PATIENT ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

Code: 06197 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, is responsible for the formulation, development, coordination, and implementation of physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, cultural, and recreational activities for the well-being of patients at a long-term health care facility; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Develops and maintains written objectives, standards of practice, policies, a procedure manual, and an organizational plan for the patient activities service.
• Participates in planning and budgeting for the patient activities service, including recommending to the administrator of the institution the number and levels of patient activities personnel to be employed, and the equipment and supplies to be purchased.
• Coordinates and integrates the patient activities service with other patient care services in the facility, and with services in the community to provide a continuum of care for the patient.
• Represents or ensures representation of the patient activities service in the facility's committees.
• Develops and maintains written job descriptions for patient activities personnel.
• Oversees the work of activities staff, assigns duties and evaluates work progress.
• Assists in the development of, and participates in staff orientation and staff education programs for the facility and documents these activities.
• Maintains a current record of community services, resources, programs, and materials accessible to staff, patients, and their relatives and friends.
• Develops a written monthly activities schedule.
• Posts the current monthly activities schedule in each nursing unit where it can be read by patients, staff, and visitors.
• Ascertains from physicians' medical orders those patients who are able to participate in the activities program, and any limitations to their participation.
• Assesses the activities needs of each patient, and prepares a written patient activities care plan.
• Monitors and records the patient's response to activities.
• Reassesses the patient's activities needs according to prescribed schedule and review with patient his/her participation in the activities program.
• Provides patient activities guidance and consultation to other patient care personnel.
• Organizes and meets with a Patient Activities Committee to develop activities programs.
• Participates in developing, reviewing, and revising the patient activities portion of the patient treatment plan.
• Provides a record of the type and frequency of activities held, and the number of patients participating in the activities program.
• Utilize the resources of community organizations and public and private agencies in providing recreational and social and religious activities for patients.
• Requisitions supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Prepares necessary reports.
• Maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in recreation, occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, or other field related to recreation.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the development, coordination and implementation of social and/or recreational activities for patients in a health care, psychiatric care, or long term care facility.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the methods and problems involved in directing a program of various activities for the well-being of patients at a long-term health facility.
• Knowledge of the purpose and goals of a patient activities service or program.
• Knowledge of the problems encountered in dealing with elderly, mentally, or physically ill patients.
• Knowledge of the types of activities best suited for the well being of elderly patients.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement physical, social, educational, spiritual, cultural, and recreational activities.
• Ability to give assignments and instruction to subordinates and supervise their work.
• Ability to enlist the interest of concerned people and encourage their participation in the program.
• Ability to establish and maintain helpful and cooperative relationships with associates, patients, and the public.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess a Bachelor's degree but who have successfully completed the required twenty-four (24) semester hour credits in recreation courses, may substitute additional professional experience as indicated above on a year for year basis. Thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.

A valid certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Certification or a valid certification as an Activity Director issued by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals may be substituted for the education requirement listed above.

Applicants who possess a valid Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Certification or a valid certification as an Activity Director issued by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals are considered to have met the education requirements listed above.