Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, one of South County’s largest independent, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation nonprofit senior living communities, seeks compassionate and experienced Recreational Therapist to join our growing team.

At Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, our mission is simple: we create communities that promote the dignity of human life and reflect the spirit of Jesus Christ. We proudly provide the best possible physical, social, and spiritual care for our older adult residents...but we need your help.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Recreational Therapist is responsible for the development and oversight of resident services, including planning and coordinating opportunities for residents that promote a level of health, wellbeing, engagement, and growth. Recreational therapists employ leisure activities to residents living with cognitive disabilities or illnesses. Through the use of games, sports, crafts and more, they maintain a resident’s physical and emotional well-being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Plans, schedules, and conducts lifestyle programs that provide physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual opportunities for the residents.
• Provide activities for the patients which include daytime, evening, indoor, outdoor, and special and holiday events as evidenced by documentation in the progress notes.
• Provide information to the RCC for input into the resident’s individual service plan (ISP) for each resident.
• Coordinates internal and external opportunities for residents to enhance their physical and psychosocial well being.
• Recruits and develops additional resources for services to the residents, oversees service groups and volunteers in coordination with the Volunteer Manager.
• Possess a CDL or Passenger endorsement driver’s license.
• Prepares and organizes a calendar of events.  Reviews the calendar with the Administrator for final approval. Posts and distributes the calendar.
• Meets with new residents to introduce the program.
• Provides ongoing communication with residents and, as necessary, family members.
• Prepares preliminary draft of Recreation Budget.
• Addresses resident groups and other groups on subjects of common interest.
• Maintains a database and prepares reports on resident ISP’s, participation and satisfaction.
• Meets routinely with the Administrator, Resident Care Coordinator, Social Services/Admissions designee and other stakeholders to review operational issues, set goals and provide updates on individual resident participation.
• Participates in MOPH Teepa Snow trainings/ in-services.
• Interacts with residents, guests and staff in an atmosphere of hospitality.
• Protects the privacy of the resident when communication oral and written information.
• Reports and instances of resident abuse/neglect immediately to the Administrator and or Resident Care Coordinator.
• Must be CPR certified or become certified in the first 30 days of employment.
• Works in accord with the Mission and Values of the Cardinal Ritter Seniors Services/ Mother of Perpetual Help Ministry.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises the transportation department and Lifestyle Coordinators and Assistants in all levels of care at the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or other recreation-based field which may be approved for national certification in their area of expertise.
• Two or more years supervisory experience preferred.
• Geriatric experience preferred.
• Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is required.
• Ability for work flexible days, to include some weekends and after normal business hours.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Language Ability:

o   Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speaking the primary language of the residents.

o   Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 

o   Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

• Cognitive Demands:

o   Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

• Computer Skills:

o   Ability to use Microsoft Windows.  Ability to use software to design calendars and signs. Ability to use the Internet.

• Competencies (Example):

o   Ability to operate a car/truck/van/bus and maintain a valid appropriate class driver’s license. Ability to operate general office equipment.

 Environmental Adaptability

• Works primarily indoors in a climate-controlled setting, but will be exposed to external temperatures during out trips etc.
• Possible exposure to unpleasant odors
• Possible exposure to chemicals as identified in the SDS Manual
• Continuous exposure to residents who are ill, confused, irritable and irrational

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-Employment Screening

All candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, and Covid-19 vaccination. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Cardinal Ritter Senior Services does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities.

CRSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.