VA Activity Director

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position. 

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the activities programs of this facility. 

• Develops and implements monthly activities calendar. 

• Completes patient assessments upon admission, as well as quarterly and annually.  

• Assists in the development of resident centered care plans.  

• Leads Resident Counsel Meetings, documents patient’s needs, grievances/concerns, and follows up with necessary departments to ensure corrective action.  

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of written activities policies and procedures. 

• Provides written and oral reports/recommendations to the Director of Nursing Services and Administrator, as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the activities department. 

• Prepares for and participates in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies. 

• Supports the Quality Assessment & Assurance Committee in developing and implementing appropriate plans of action to correct identified deficiencies. 

• Serves on facility committees (i.e., Resident Counsel, Dining, Budget, Behavior, Care Planning, etc.). 

• Evaluates and implements recommendations from established committees as they may pertain to the activities department. 

• Assists the Administrator in the recruitment and selection of activities staff. 

• Ensures that new activities staff are properly oriented and trained. 

• Develops activities staff work assignments and schedules. 

• Resolves complaints and grievances made by activities department personnel. 

• Ensures that activities department employment actions are administered fairly and in compliance with the facility’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation.  

• Ensures that adequate activities supplies and equipment are maintained. 

• Assist in preparing and planning the activity department’s budget for food, equipment, supplies, and labor and submit to the Administrator for review, recommendations, and approval. 

• Performs other duties as may be needed or assigned. 

Education and/or Experience:  

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• May be a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who is certified by a recognized accrediting body or qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant. 

• Must have, as a minimum, two (2) years’ experience in a social or recreation program within the last five (5) years, one (1) of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting 

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Is certified or licensed, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; and is:  

• Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990 

Other Specific Requirements 

• Must provide evidence of being free of tuberculosis infection upon hire and as set forth by the policies of the facility. 

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

• Must possess the ability to make independent decision when circumstances warrant such action. 

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public. 

• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care. 

• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel. 

• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.