home, as assigned by the Recreation Director or Executive Director.
12. Help coordinate volunteer program. Assist in the selection of volunteers that are able to enhance and support recreational programs. Interview volunteers; give tours of facility when necessary.
13. Maintain up to date resident and volunteer program participation records. Attend volunteer programs in the community to keep up-to-date on volunteer education and services.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. In the absence of the Recreation Director or Assistant Recreation Director assume a supervisory role.

2. Attend continuing education programs relevant to Recreation and volunteer activities.

3. Help arrange for community groups to conduct programs at Cheshire Home.

4. Assume professional responsibility for all aspects of position and maintain resident confidentiality.

5. High school graduate or equivalent

6. Experience in a recreational related field, demonstrating leadership ability

7. Current valid driver's license in the State of New Jersey and demonstrates ongoing maintenance of safe driving record - no points

8. Ability and desire to interact with disabled residents

9. Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

WORKERS SUPERVISED

1. Volunteers
2. Van Drivers

CONTACTS

1. Residents
2. Administration
3. Outside Agencies and Organizations
4. Families
5. Visitors
6. Volunteers

ENVIRONMENT

1. Work Conditions
   • A. Works in a long term care facility and in the community when necessary.
2. Physical Demands
   • A. Program preparation - set up tables, chairs and decorations.
   • B. Extra hours due to program demand.
   • C. Drive and load van

EQUIPMENT

1. Copy Machine
2. Telephone
3. 2 Way Radios
4. 1.0. Camera
5. Vans and Lifts
6. Tie Downs for Vans
7. Cameras
8. Computer
9. Set up Games
10. Fire Extinguisher
11. Helium Tank