Activities Therapist

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Activities Therapist to join Ramapo Ridge. The Activity Therapist is responsible for assisting in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, and evaluating Activity Programs in accordance with current existing federal, state and local standards, as well as facility policies and procedures, to ensure that the spiritual development, emotional, physical, intellectual, recreational and social needs of the patient are met/maintained on an individual basis. The individual is competent to care for patients in the following age groups: adult (ages 19 - 64) and geriatric (ages 65 +). Demonstrates an understanding of, and embraces, the mission statement of Christian Health.

Competencies:

• Assists in implementing programs and evaluating their effectiveness.
• Leads group activities, creating a calm, accepting environment and recognizing needs/making adaptations for group member's participation.
• Records and maintains activity progress notes for each patient, in compliance with Treatment Team Master Calendar; including overview of patient's activity participation.
• Demonstrates effective transportation of patients to and from activities (timeliness, quantity, safety).
• Assists in assuring security of Ramapo Ridge patients while off unit by maintaining appropriate staff ratios and calling for assistance as needed.
• Demonstrates competency in the utilization of restraints, via post test and return demonstration as well as non-violent crisis intervention records episode notes as they occur.
• Accurately records daily attendance and maintains patient activity grids.
• Evaluates and adjusts activity programs on Ramapo Ridge based on level of patient functioning.
• Maintains good rapport with Administration, Consultants, Medical Staff and other departments, Community health and complies with/implements recommended changes in planning activities.
• Alert to any change in the patient's condition and reports change to Unit Nurse (RN), Activity Director or and Treatment Team immediately.
• Encourages patient's education, recreational, & religious programs.
• Provides Alzheimer's, dementia and/or psychiatric diagnosis residents with reality orientation/validation therapy as instructed.
• Completes Initial /Annual/Reassessments.
• Records attendance after each activity group daily.
• Utilizes Activity Protocols to meet all of patients needs.
• Participates in discharge planning/summaries, development and implementation of activity plans, schedules and patient assessments.

Qualifications:

• Should have aptitude for and some training in arts and crafts.
• One year previous experience with geriatric population and dementia/Alzheimer or adult/geropsychiatric clients preferred.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors, and the general public. Willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle patients based on whatever physical, mental and emotional level they are currently functioning.
• Possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activity programs.
• Must have some understanding of the social, psychological and recreational needs of the aged.

Schedule: 9:30am-5:30pm, Monday – Friday and work Every other weekend.

Education: Bachelors’ degree in a related field required.

Christian Health offers a wide variety of benefits to full-time employees that includes Health Insurance, a Dental Program, Paid Vacation and Holidays, 401k, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program and Direct Deposit.