Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

St. John's Senior Servi•Rochester, NY

About The Position

Position Summary: Are you ready to love what you do? Assess elder’s leisure skills, interests, and desire for meaning in order to develop a variety and balance of programs to increase the quality of life and meaningful activities of the elders who live at SJH. Coach/mentor team members to participate in engaging elders in meaningful opportunities and promoting their desires and life style choices.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required, and 2 years of experience in an age-appropriate social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a patient or resident activities program in a health care setting required
Ability to interact with elders and care for their needs
Willingness to embrace and exemplify St. John’s Brand Characteristics
St. John’s Brand Characteristics - Embrace living by being Friendly, Respectful, Responsive, Compassionate, Innovative and Fun towards elders, families and colleagues.
Teamwork - Actively participates. Assists team members; offers encouragement. Acknowledges/welcomes elders. Keeps team members informed. Recognizes achievements and efforts of others.
Job Knowledge - Consistently demonstrates working knowledge of all aspects of job. Remains current on job related changes and trends.
Planning/Organization - Demonstrates initiative; plans appropriately. Uses time, materials, resources effectively. Organizes work to ensure commitment and priorities.
Productivity - Consistently maintains high activity and efficiently produces acceptable volume of work. Consistently meets deadlines and commitments.
Quality - Consistently produces accurate, timely work which meets required quality standards. Pays attention to detail. Sets high standards of performance for self and actively seeks continuous improvement. Provides elder-driven care.
Reliability - Consistently delivers on commitments. Can be counted on to accomplish tasks without follow up. Available when required by elder or team and can be counted on to help or assist when needed. Responds in a timely manner.
Demeanor (attitude) - Embraces change with optimism. Addresses concerns appropriately. Positively communicates. Good listener. Consistently maintains a positive demeanor.
Utilizes community resources effectively
Supports education and peer-to-peer coaching
Advocates for, and bring meaning to people, particularly those living with dementia
Discharge and transition planning to maintain meaningful lives
Speedy and timely decision maker
Committed to making a difference and excellent customer service
Uses resources wisely around department budgets
Values continual improvement
Passes on information to coworkers
Shifts priorities as needed
Strong organizational skills
Good judgment about people
Shows sensitivity for others
Is a collaborative team player
Enjoys being around people who are different
Adapts appropriately to cultural differences
Takes responsibility for their actions
Maintains confidentiality when requested
Spontaneous, fun, and playful
Can make tough decisions when necessary
Frequent moving and lifting, pushing, pulling and bending (up to 50 pounds). Frequently squatting and occasionally reaching.
May provide care to individuals with infectious diseases. May be subject or exposed to experiences that involve physical aggression.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in TR or related human service field preferred
Prior experience with older adults and people living with dementia preferred

Responsibilities

Work as a part of the interdisciplinary team to address recreation and leisure needs, problems, goals and interventions
Identify and share what meaningful activities mean to each elder
Balance individual, neighborhood, and community opportunities for meaningful engagement
Actively participate in care plan, rounds; and other meetings
Complete MDS and care plan pieces in a timely manner, and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team
Documentation responsibilities which include but are not limited to: leisure assessment, prior leisure interests, and progress notes. Documentation to be in accordance with facility and regulatory agency guidelines
Provide education and resource counseling to elders, families and staff regarding leisure opportunities
Refer to and collaborate with other disciplines (i.e.: spiritual care, music therapy, volunteers, hospice, psychiatry, therapies) as appropriate
Design and execute a monthly calendar of therapeutic recreation programming considering the needs and interests of assigned units/facility
Collaborates with the SJH team to organize, design, and execute community programs in/out of the facility
Facilitate the planning and execution of community outings, enabling elders to maintain community ties, and participate as desired
Maintain necessary paperwork around department spending, receipts, and other assorted documentation
Actively involved in own development of position related competencies
Other duties assigned as necessary to support St. John's mission, vision, values