Social Services Activities Assistant

Jasper Memorial Hospital•Monticello, GA

27d•Onsite

About The Position

The Activity Department is responsible for directly providing or coordinating resources and efforts to provide 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/patient. The Activity Assistant is responsible for planning and coordinating the activity program in coordination with and supervision of the Social Services/Activities Director. Because the activities program should occur within the context of each resident/patient’s comprehensive assessment and care plan, it should be multi-faceted and reflect each individual resident/patient’s needs. Therefore, the activities program should provide stimulation or solace; promote physical, cognitive and/or emotional health; enhance to the extent practicable each person’s physical and mental status; and promote each person’s self-respect by providing, for example, activities that allow for self-expression and choice. Activities can occur at any time and are not limited to formal activities being provided by Activity staff. Others involved may be any facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members and other residents.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Minimum related experience in related field.
Is a qualified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or an Activities Professional who – a) is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the state in which practicing; and b) is 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 Has two years’ experience in social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting; OR Is a qualified Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant; OR Has completed a training course approved by the state or is eligible to complete next available training course.
Must be able to read, write and speak the English language.
Must be able to follow oral & written directions.
Computer skills are required for communication, documentation in the electronic health record, and other programs for use in activities.
Relates cooperatively and constructively with all patients, guests, families, physicians, peers, and all healthcare members as well as anyone that JHS’ employees interact with while performing their daily duties.
Moderate eye-hand coordination.
Must be able to operate cooking appliances.
Knowledgeable and competent to perform essential functions.
Must be able to deal with a variety of personalities with whom the employer comes into contact with, both pleasant and irate.
Ability to visually and audibly perform all essential functions.
High amount of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, pulling, pushing, stooping, and kneeling.
Present up to date physical examination showing freedom from communicable diseases, and in good health and physical condition.
Minimal lifting requirements of forty (40) to fifty (50) pounds.
Minimal exposure to infectious diseases, blood, and body fluids.
Assume responsibility for professional growth and expertise.
Must meet minimum requirements of the performance standards outlined in the criteria-based evaluation form.
Must meet minimum physical requirements as outlined in this job description.
Must meet education and experience requirements as outlined in this job description.
Agree to act in accordance with the policies of Jasper Health Services set forth in the “Code of Conduct” and “Compliance Program Policy Manual” and understand that disciplinary action, including termination, may result from violating these policies or failing to report violations.

Responsibilities

To develop an Activity Program designed to meet the individual needs of each resident/patient, reflecting their interests and/or ability levels, based on comprehensive assessment, Activity Assessment, and psychosocial well-being. The resident/patient’s activity care plan will be based on this assessment and will reflect the established activity program.
Planning, coordinating, and directing a program of activities that provides interaction, exercises, relaxation, opportunity to express creative talents, and to fulfill basic psychological, social, emotional and cognitive needs.
Working with the resident/patient’s attending physician and with the nursing department, as well as other support services, in planning the resident/patient’s individualized activity plan.
Participating in resident/patient assessments, interdisciplinary resident care plan meetings, etc., in planning for the resident/patient ’s total plan of care.
To complete necessary activity documentation including but not limited to activity assessments, progress notes and participation records, discussing outcomes/responses to activity interventions.
To arrange for activities such as seasonal events and trips as able.
To provide a one-to-one activity program for residents/patients unable to pursue their own activities, developed in keeping with their lifelong interests.
To provide a varied program of large and small group activities designed to promote social skills, development of creative talent, exercise, intellectual stimulation, community involvement and relaxation, including specialized small groups to meet specific resident needs.
To inform, encourage and assist residents/patients to attend and participate in scheduled activities, including working with the nursing department for assistance.
To assist with building relationships and socialization skills between residents/patients.
To assist new and current residents/patients in adjusting to the nursing home or swing bed situation.
To assist the Social Service Director in providing staff support to the Resident Council.
To assist in the development and retention of a volunteer program.
To post a monthly activity calendar that is attractive, readable, eye-catching, reflects schedule and choices, offers activities at convenient hours, reflects cultural and religious interests, and appeals to all residents.
To make sure activity programs take place on time and as scheduled, and residents/patients are notified of changes.
To decorate the facility, bulletin boards and other appropriate areas to make the facility more home-like, warm and exciting.
To maintain contact with public and private agencies, groups and individuals in the community to encourage community involvement with residents/patients.
To pass out mail and assist residents/patients with opening it, reading it, and writing letters.
To sort through donated clothing to see what items can be used for the clothes closet.
To inform the Social Services/Activities Director and/or Administrator of any needed activity supplies and/or equipment.
Other duties as directed by the Administrator.