Activities Director HCC

PruittHealth•Ocilla, GA

About The Position

The Activities Director assumes administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability for a recreation program designed to meet residents’ interests and enhance their functional abilities and self-esteem. The role manages employees providing Recreation Services in accordance with the facility’s philosophy. In collaboration with the Administrator, the director allocates resources efficiently and economically to help residents achieve the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. The director gathers information about residents’ functional levels, needs, and interests to design individualized and group activities. Programs are offered at convenient times, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends; appeal to residents of all genders; take place in varied locations; and include seasonal events. The director develops policies and procedures, keeps residents informed about activities, contributes to department budgeting, hires and supervises staff, and maintains professional skills through continuing education. The role also participates in emergency drills and carries out assigned duties to help ensure resident safety. Regular programming and events include monthly calendars and newsletters, entertainment, outings, shopping and banking trips, exercise and yoga, library services, Vesper services, movies, bingo, social hours, and resident celebrations. The director also organizes two annual travel trips and the annual Spring Fling, welcomes new residents, purchases departmental supplies, and coordinates activities that promote socialization. The position supervises the Activities Assistant and Fitness Instructor and serves as a liaison between Whitaker Glen and the Wake County Library.

Requirements

At least two years of college education with courses in recreation, education, social work, other behavioral sciences, or clinical services.
Two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the past five years, including one year of full-time employment in a resident activities program in a long-term health care setting; alternatively, one year in a supervisory role within a recreation program.
Eligible for certification as a therapeutic Recreation Specialist or as an Activities professional by a recognized accrediting body.

Nice To Haves

Qualified as an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant, or satisfactory [the posting does not complete this qualification].

Responsibilities

Gather information about residents’ functional levels, needs, and interests to design recreation programs.
Develop and provide individual and group activities that reflect residents’ interests and are offered at convenient times, in varied locations, and to appeal to both men and women.
Prepare and distribute a monthly activities calendar and weekly event schedules; provide reminder flyers or notices as needed.
Develop effective procedures to inform residents about upcoming activities.
Develop and update Recreation Services policies and procedures in keeping with the facility’s philosophy and mission.
Participate in department budget development and provide the Administrator with relevant financial information about department needs and status.
Hire and retain qualified staff; conduct interviews and performance reviews, take appropriate employment actions, and review actions taken by subordinates.
Maintain current skills and knowledge through continuing education and apply that information to job responsibilities.
Participate in fire and disaster drills and carry out assigned duties during emergencies to help ensure resident safety.
Prepare the monthly “News & Views” newsletter for residents, staff, and the waitlist.
Schedule entertainment at Whitaker Glen, including piano, singing groups, and other musical entertainment.
Schedule resident outings, including museums, plays, luncheons, tours, and shopping.
Prepare a planning calendar for the activity assistant.
Encourage residents to participate in activities and, by request, check on residents through daily phone calls.
Schedule weekly grocery shopping, regular shopping and banking trips, and a Walmart trip with a driver.
Organize exercise three days a week and yoga one day a week; supervise the strength training program as needed.
Schedule a librarian two days a week and act as librarian between Whitaker Glen and the Wake County Library.
Organize bi-weekly Vesper services, movies with snacks, bingo with prizes, and social hours with snacks.
Supervise the Activities Assistant and Fitness Instructor.
Plan and organize two overnight travel trips per year using a chartered bus and the annual Spring Fling event.
Meet new residents when they move in.
Purchase recreation supplies as needed, including bingo prizes, movie snacks, games, art supplies, movies, books, and decorations.
Provide activities that promote socialization, including a yearly puzzle challenge, ice cream socials, bingo, parties, movie nights, Vesper services, birthday dinner celebrations, entertainment, and a yearly Great Decisions class and presentations.