PACE Activities Coordinator

Family HealthCare Network•Visalia, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The PACE Activities Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and planning of therapeutic and recreational activities for participants in the FHCN PACE center. The PACE Activities Coordinator will also plan and develop individual and group recreation activities, including measurable goals for improvement. This role involves coordinating day center social programming, overseeing activity rooms, conducting participant assessments, developing individualized care plans, and educating participants and families. The coordinator will also supervise recreation aides and volunteers, ensure adherence to industry standards, and serve as a resource for staff and community organizations. Building a sense of community and participating in quality improvement activities are also key aspects of this position.

Requirements

Possesses proficiency in written and verbal communication, basic mathematics, computer applications, and technical systems frequently acquired through one of the following: Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree program in Recreational Therapy with an emphasis on recreation with special populations or senior populations or a related field and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; or A combination of relevant experience and completion of a high school diploma with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, or General Educational Development (GED) with a minimum overall score of 162.5, and healthcare-related knowledge frequently acquired through completion of a trade school, para-professional, or certificate type program.
Have a minimum of two years of experience working in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating services for frail or elderly populations.
Good understanding of psychosocial problems of aging.
Social activities, including arts/crafts and performance programming, tailored to the senior population.
Basic computer skills and use of electronic mail.
Able to work within an interdisciplinary team setting.
Work effectively in a team environment.
Be empathic and patient in attending to the needs of the frail elderly population.
Communicate clearly and effectively to participants daily.
Communicate effectively and openly with other Interdisciplinary Team members on participant status and needs.
Only act within the scope of his/her authority to practice.
Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by FHCN PACE and approved by regulatory agencies before working independently.
Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.
Pass a criminal background which will verify that the candidate is: not excluded from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs; has not been convicted of criminal offenses related to their involvement in Medicaid, Medicare, other health insurance or health care programs, or social services programs under title XX of the Act; and have not been convicted of physical, sexual, drug or alcohol abuse.
Job duties require the employee to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, their opinions and extrapolations of information they collect and synthesize/analyze.
Responsible for the resolution of conflicts that may arise because of disagreements between employees, between employees and customers/clients, or with the public, other legal entities or governmental authorities.
Compiles, analyzes, and prepares information in an effective written form, including correspondence, reports, articles, or other documentation.
Effectively conveys technical information to non-technical audiences.
Employee must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
The employee will also be an active member of the interdisciplinary team at the FHCN PACE center, engaged with employees, participants, and with staff.
The employee is required to use hands and fingers, especially for typing on the computer and using the mouse.
Employees must be able to talk and listen, particularly for daily interactions with staff and elderly participants.
Employees must be able to project their voice clearly to participants in a large activity area.
Employees must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the FHCN PACE members’ care.

Nice To Haves

If an individual has completed a degree at a higher level than required by the role and had a stronger GPA in that program, they may provide proof of GPA from that degree in lieu of the high school diploma or Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Coordination of day center social programming and activity, including communicating current events and FHCN PACE organizational issues to participants in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
Work closely with the Center Manager to oversee activity in the day activity room, including unsafe conditions for participants or staff.
Conduct initial and periodic assessments, at a minimum of every 6 months, for all participants. Assessments must be completed prior to scheduled team meetings.
Establishes realistic and measurable goals and sets up individualized recreation therapeutic programs as part of the plan of care to include recreational and social activities.
Communicate participant changes to team members.
Provide participant and family education in coordination of 24-hour care delivery.
Record, sign, and date “Progress Reports” in the participant’s medical record.
Develop, implement, and supervise the Activity Program- to include both group and individual activities; ability to supervise recreation aides and volunteers.
Ensure that the therapy being provided conforms to accepted industry practice standards and organizational/department standards.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of age-related characteristics, symptoms, and needs of participants served; explain activities and programming in an appropriate way; work with other therapists and primary care staff to enhance the day center experience of participants.
Serve as a resource to staff and coordinate volunteer activities at the Center.
Build relationships and coordinate with various community resources; coordinate performances by community organizations, including Holiday celebrations.
Coordinate recreational and therapeutic outings into the community where possible.
Build within the Center a sense of community and a warm, social atmosphere in which participants are able to identify a support system.
Participate in QI activities as appropriate; lead participant discussions on FHCN PACE programming improvement.
Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team: attend staff meetings and take part in participant care planning.
Responsible for adhering to the Attendance and Absenteeism Policy, recognizing that regular attendance is considered an essential function of all FHCN positions.
Ability to present to and work at any FHCN location, both at the beginning of a shift or during a shift, based on business need.
Other projects and duties as assigned.