Recreational Therapist - Full Time Days **$5,000 Hiring Bonus** Immanuel Pathways Omaha at Immanuel in Omaha, Nebraska

Job Description:

The overall purpose of this job is to assess the needs, interests and capabilities of participants and develops individualized therapeutic recreation plans. Plans, organizes, directs and participates in a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program tailored to the general and individualized needs and limitations of frail elderly program participants. Supports and lives out Immanuel's Mission and CHRIST Promises.

Approx. Time Requirement

Key Responsibilities and Duties of the Job

40% Recreational Activities

• Plans and implements group and individual activities to improve or maintain the participants' cognitive, physical, social, psychosocial, and artistic needs.


• Plans and implements activities for dementia-specific population. Oversees daily flow of dementia activities area. Activities may focus on small groups, one-on-one programming and sensory stimulation.


• Organizes community outings and special events at the PACE Center. Duties include: arranging for participant transportation, entertainment, catering, and involving other staff.


• Develops a monthly calendar of activities.


• Evaluates program plans to promote effective programs according to participant abilities and preferences within the ADHC daily flow of events.


• Provides leisure education to participants and caregivers for activity modification, use of adaptive equipment, activity skill development, and recommended supplies for in-home use.


• Maintains general order in the activities area, including daily clean-up, routine supply inventory ordering, petty cash and overall general budgeting.

• Conducts an initial in-person comprehensive recreational assessment. Coordinates with the Interdisciplinary Team to develop a comprehensive plan of care for each participant.


• Conducts an in-person reassessment semi-annually and as needed.


• Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participants in, team meetings; communicates participant changes, collaborates on plan of care decisions and coordination for twenty- four (24) hour care delivery.


• Maintains participants' medical record and fulfills Immanuel Pathways charting and reporting requirements.


• Assists participants with non-skilled Activities of Daily Living (ADL) as needed.

• Provides recreational educational and training to support Activity Assistants and other Pathways PACE Center staff members, as appropriate.


• Provides on-going support and training to all staff involved in dementia-specific programming related to the dementia disease process.


• Works cooperatively with other staff and departments to meet Immanuel Pathways participants' needs.

• Acts within the scope of his or her authority to practice.


• Implements Exposure Control Plan.


• Uses proper lifting and push/pull techniques, use gate belt assistance and participant transfers.


• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of all company procedures, results, and information about employees, participants, and families.


• Participates in supports Quality Improvement Initiatives.

• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy or related field required


• Education or training in geriatrics, including dementia, preferred.

• Two (2) years of experience in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating services for a frail or elderly population within the last five (5) years, one (1) of which was full-time in a patient activities job in a health care setting.


• One (1) year of experience working with the frail or elderly population required, or completion of job specific training related to working with the elderly population must be completed within the first six months of hire.


• One (1) year of management experience, preferably in a geriatric care setting required.

• Must have medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.


• Must have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and have means of transportation.


• Basic Life Support (BLS) Skills i.e. Health Care Level Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); Automated External Defibrillator (AED); First Aide (FA).

• Knowledge of recreational therapy techniques and practices of the elderly including assessment, care plan development, monitoring and evaluation needs.


• Knowledge of physical, psychosocial and behavioral needs of the elderly population.


• Knowledge of the dementia disease process.


• Knowledge of illnesses common to frail and elderly adult population.


• Skilled in personal computer program; word processing; spreadsheet; database


• Skilled in oral and written communication.


• Skilled in creative and innovative recreational programming


• Ability to plan, develop and implement varied activities to meet diversified needs.


• Ability and experience working with volunteers.


• Ability to chart via Electronic Health Records


• Proven experience and basic computer proficiency (internet, email, Microsoft Office)

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy or related field required


• Education or training in geriatrics, including dementia, preferred.

• Two (2) years of experience in a social or recreational program providing and coordinating services for a frail or elderly population within the last five (5) years, one (1) of which was full-time in a patient activities job in a health care setting.


• One (1) year of experience working with the frail or elderly population required, or completion of job specific training related to working with the elderly population must be completed within the first six months of hire.


• One (1) year of management experience, preferably in a geriatric care setting required.

• Must have medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.


• Must have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and have means of transportation.


• Basic Life Support (BLS) Skills i.e. Health Care Level Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); Automated External Defibrillator (AED); First Aide (FA).

• Knowledge of recreational therapy techniques and practices of the elderly including assessment, care plan development, monitoring and evaluation needs.


• Knowledge of physical, psychosocial and behavioral needs of the elderly population.


• Knowledge of the dementia disease process.


• Knowledge of illnesses common to frail and elderly adult population.


• Skilled in personal computer program; word processing; spreadsheet; database


• Skilled in oral and written communication.


• Skilled in creative and innovative recreational programming


• Ability to plan, develop and implement varied activities to meet diversified needs.


• Ability and experience working with volunteers.


• Ability to chart via Electronic Health Records


• Proven experience and basic computer proficiency (internet, email, Microsoft Office)