Therapeutic Recreation Director

Therapeutic Recreation Director (TRD) Location: Bayview Health Care, Waterford, Connecticut. Job Type: Full‑time, 32 hours per week with rotating weekends. Responsibilities Assist the Director in planning, organizing, developing, and implementing the overall operation of the Activity Department, including social events and activities for residents. Visit residents regularly to evaluate needs and document findings for the nursing department. Encourage residents to participate in activities that stimulate physical, mental, social, and spiritual potential. Spend duty time with residents rather than with other facility staff. Assist with establishing resident care goals within the therapeutic team framework. Document accurately, timely, and comprehensively. Follow facility van operation policy and procedures, if applicable. Contribute to and promote positive resident and family relations. Participate in new hire selection, orientation, and supervise all new recreation staff. Participate in disciplinary actions, including performance‑initiated training and corrective measures. Assist with composing and implementing recreation policies and procedures. Qualifications Must possess at least an associate degree with major emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation, or be a candidate in an accredited degree program with proof of enrollment and completion of a program in Therapeutic Recreation. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in a related field and one year of full‑time employment in Therapeutic Recreation in a health care facility; a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 6 credit hours of Therapeutic Recreation coursework; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field and two years full‑time employment in Therapeutic Recreation in a health care setting; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field and nine credit hours of Therapeutic Recreation coursework. Related fields include Sociology, Psychology, Art, Music, or Education. Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) must be obtained within six months. Must be a qualified Therapeutic Recreation Director credentialed by the State of Connecticut. Experience working with Alzheimer’s and Dementia residents in a healthcare setting is preferred. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions and deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public. Must be knowledgeable in the Privacy Rule and ensure all staff comply with facility privacy practices policies and procedures. Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise professional and non‑professional personnel. Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm for handling residents at their current maturity level. Must participate in continuing education and in‑service training. Benefits Competitive weekly pay. Holiday pay for hourly and salaried employees. Overtime pay for hourly employees. Career advancement opportunities. Exclusive employer discount program. Employer‑paid life insurance. 401(k) with employer match. Vacation and personal time. Health, dental, and vision insurance. Equal Opportunity Employer – We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Athena Health Care Systems follows federal and state mandatory guidelines regarding staff vaccinations; all newly hired staff are fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 unless they receive an approved exemption from Athena, except where prohibited by state law. #J-18808-Ljbffr