Job Summary

The SNF Life Enrichment Specialist, in the absence of or at the instruction of the Activity Director, will assess and identify the needs of newly admitted residents in order to make an activity plan which offers the highest practical level of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being and quality of life within the facility. . He/she will work with other staff to follow the individualized plan of care, document progress and assure that standards of care are being met. The Life Enrichment Specialist may also participate in orientation of staff and volunteers in order to facilitate facility- wide goal of promoting quality of life for all residents.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties of the SNF Life Enrichment Specialist may include, but are not limited to:

• Interface with nursing office, MDS Coordinator, Therapy Manager and other staff in forming and reviewing the care plan for each person.
• Interview the resident and involved family members to identify the person’s lifelong and recent activities.
• Interview the resident and responsible parties to identify areas that need to be addressed in order to provide the best quality of life within the resident’s physical and mental abilities.
• Attend care plan conferences as scheduled in the absence of Activity Director
• Attends daily staff meetings in absence of Activities Director in order to facilitate care and services to current and new residents. .Addresses any new unusual behaviors, mental status changes or changes in circumstances to help the staff with non-pharmaceutical interventions.
• Initiates and correctly completes assessment according to federal and state guidelines on admission, quarterly and annually and complete according to RAI manual. Correctly and timely completes all portions of the assessment for which they are responsible.
• Assists residents with choosing both individual and group activities that are interesting and motivating to each one, based on individual needs and interests.
• Completes and activity calendar timely and makes residents aware of activities by posting the calendar in a public area and in rooms, or by informing individual residents who may not have access to seeing calendars.
• Participates in night and/or weekend activities as scheduled in order to offer an acceptable range of activities to residents.
• Maintains a current list of community resources who may offer activities that engage the resident in the community.
• Documents participation daily. This documentation is used to evaluate needs and complete a care plan.
• Follows a care plan for each person and documents response.
• Stores any dangerous chemicals or supplies that say “KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN” or “CAUTION” in a safe place away from residents who could be vulnerable.
• Seeks the assistance of a trained staff member when moving or transporting residents to assure resident safety. Makes sure that a qualified staff member is present at activities where food or beverages are served.
• Participates in and maintains highest level of professional training on software used for documentation.
• Keeps up knowledge of current and changes in Medicare regulation requirements as well as civil money penalties for therapeutic activities. Stays knowledgeable on federal and state requirements for therapeutic activities.
• Develops and maintains a good working rapport with other departments with the facility.
• Consistently demonstrates professionalism and confidentiality.
• Participates in quality assurance program and QA committee goals and approaches as assigned.
• Serves on other committees as requested.
• Attends all mandatory in service including annual fire, OSHA and CDC program.
• Reports all allegations of abuse, including physical, mental, sexual, neglect, involuntary seclusion, misappropriation of funds or theft of items to administrator immediately and absolutely no later than two hours after being made aware of such allegations.
• Practices in adherence to national standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets, unique health identifiers, and security, including passwords and user ID codes, in compliance with the Privacy Act and HIPAA. Notifies Administrator, or Director of Nursing in the absence of the Administrator, of any known violations.
• Renders all services without discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, sex or handicapping condition.

Job Requirements:

Must have the following skills, traits and experience:

Education: Some college education in social services, recreation or health care is preferred.

PC literacy and competence. Experience using Word, Outlook and Excel preferred. Must be able to learn and be proficient at the electronic charting system.

Must have working knowledge of facsimile machines, copiers, scanners computer graphics and desktop publishing programs.

Must be able to relate to people of varying education, cultures and ability to comprehend information.

Applicant must be self-directed and demonstrate ability to work independently to meet deadlines.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Must have the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions.

Complies with federal CMS, CDC guidelines for healthcare workers’ required immunizations.

Must pass drug screening and background check.

Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies and procedure of Stone River Manor. Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies and procedure of Stone River Manor. Must be able to push, pull, move, or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum of five (5) feet and able to push, pull, move and carry such weight a minimum distance of fifty (50) feet. Must be physically able to evacuate residents in the event of evacuation. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position. Must possess hearing and sight, with or without use of prosthetics that enables these senses to function adequate to fully meet the requirements of the job, which include transporting residents to and from activities, setting up a/v equipment, and other tasks. Must be able to work with people of varying levels of understanding, mood or coping abilities, varying cultures and varying sensory awareness.