Dementia Center Respite Coordinator/Therapeutic Recreation Speci bei St. John’s Home

St. John’s is leading and inspiring a shift in society’s views of elderhood. Join our family of dedicated, talented employees who are at the forefront of innovative senior services delivery in this community. St. John’s embraces living every day by fostering a culture that is friendly, respectful, responsive, compassionate, innovative, and fun for both employees and the elders and residents that call St. John’s home.    

If this description speaks to you, continue reading about the opportunity of Dementia Center Respite Coordinator/Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. We are seeking a candidate for a dual-role position. The role will be divided equally, with 20 hours dedicated to Dementia Center Respite Coordinator and 20 hours dedicated to Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, totaling a full-time 40-hours a week  at St. John’s Home.

Position Summary: The Dementia Respite Coordinator will greet visitors from the community and coordinate weekly activity in the new dementia respite program at St. John’s.  The Coordinator will conduct intake meetings with couples or families who are supporting a person with dementia at home. Based on the family’s needs, the Coordinator will refer them to a number of services available through St. John’s Dementia Resource Center, including meeting with an on-site Lifespan Care Manager and/or access to programming and services at St. John’s Home (spiritual services, summer concerts and performances, beauty salon/barbershop). The Coordinator will also supervise program hours for the once-weekly satellite respite program. If approved for the respite service, persons with dementia can participate in the once-weekly, four-hour respite program, run by the Coordinator (with assistance by a Lifespan recreation therapist), while caregiver has time to his/her self.  Volunteers will also be recruited to assist the Coordinator in implementing engagement activities for people with dementia enrolled in the respite program. 

Position Summary: Therapeutic Recreation Specialist assesses and supports psychosocial well-being of elders in admission, discharge and during daily life at St. John’s.  This fast-paced role is crucial is supporting elders in establishing their engagement goals and navigating meaningful relationships during this time in their life.    

Responsibilities include:

• Support persons living with dementia during the respite program hours of operation by developing original programming; facilitating use of technology supports; transporting to in-house programming (ice cream shop, concerts, library, beauty shop, etc.); leading activities within the satellite drop-in center space
• Be responsive and welcoming to people living with dementia and their caregivers by discussing and documenting their needs and preferences. 
• Refer caregivers and people living with dementia to a Lifespan Care Manager or to services and activities within St. John’s, online, and in the community.
• Promote and support people living with dementia and caregivers in decision making.
• Train caregivers and people living with dementia on the use of supportive technology equipment as needed. 
• Coordinate meals and snacks for those visiting the Dementia Respite Center.
• Perform outreach as needed to promote DRC to family caregivers.
• Perform surveys/evaluation of the program at regular intervals.
• Actively participate as a member of St. John’s, communicating with needed team members and documenting information as needed. 
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of program participants.
• Innovate and work autonomously to improve lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Help with other duties as needed that support St John’s mission vision and values.                                                                      

Qualifications:

• Minimally a High school diploma and 2 years of experience in an age-appropriate social or recreational program
• Minimum one year experience in a health care setting.   
• Experience in the field of Gerontology, Long Term Care and/or dementia care a plus.  
• Bachelor’s degree in TR or related human services field preferred.  
• CPR certification required 
• Valid NYS Driver’s License preferred  
• Good organizational, leadership, and communication skills

Physical Requirements: 

• Stands, sits, and walks most of the day. Frequent moving and ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform activities as defined in skills check list.

Exposure to Conditions:  

• May be exposed to infectious diseases, odors and psycho-behavioral situations.

Hours:

• 20 hours per week to start; firm Thursdays from 10:30 to 3:30 p.m. to run drop-off respite program with additional hours flexible. Additional office hours are to be allocated as necessary to conduct intake meetings, answer phone calls, plan for programming, participate in training, etc

Pay:

• Commensurate with experience: $22.00-$25.00 hourly.

Check out what we have to offer YOU at https://www.stjohnsliving.org/careers:

• Health, dental, vision insurance (30 hours+)
• Employer sponsored life insurance & telemedicine (30 hours+)
• Weekly paychecks
• Competitive pay
• Ability to pay your bills before pay day through PayActiv:  https://www.payactiv.com/employees/
• Free parking
• 24/7 fitness center
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• On-site child care
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Cell phone discounts
• Recognition activities and events

St. John’s is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by laws and regulations.