Recreation Assistant at LIFE Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

About LIFE Pittsburgh:

LIFE Pittsburgh, a growing nonprofit organization who believes everyone deserves the opportunity to age with dignity, autonomy and joy. With approximately 400 employees, we provide a community-based alternative to nursing home care and assisted living. Through the LIFE Pittsburgh program, frail older adults can remain in their own home and receive a coordinated plan of care that enables them to maintain their independence and enjoy a safe and active life in the community. LIFE Pittsburgh is a proud provider of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a nationally recognized model. Our health teams of geriatric physicians and nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and other health care professionals assess our Participants' needs and desires, plan and approve services with them and their family or caregiver, monitor for changes and provide timely interventions. Primary care and community services are provided through our Day Health Centers and through our in-home program according to an individual Participant's needs, honoring the dignity of every participant we serve.

What We Offer:

· Rich Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, and Vision

· 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan - with Company Match, fully vested immediately

· Life Insurance – with the opportunity of Spouse and Child Life Insurance!

· Want to further your education? We offer Tuition Reimbursement!

· Paid Time Off – Grows every pay period and rolls over into new year!

· Up to 9 paid holidays!

· STD, LTD and an Employee Assistance Program

· Access to the Greater Pittsburgh Credit Union

· AND MORE!

RECREATION ASSISTANT

At LIFE Pittsburgh, our goal is simple: help older adults stay where they feel safest and happiest.

PLANNING: Contributes to the planning and success of the Recreation Therapy component of the program by communicating and collaborating with CTRS/Operations Manager regarding Participant interest and involvement; Contributes creative ideas and techniques for increasing Program participation; Contributes information to assist the CTRS with the development and revision of the Participants’ assessment and plan of care.

PREPARATION: Escorts Participants to and from program activities; Organizes and maintains recreation equipment, as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions; Prepares needed equipment and supplies in advance of groups; Properly stores equipment after groups; Maintains a neat, clean activity area and center; Documents attendance and participation level as required.

DELIVERY: Under the direction of the CTRS, encourage Participants to engage in activities; Enthusiastically Leads and adapts activities such as sports, dramatics, games, arts and crafts as directed by the CTRS in both group settings or one-on-one with Participants; Exercises judgment, flexibility and decision making to adapt the plans in progress to keep the Participants interested and willing to participate; Works in conjunction with the Rehab Department to carry out gross motor exercise programs as directed by CTRS; Maintains appropriate staff to Participant ratios as mandated by policy and regulations.

PERSONAL CARE: Provide basic Personal Care services to the Participants including, but not limited to, feeding, toileting. Report physical, cognitive emotional and/or health changes of Participants to Nursing, CTRS or Center Supervisor; Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with CTRS, other Recreation Assistants, Center Supervisor, and other employees; so that team is alerted to Participant needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, at least 1 yr of experience in a Recreation Department with the elderly or frail or minimum 2 years experience in a health care setting working with personal care within the frail or elderly population and demonstrated ability or training in recreation required. Must have a positive, high-energy personality.