JOB SUMMARY: The Activity Coordinator is responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Health Center's activity programs. These are done on a daily basis and are to be designed to meet the individual needs and interests of the residents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops activity programs for Health Center residents that are within the framework of the facility organizational structure and in accordance with state and federal regulations and that meets with the approval of the resident's attending physician.
• Programs are coordinated within a team effort with related facility services and staff.
• Programs are to include activities for ambulatory, non-ambulatory and bedfast residents. Activities are to planned for both group and individual participation.
• Ensures that activities take into consideration the understanding of the adverse effects of institutionalization that brings about isolation, sensory deprivation and dependence.  Programs are to be designed to offset these conditions.
• Develops activities that provide the opportunity for residents to experience sensory input, i.e., touch, smell, taste, etc.
•  Ensures that activities to also provide group interaction and personal achievement.
• Constructs activities, which encourages decision-making and participation in planning to bring about some degree of responsibility and independence.
• Participate as a member of the “Culture Change” committees and teams as directed by the Administrator. This may include attendance at educational seminars/meetings and instructing/educating other staff members regarding “Culture Change”.
• Assist in developing and implementing culture change projects as directed by the Administrator.
• Provides supervision, monitoring and control of any entertainers, speakers or program participants that may be brought into the facility. Ensures that entertainers, speakers or program participants are fully aware of the rules and regulations while being in a St. Paul's facility and that their movement within the facility is limited.
• Evaluates residents according to their background, interests, abilities, physical and mental limitations and needs.
• Documents the individual activity programs using the appropriate assessment forms from the resident's medical records. Ensures that documentation is completed within seven (7) working days of the resident's admission.
• Maintains timely progress notes specific to the resident's activity plan, recording at least quarterly in the medical records and more frequently where appropriate.
• Develops and maintains appropriate records to indicate resident's attendance and participation in the program.
• Records to include resident's response to the program.
• Plans and implements programs within a designated budget allocated by the facility administrator.
•  Reports problem budgetary items and areas for improvement or concern to the administrator.
• Orients, trains and supervises volunteers assigned to the Health Center activity program.
• Presents and interprets to residents, other staff members and the outside community the purposes and achievements of the Health Center's activity program.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, departmental meetings, designated committee meetings and patient care conferences.
• Develops methods for identifying and utilizing community resources.
• Serves as a facility liaison person to promote positive community support.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the facility administrator, COO or CEO.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Must possess valid activities certificate.
• Must have dependability, creativity, a sense of humor, enthusiasm, affection and patience; ability to organize; ability to teach, supervise, and orient; willingness to accept consultant direction and to assume responsibility.
• Must enjoy working with the elderly and have interest in and understanding in their needs.
• Must be able to communicate well in written and spoken English.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's degree (AA.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years experience working in a social or recreational program.
•  One-year experience working in a resident activities program in an independent living facility preferred.