Recreation Therapy Aide
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Program Director, this position is responsible for assisting with the planning and implementation of activities for participants tailored to the needs and limitations of a frail elderly population. The Recreation Therapy Aide will provide one-on-one activities as well as large groups. Assistance with planning social, therapeutic and leisure programs is also required. Promotes professional working relationships with both internal and external customers. Adheres to and supports all organizational policies and procedures and standards. Promotes teamwork!
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ORGANIZATIONAL (CORE RATING FACTORS):
Ensure discretion with confidential information.
Maintains courteous, helpful and professional behavior on the job. Will support the success of the entire team by promoting a collaborative work environment.
Adheres to all PACE of West Baltimore Policies and Procedures, PACE of West Baltimore Safety Policies and Procedures and OSHA safety guidelines.
Consistently contributes to problem-solving and cooperates with identified resolutions.
Must demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality.
Brings issues and process improvement ideas to the attention of the Supervisor.
Maintains verbal and written skills required for the position.
Attends meetings and participates in committees as required.
Completes annual trainings as required.
Adheres to Company Dress Code Policy.
Demonstrates appropriate level of time management in support of co-workers and the entire team.
DEPARTMENTAL (JOB SPECIFIC TASKS):
Leads and/or assists in large groups, small groups one-on-ones, and individual activities (exercise, arts and crafts, games, current events, sensory, etc.) including center-based activities and in the participants home.
Assists the Recreation Therapists and Activity Coordinators as requested, in assessing and reassessing participant’s functional status in relationship to participation in recreational activities.
Assists with the development and implementation the recreational activities that meet the interests, needs and capabilities of participants under the supervision of the Day Center Manager.
Completes documentation as assigned by the Day Center Manager.
Assists in the organizing of special events as assigned.
Assists with preparing and cleaning up after activities.
Attends any meetings regarding participant care as assigned by the Day Center Manager.
Assists in the ordering of supplies for department as requested and maintains equipment in good condition.
Handles potentially infectious specimens with appropriate biohazard precautions, and practices universal precautions.
Maintains courteous, helpful and professional behavior on the job. Displays a willingness and ability to be responsive in a warm and caring manner to all customer groups. Consistently cooperates and supports organization in problem-solving issues. Ensures customer satisfaction. Will support the success of the entire healthcare team.
Participates in continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings.
Performs other duties as required or requested in a positive and helpful manner to ensure a smooth-running work area.
Additional responsibilities will be added at managers discretion, as career growth opportunities and responsibilities are constantly arising in our flexible and start-up environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent
Previous experience in an Activity/Recreation Therapy program.
One-two years of health care experience with a geriatric population.
Incumbent must possess a willingness to learn the principles, practices, standards, and techniques of Recreation Therapy as well as the use of materials/equipment belonging to the department.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, co-workers, medical staff, and the public.
Must be a team player able to identify challenges and recommend resolutions.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, meeting all deadlines.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate the ability to interact clearly and effectively with both internal and external customers.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with participants, co-workers, vendors, medical staff, and the public.
Must have solid computer skills and ability to work within an EHR.
Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening and criminal background check.
Must have a current Driver’s License and driving record must be in compliance with Company policy. Must maintain current automobile insurance.
Must be free of communicable diseases that can be readily transmitted in the workplace. TB test is required within first 7 days of employment. Hep B vaccinations are offered but not required.
Operates in full compliance with all applicable federal, state and local fire, health, safety, sanitation, Emergency procedures and other Standards prescribed in law or regulations.
ABOUT PACE of West Baltimore
PACE of West Baltimore (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is an integrated, home and community-based care model designed to help seniors maintain their independence and remain part of their communities for as long as safely possible. We care for our participants through a harmony of center-based services and personalized in-home care, spanning clinical, behavioral, and social services.
PACE is a proven, cost-effective care model, saving states an average of 13% versus other Medicaid services, including nursing homes and community-based waiver programs. PACE of West Baltimore’s unique approach to PACE is enhanced by our deep expertise in in-home care, clinical geriatrics, data analytics, and virtual care technology, all for the purpose of improving the health and quality of life of our patients.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
PACE of West Baltimore is an Alcohol/Drug/Smoke-Free Workplace
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; lift heavy objects; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk, see, hear, and smell. Requires full range of body motion, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination; requires the ability to use department equipment, to communicate effectively; The employee is occasionally required to reach and stretch with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to endure extremes in temperature and may work in hazardous environments where personal protective equipment is required. Requires the ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds and push or pull objects exceeding 150 pounds, using appropriate body mechanics.
Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements: Requires corrected vision and hearing to within normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to communicate effectively in verbal and written form with all levels of personnel within and outside of the organization.
Pressure Factor: Requires working under stressful conditions. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled and recurring deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environmental Conditions: Working conditions may be noisy with fluctuating indoor temperatures. Must have the ability to work under moderate pressure in order to meet scheduled appointments or deadlines while dealing with frail, disabled and/or confused participants/clients. Subject to individuals who may have the potential for physical or verbal aggression. May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and other conditions common in a clinic environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.