Job Details

Description

Job Title: Restorative Aide/Activity Director
Department: Swing Bed Unit
Reports To: CNO
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Job Summary:
The Rehabilitation Aide supports the rehabilitation team by assisting therapists in providing high-quality patient care. This position plays a key role in implementing treatment programs, including assisting swing bed patients with home exercise programs as directed by therapists. Additionally, the aide helps with patient transportation, departmental maintenance, and ensuring a clean, organized therapy environment.

The Activity Director for the Swing Bed Unit is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing therapeutic and recreational activities that promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of patients transitioning between acute care and home. This role focuses on enhancing patient engagement and quality of life while supporting individualized recovery goals in a rehabilitative setting.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist swing bed patients with prescribed home exercise programs under the guidance of licensed therapists.
2. Implement and monitor patient treatment programs as established by therapists.
3. Support patients in therapeutic activities, ensuring proper technique and encouraging participation.
4. Provide hands-on patient care, including guided mobility exercises and activities of daily living as appropriate.
5. Transport patients to and from therapy sessions safely and efficiently.
6. Assist therapists during treatment procedures and rehabilitation exercises.
7. Perform departmental maintenance, including cleaning and organizing therapy areas and ensuring equipment is sanitized and properly stored.
8. Observe and report patient progress, responses to therapy, and any concerns to therapists.
9. Educate and encourage patients in performing prescribed exercises independently.
10. Follow all hospital policies and safety regulations to ensure a secure rehabilitation environment.
11. Plan and implement a variety of therapeutic and leisure activities tailored to the physical and cognitive abilities of swing bed patients.
12. Conduct assessments of each patient's interests, needs, and capabilities upon admission and develop individualized activity care plans.
13. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team (nursing, rehab, social services, etc.) to support holistic care and timely patient goals.
14. Organize group and one-on-one activities, including physical, cognitive, creative, social, and spiritual options.
15. Maintain accurate documentation of participation and progress according to facility and regulatory standards.
16. Adapt activities to accommodate limitations and encourage maximum participation.
17. Foster a welcoming and engaging environment that supports emotional wellness and social connection.
18. Ensure all activities comply with state, federal, and facility regulations including CMS swing bed guidelines.
19. Coordinate volunteer and community involvement when appropriate.
20. Monitor supply inventory and manage the activity budget effectively.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, gerontology, or a related field preferred.
2. Certified Activity Director (or willing to obtain within a specified time frame) preferred.
3. Certification as a Rehabilitation Aide or related field preferred.
4. Previous experience in a rehabilitation, therapy, or healthcare setting strongly preferred.
5. CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
6. Minimum of 1 year of experience in a health care setting, preferably with geriatric or rehabilitative patients.
7. Knowledge of regulatory standards for swing bed programs and activity programming.
8. Ability to lift and assist patients safely and effectively.
9. Knowledge of rehabilitation techniques, medical terminology, and therapy equipment.
10. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
11. Empathy, creativity, and adaptability in meeting diverse patient needs.
12. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative care team.

Work Environment:

1. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
2. May include weekends or evening shifts based on departmental needs.
3. Requires prolonged standing, walking, bending, and occasional patient assistance.
4. Ability to push/pull equipment (e.g., activity carts, wheelchairs) as needed.

This job description is not intended as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities that may be assigned and is subject to change based on the needs of the organization.