• Job Summary

The Director of Life Enhancement’s primary purpose is to plan is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of an activities program in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations, as well as our internal established policies and procedures. Fosters a program designed to meet the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being and interests of patients in accordance with the comprehensive person-centered care plan.

• Education/Qualifications

• H.S. diploma or GED.

• To be qualified, must meet one of the following criteria as specified by CMS (State Operations Manual Appendix PP):

• qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist; or

• an activities professional who—

• Is licensed or registered, if applicable and

• Is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activity professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or

• Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was full-time in a therapeutic activities program; or

• Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or

• Has completed a training course approved by the State.

• Passion for the elderly.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to have fun and engage others.

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

• Must be knowledgeable of regulations governing activity services in nursing care facilities.

• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.

• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.

• Persons who have been found guilty by a court of law or identified in by any registry, regulatory, or licensing body of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating individuals in a health care related setting are ineligible for employment in the position.

• Persons who have been found guilty by a court of law of misappropriate, forgery, fraud, or theft are ineligible for this position.

• 
  Experience

• Two (2) years of experience conducting social/recreational/activity programs within the past five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting.

Director of Life Enhancement Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers therapeutic services/activities to promote the patients’ opportunities for engaging in normal life enhancement pursuits and to increase and/or maintain functioning levels.

• Completes a monthly calendar of available and leisure activities and posts it in the facility.

• Plans community activities that jointly include the community, staff, families, and patients.

• Schedules activities, both individual and groups.

• Implements and/or delegates the implementation of the programs.

• Monitors the response and/or reviews/evaluates the response to the programs to determine if the activities meet the assessed needs of the resident and makes revisions as necessary.

• Interviews residents and families as necessary in a private setting.

• Completes the “Activity Pursuit Patterns” section of the Minimal Data Set, the CAA when triggered, the AHT Activity Assessment within 14 days of admission; Attends and participates in Patient Care Plan Meetings; Reviews/documents patient progress regularly according to facility policy.

• Assures physician’s approval for involvement in activities services; Maintains precautions/ limitations list on each patient.

• Ensures that individual patient’s attendance and participation in group, individual and one-on-one recreational pursuits are documented appropriately. Oversees staff documentation and evaluates for timeliness, quality, and completeness.

• Provides patients with opportunities and support for involvement in group and individual leisure pursuits (i.e., arts/crafts, community outings, religious activities, intellectual/educational activities, community/facility service activities) based upon individual interests and needs. Invites/encourages patients’ participation.

• Supports each patient’s right to self-determination; Documents when residents decline activity services offered; Outlines benefits of participation for the patient and informs patient of any therapeutic alternatives.

• Assists patients in the organization and implementation of Resident Council Meetings.

• Assists with organizing Family Council Meetings.

• Assists in the development of the facility newsletter and communication boards.

• Coordinates an effective Volunteer Program.

• Coordinates pet therapy ensures all pets have required vaccinations and documentation and ensures that all follow infection control guidelines.

• Coordinates beauty/barber services in the facility.

Supervisory/People Management Responsibilities

• Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of personnel for the activity department.

• Assists in planning, coordinating, and conducting continuing education programs and special in-service training sessions relevant to the needs of department personnel.

• Ensures that employees and volunteers are adequately oriented and trained to perform their duties.

• Schedule department work hours (including vacation and holiday schedules), personnel, work assignments, etc., to expedite work

• Reviews employee performance annually and makes recommendations for pay increases, promotions or performance improvement plans as deemed appropriate.

• Counsels/disciplines personnel as necessary up to and including termination.

• Establishes and maintains effective two-way communication to understand the needs and concerns of employees.

• Properly manages employees’ personal information.

• Devotes adequate time and attention to personal development and training, particularly in the management of people resources.

• Receives, investigates, and responds to employee complaints.

• Delegates authority, responsibility, and accountability to other responsible department personnel.

• Ensures documentation is completed for individual and group activities.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs the activity programs of this facility.

• Follows organization policy and procedures and pertinent company guidelines.

• Keeps abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards of practice, and make recommendations on changes in department processes to the ED.

• Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the ED as required.

• Attends QAPI as directed by the ED. Completes audits of activities, infection control during activities, resident/family satisfaction, etc. and reports findings.

• Serve on, participate in, and attend various committees of the facility as appointed by the Executive Director.

• Follows CMS State Operations Manual Appendix PP as it pertains to activities, resident rights, and other pertinent subject matter.

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, departmental head meetings, and other facility meetings and sits on required committees.

• Coordinates work of department with work of other departments.

• Assists in developing and updating departmental procedures and policies.

• Participates in department budget planning and supplies monthly report to the Executive Director.

• Participates in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.

• Reviews and develops a plan of correction for activity deficiencies noted during survey inspections and provides a written copy of such report to the ED.

• Performs any miscellaneous work assignments as may be required.

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