Job Specification Details

Provides for an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident. Supervises Activities Aides and Volunteers. Work is performed under the supervision an administrative supervisor.

Plans the type and frequency of therapeutic activities offered, identifying goals and purposes for programming. Attend resident care plan meetings, collaborate with Physical Therapy and Restorative departments regarding appropriate activities for a resident. Confers with Chaplain to ensure spiritual needs are being met. Informs Director of Nursing on care issues that arise during activities. Develops professional standards for programs, ensuring that each program meets departmental, state, and federal standards. Develops and implements quality assurance systems for each program, reviews program data, and develops needs modifications. Develops safety procedures and ensures staff safety. Performs related duties as required. Develops and revises individual patient treatment plans which have measurable goals. Designs therapeutic programs using individual and group therapy formats to accomplish short- and long-term plan objectives. Writes therapeutic program descriptions and justifications in accordance with patient needs and capabilities. Treatment plan objectives center around patient action, stimulation, development of interests, decision-making and social interaction. May seek program resources from the community. Attends training sessions to learn different modalities and techniques. Adapts modalities and techniques to specific patient needs. Trains and supervises employees, volunteers, students and other institutional staff in therapeutic theory and techniques. Instructs patients in equipment use, activity rules and practical procedures. Supervises, plans, and coordinates the activity schedule for the Home. Acts as liaison with community groups regarding visits and donations. Serve as member of the following committees: Quality Assurance Committee, A&I/Safety, Fire & Safety, and Infection Control. Attend Department Head meetings, daily report, and mandatory in-services. Performs related duties as required.

Work is performed in an institutional setting. Incumbents must possess considerable interpersonal human relations skills, including patience, understanding, and humor, to deal effectively with the residents and staff members. Significant interaction with residents is required. Varying shift assignments may be required.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Evidence of effective problem resolution skills.

Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

Resourcefulness.

Willingness to consider the advice and opinions of others.

Ability to make decisions and accept responsibility for the consequences.

Ability to coordinate and conduct meetings.

Ability to set and achieve goals.

Ability to be organized and efficient.

Ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to train and motivate others.

Ability and willingness to act as a role model in conduct and appearance.

Basic computer skills.

Ability to have the initiative to stay current with federal and state regulations pertaining to activities in long-term care.

Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990

OR

Two (2) years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five (5) years, one (1) of which was full-time in a therapeutic activities program

OR

Qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

Any person who has had a charge of abuse, neglect or exploitation substantiated against him or her is not eligible under the Vermont Veterans’ Home licensing requirements. Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including Vermont and national criminal record checks, adult and child abuse registry checks, the Office of Inspector General exclusion database, and motor vehicle driving record checks where applicable.