Administrative Functions

1.     Provides initial assessment, and semi-annual reassessment of assigned participants to evaluate functional and social ability, identify major interests, and set realistic recreational program treatment goals.

2.     Conducts reassessments to determine progress achieved and update goals, and develops and implements a therapeutic Plan of Care with ongoing recommendations at least quarterly and when a participant’s condition changes.  Presents and coordinates the Plan of Care with the Interdisciplinary Team.

3.     Implements an appropriate, creative, individualized, and therapeutic activity program for each participant and monitors treatment progress.  In coordination with the Center Coordinator, supervises all aspects of the participant activity program delivered by Personal Care Attendants in the Center, as assigned.

4.     Demonstrates proficiency in the set-up and application of all therapeutic activity modalities, including exercise.

5.     Develops and schedules specific therapeutic programs that include recreational and social activities and programming for participants with dementia or sensory deficits.

6.     Develops, implements and supervises the activity program.  Produces a monthly activity calendar.

7.     Plans and provides both group and individual activities.  Greets participants upon arrival at the Center and sets the tone for each day.

8.     Orients and provides direction and oversight to volunteers. Incorporates the use of volunteers and intergenerational participation into activities.

9.     Incorporates contracted services for entertainment, art, movement and music therapy into activities.

10.  Accesses community resources for outings whenever possible.

11.  Monitors safety, is prepared in case of emergency, and attends to good body mechanics.

12.  Provides recreational education to participants and family members or caregivers according to recreation therapy standards.  Orients participants, family members or caregivers to the PACE Center during the initial assessment and enrollment process.

13.  Shares information on participant interests and social strengths with the Interdisciplinary Team and actively participates in Interdisciplinary Team meetings.  Keeps the Team apprised of noticed changes in the participant’s condition.

14.  Completes documentation in the medical record accurately and in a timely manner.

15.  Maintains competency according to departmental, organizational, and professional standards.  Attends and participates in workshops, seminars, etc., to keep abreast of current changes in the long-term care field, as well as to maintain a professional status.

16.  Understands fiscal issues and is appropriately involved in meeting budget targets.

1.     Complies with safety policies and procedures, identifying and immediately reporting any potential or actual unsafe acts or conditions to the Center Manger. Takes necessary measures to ensure a safe environment for oneself, co-workers, contractors, participants, visitors and others.

2.     Consistently meets or exceeds BCSC targets for productivity.

3.     Continually seeks better ways for delivering services and communicating with participants.

4.     Consistently meets or exceeds BCSC customer services targets.

5.     Demonstrates respect for and promotes participant rights, including dignity, self-determination, access to care, confidentiality and independence.

6.     Understands the importance of community involvement and participates as appropriate in activities that link BCSC to its communities,

7.     Effectively collaborates with staff peers and contractors to meet BCSC goals and further success.

8.     Complies with all BCSC policies and procedures.

9.     Demonstrates proficiency in delivering age-specific care.

10.  Consistently meets or exceeds BCSC quality assessment and performance improvement targets.

11.  As a member of the IDT team will participate in IDT and fulfil responsibilities as assigned.

12.  Supervise the day to day operations of the activities department as well as activity staff.

Personnel Functions

• ATTENDANCE/ABSENTEEISM – Demonstrates regular attendance consistent with BCSC policies and guidelines.


• PUNCTUALITY/TARDINESS – Reports to work on time and prepared. Returns from meals and rest breaks within established policy time period frames.


• COMMUNICATION – Ability to present ideas and thoughts in a direct, professional manner, both orally and in writing. Uses positive facial expressions and body language, speaking clearly and slowly enough to be understood. Communicates well with staff, colleagues, and senior management. Refrains from negative commentary.


• INITIATIVE – Soundly assertive in thoughts and actions; takes responsibility, makes efforts in the face of obstacles. Demonstrates leadership qualities.


• JUDGMENT – Displays well-balanced thinking, capacity to reach decisions quickly and accurately when necessary. Demonstrates tact and diplomacy when handling difficult situations or complaining clients.


• COOPERATION – Ability and willingness to work with others; promotes teamwork; demonstrates good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all staff members, responding with concern and cooperation. Works at maintaining a positive relationship with other individuals and departments requiring frequent interaction.


• ADAPTABILITY – Willingness to work jointly with others, willingness to accept new ideas and suggestions. Capacity to adapt to new methods of conditions, capacity to be trained.


• DEPENDABILITY – Ability to follow directions and complete assigned responsibilities on time. Follows through on assignments to conclusion.


• FLEXIBILITY – Ability to accept change, work multiple tasks simultaneously, and absorb and accept alternate assignments as necessary. Ability to re-prioritize as necessary when confronted with challenges or obstacles.


• PROBLEM SOLVING - Resolves problems and concerns in appropriate manner, following the proper chain of command.


• PARTICIPANT/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS – Is courteous and attentive to participants, employees, families, visitors, and other individuals with whom they may come in contact. Always greets staff/family/visitors in a courteous, professional manner responding with empathy when appropriate using positive interpersonal skills. Other employees have confidence in employee.


• ATTITUDE – Shows interest and enthusiasm for job and organization. Effort to achieve organization and department objectives.


• JOB KNOWLDEGE – Gets to the root of normal problems. Has understanding of job related functions and understanding of full job requirements. Makes effort to keep skills current.


• USE OF TIME – Is able to organize daily activity and complete assigned tasks in a reasonable amount of time.


• APPEARANCE – Is neat, well groomed and presents an appropriate use of BCSC dress code (including wearing a name badge.

·       Complies with safety policies and procedures, identifying and immediately reporting any potential or actual unsafe acts or conditions to the Center Manager. Takes necessary measures to ensure a safe environment for oneself, co-workers, contractors, participants, visitors and others.

·       Attends and participates in workshops, seminars, etc., to keep abreast of current changes in the long-term care field, as well as to maintain a professional status.

·       Actively participates in the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) process. Consistently meets or exceeds BCSC quality assessment and performance improvement targets.

·       Understands fiscal issues and is appropriately involved in meeting budget targets.

·       Continually seeks better ways for delivering services and communicating with participants while demonstrating proficiency in delivering age-specific care.

·       Demonstrates respect for and promotes participant rights, including dignity, self-determination, access to care, confidentiality, and independence.

·       Understands the importance of community involvement and participates as appropriate in activities that link BCSC to its communities.

·       Consistently meets or exceeds BCSC targets for productivity and customer service targets.

·       Effectively collaborates with staff peers and contractors to meet BCSC goals and further success.

·       Complies with all BCSC policy and procedures.

Participants’ Rights Functions

·       Maintains confidentiality of all participant information.

·       Ensures the participants’ right to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property and civil rights, including the right to wage complaints, are well established and maintained at all times.

·       Assists with addressing participant complaints.  Discusses with participant and family as appropriate.

Working Conditions

·       Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility and its premises.

·       Moves intermittently during working hours.

·       Is subject to frequent interruptions.

·       Works beyond normal working hours, weekends and holidays and on other shifts/positions as necessary.

·       Is subject to call‑back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post‑disaster, etc.).

·       Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

·       Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

·       Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

·       Communicates with nursing personnel, and other department personnel.

·       Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset participants, family members, personnel, visitors, etc.

·       Is involved with participants, family members, personnel, visitors, government agencies and personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

·       May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Education and Experience

• Degrees and diplomas: High School Diploma. Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or related field preferred.


• Certificates, licenses: Activities Director Certificate. Verification of completion of CPR (BLS) and first aid training. Valid California driver’s licensed. TB screening and successful completion of a health examination by a medical health provider is required for employment.

Experience: At least two years of experience in social or recreational programs providing and coordinating services for a frail or elderly population within the past five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting

• Skills/Aptitudes: Recreation therapy knowledge and skills necessary to treat participants and manage complex problems.  Ability to provide care for frail elderly.  Ability to work independently and within an Interdisciplinary Team. Good organizational and supervisory skills.  Ability to handle complex interpersonal situations.

 Specific Requirements

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

·       Must demonstrate sound verbal and written communication skills to convey information effectively.

·       Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

·       Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, participants, visitors and the general public.

·       Must possess the ability to work harmoniously with other personnel.

·       Must possess excellent interpersonal interactions that result in team-building, community involvement and participant empowerment.

·       Must possess the ability to minimize waste of supplies, misuse of equipment, etc.

·       Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

·       Must be able to relate information concerning a participant’s condition.

·       Must maintain a responsive participant activity schedule and a consistent level of productivity.

·       Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

·       Must exhibit the ability to complete duties within an agreed upon timeframe and to adjust personal schedule if required.

·       Must demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt appropriately to change of priorities and workload.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

·       Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.

·       Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.

·       Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

·       Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

·       Must function independently, have personal integrity, have flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with other personnel.

·       Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.

·       Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

·       May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of participants during emergency situations.