Recreation Assistant/Behavioral Technician - Behavioral Health Unit

Alaris Health at Cedar Grove -

Alaris Health at Cedar Grove is looking for a Recreation Assistant/Behavioral Technician in their Behavioral Health Unit.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Recreation Assistant/Behavioral Technician assists in the planning, organizing and. directing activity programs for residents. Recreation may include sports, dramatics, nature study, social recreation, games and arts and crafts in accord with resident’s needs. The Recreation Assistant/Behavioral Technician prepares reports on the residents’ progress as may be required.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Assists in planning and promoting recreation based on the needs and interests of the resident;

• Encourages social communication through group recreation;

• Effectively initiates behavior modification, de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to maintain safety and promote healing on the unit;

• Provide 1:1 observation on residents due to medical issues or identified risk behaviors;

• Engage underproductive residents in leisure diversionary activities to deter maladaptive behaviors;

• Provides programs of sensory training, reality orientation, re-motivation and re-socialization on an individual and group basis;

• Assists residents with participation in religious programs;

• Assists residents with leisure recreation;

• Visits bed-ridden residents and non-participants and provides appropriate recreation services;

• Assists with the daily programs, the monthly newsletter and recreation calendar;

• Documents resident attendance, and participation level, at recreation programs; may assist with maintaining pertinent card files and writing progress notes, if applicable;

• Attends appropriate in-service training programs;

• Assists in the maintenance, storage, and use of the recreation department supplies;

• Performs other responsibilities as directed by the Recreation Director;

• Assists with set up of volunteer program and appreciation;

• Assists in transporting residents to and from recreation programs;

• Assists in providing 1:1 for residents with physicians orders on all 3 shifts;

• Assists with providing information for admission assessments, clinical responsibilities: MDS, care plans and progress notes;

• Assists with resident council’s purpose, attendance, and outcomes;

• Facilitates community interaction programs;

• Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights;

• Performs other duties as requested.

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Training and certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention and the ability to demonstrate advanced behavioral techniques.

• Experience in working with complex and/or severe behavioral residents and applying therapeutic techniques to deescalate the resident (Preferred).

• Experience in leading various educational and therapeutic program topics related to, but not limited to ADL care, hygiene, social skills, coping skills, anger management (Preferred).

• Ability to recognize escalating aggressive behaviors and providing calm redirection to a controlled, safe environment.

• Ability to work with mentally ill residents having special needs and/or aggressive behaviors

• Knowledge of behavioral interventions and applied behavioral analysis.

• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and techniques related to residents experiencing behavioral difficulties.

• Knowledge of aggressive behavior characteristics pertaining to mentally ill residents.

• Must have thorough knowledge of nursing techniques and practices.

• Must have thorough knowledge of the specialized procedures applied and equipment used in the area to which you are assigned.

• Must have knowledge of medications, their proper dosage and expected results.

• Must be skilled in handling and manipulating instruments and equipment.

• Must have ability to coordinate and supervise the nursing functions in an effective manner.

• Must have ability to maintain an empathetic attitude toward residents and to gain their confidence in order to work with them effectively.

• Must have ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language, which may be of a technical nature.

• Must have ability to recognize and identify symptoms and to make decisions quickly in emergencies.

• Must have ability to train subordinates in work procedures and to organize and direct training carried out by members of the staff.

• Must possess the ability to positively interact with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Organized and highly developed written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge of all governmental regulations relating to Long term Care Standards

• Must be an effective communicator and must work well with a team

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school degree or equivalent;

• Certification in accordance with regulatory agencies governing the facility.

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

• Minimum experience working with behavioral residents preferred: 3 years.

JOB SKILLS:

• Effective communicator with excellent verbal/written skills.

• Well-developed organizational abilities.

• Some craft ability/knowledge.

• Perform record keeping and documentation, as necessary.

• Ability to positively interact with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

• Provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.

PERFORMS REALATED DUTIES:

• Interacts with residents, families, visitors and employees.

• Carries out other tasks as requested in situations where hands-on intervention/participation may be required.