Recreational Therapist / Therapeutic Arts Specialist

Sage Eldercare Solutions • Seattle, WA

5d • $39 - $41 • Hybrid

About The Position

Sage Eldercare Solutions (SES) has been dedicated to promoting quality of care and quality of life for older adults since 2001. The Hummingbird Program focuses on enhancing the emotional, intellectual, creative, environmental, physical, vocational, and spiritual needs of clients. The Quality of Life (QOL) Engagement Specialist plays a crucial role in planning and delivering these services, working closely with program leadership. This position requires a creative, dynamic, and self-driven professional with experience in therapeutic arts or recreation within the field of aging. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with older adults and adults with disabilities, is an innovative problem-solver, and brings optimism and a commitment to excellence to their work.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to provide sound professional guidance, grounded in in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of aging, arts, and therapeutic activity best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of all aspects of the aging process, and conditions affecting older adults and adults with disabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of the impact of clinical mental health issues in the aging population, including depression, dementia, substance abuse, sleep and eating disorders, apathy, resistance, and assessment of danger to self and others.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions regarding mandatory reporting and legal issues.
• Highly skilled in formulating holistic quality of life assessments and in developing Quality of Life Plans that incorporate effective use of resources, creative problem-solving, and a wide variety of quality of life activities.
• Highly skilled in curriculum development and training.
• Proven ability to skillfully navigate complex family and professional dynamics in order to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes for clients.
• Resourceful and creative in the use of local and other eldercare resources.
• Able to support clients, staff, and interdisciplinary teams from a strength-based perspective and to inspire and help others to achieve their best work.
• Impeccable attention to detail.
• Integrity, honesty and commitment to high standards of excellence and professional ethics.
• Commitment to working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent listening and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Google Chrome, Zoom.
• Mental Health Professional or comparable training and experience in Therapeutic Arts including a credential in music, art, recreation, drama or expressive arts therapies OR a bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience working with older adults using art and recreation.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with older adults.
• Empathetic and compassionate with a creative approach to developing individualized activity plans.
• Proficient in holistic quality of life, life enrichment, and engagement practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and comfort a diverse range of individuals.
• Excellent written communication skills and time management abilities.
• Experienced with G-Suite and video communication platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts.
• May transport clients as part of job responsibilities. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet the organization’s auto insurance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Planning and Delivery of Creative, High Quality Hummingbird Services: Conduct initial phone calls with prospective clients, demonstrating a holistic understanding of their quality of life interests and needs, and clearly articulating how The Hummingbird Project can address them. Conduct in-home assessments to gather information for developing customized Quality of Life Plans focused on creativity and joy. Implement Quality of Life Plans, obtain needed materials, identify and strategize ways to overcome barriers. Regularly develop new Quality of Life activities reflecting creative best practices and targeted to optimal individualized outcomes. Update and modify individual Quality of Life Plans to meet changing client needs. Establish positive and engaging working relationships, communicating effectively with clients and responsible parties. Navigate family dynamics to maximize success in achieving quality of life goals. Develop and implement curricula for group settings, including assisted living facilities, family caregiver support groups, and care provider training. Plan and deliver Sage’s Home Care Quality of Life Programming, including monthly consultations and training with Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), developing written instructions and providing ongoing support for QOL activities delivered by PCAs, and completing monthly reports for Home Care clients.
• Documentation and Communication: Maintain up-to-date documentation, including Engagement Plans and summaries of engagement activities. Communicate regularly in writing, by phone, or in person with elder care professionals, including Care Managers, Fiduciaries, family members, Care Providers, and Home Care staff to advocate for clients’ needs and optimal outcomes.
• Community Relationship-Building: Collaborate with leadership to build relationships within the community to elevate Hummingbird’s profile among professionals and community members, fostering new business development and referrals. Represent The Hummingbird Project in community and professional forums. Maintain an active list of professional contacts and reach out to share information, provide updates, and explore collaboration opportunities.
• Actively Contributes to the Hummingbird Team’s Knowledge of Best Practices and Shared Experience in the Delivery of Services: Share knowledge and offer support and guidance to team members. Actively contribute to monthly team meetings, sharing information from workshops, readings, and experiences. Take initiative to present or share new knowledge useful to team members in planning and delivering Hummingbird services.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(K) and 401(K) matching
• Employee Referral Program
• Annual pay increases
• Continuing Education
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Reimbursement of travel time and mileage within the serviced county for this position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level