KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Develop and enhance a comprehensive therapeutic activities program aligned with best practices and patient needs.
• Establish program goals, performance metrics, and outcomes tied to patient wellness and recovery.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including CMS, Joint Commission, and state guidelines.
• Introduce innovative, evidence-based therapeutic modalities appropriate for geriatric psychiatric populations.
• Oversee group and individualized therapeutic interventions and ensure alignment with patient treatment plans.
• Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IDT) to integrate therapeutic programming into care plans.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and therapeutic milieu for all patients.
• Lead, supervise, and develop Recreation Coordinators, students, interns, and volunteers.
• Manage staffing models, schedules, training, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as an active member of the IDT, contributing patient engagement insights and clinical observations.
• Collaborate with nursing, psychiatry, and social services to support comprehensive care delivery.
• Ensure accurate, timely EMR documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and care plans.
• Establish documentation standards, conduct audits, and monitor compliance and quality indicators.
• Promote patient dignity, engagement, and safety while reducing isolation and behavioral risks.
• Conduct initial activity assessments within 72 hours of admission and ensure ongoing reassessments are completed weekly.
• Ensure recreation therapy treatment plans are developed within required timeframes and updated regularly based on patient progress.
• Participate in and present at treatment team meetings, providing updates on patient status, behaviors, and interventions.
• Monitor patients for behavioral changes, medication side effects, and cognitive or physical changes, reporting findings to licensed staff.
• Facilitate group and individual therapeutic programs across social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and physical domains.
• Maintain activity calendars and ensure appropriate supervision of patients during all programming.
• Account for and secure all equipment, supplies, and potentially hazardous items after each session.
• Provide patient and family education related to therapeutic programming and treatment plans.
• Report incidents, safety concerns, and equipment issues in accordance with facility policy.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, including reviewing indicators and recommending improvements.
• Assist with complaint, grievance, and compliment processes, including tracking, trending, and reporting outcomes.
• Provide ongoing staff training on behavioral interventions and psychosocial care.
• Ensure patient safety through adherence to fall precautions, elopement prevention, and environmental safety standards.
• Maintain compliance with all facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations and support a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold standards of dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
• Attend required in-services, trainings, and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.