PACE Activities Specialist (Central Valley PACE - Modesto)

The PACE Activities Specialist is responsible for developing and facilitating recreational groups and programs which meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the participants, both individually and collectively.  

Schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Will work at our Modesto PACE Center.

Compensation: $23.56 - $24.73 an hour

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts an initial assessment and scheduled reassessment of all participants, minimally every six (6) months an assessment must be completed prior to scheduled team conference.
• Communicates participant changes with team members. Develops specific therapeutic programs with the input of the participant as part of the plan of care to include recreational and social activities.
• Records, signs and dates progress reports in the participant's medical record.
• Develops groups and programs in consideration of the needs, abilities, and interest of the participant. A variety of formats shall be offered, including small groups, one-on-one, and large groups, taking into consideration the program population.
• Creates an activity program that will assist participants to resume self-care and normal activities or to prevent further deterioration.
• Posts a schedule of planned activities in a central location readily accessible to participant, family, guardian or authorized representative.
• Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Attends staff meetings and takes part in participant care planning. 
• Observes each participant for any change in physical, mental, emotional and social functioning and shall report such changes to the licensed nurse.
• Serves as a resource to staff and coordinates volunteer activities at the center.
• Builds within the center a sense of community and a warm social atmosphere in which participants are able to identify a support system.
• Participates in QA activities as appropriate.
• Coordinates with various community resources.
• Creates and organizes individual and group activities to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a participant’s level of functioning and independence.
• Weekly consultation from an occupational therapist, qualified social worker, or recreation therapist.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Moving, lifting or transferring patients may involve lifting or pushing greater than 30 pounds, should be done with assistance as appropriate. 
• Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to clients and staff.
• Must have vision with or without lenses that is adequate to read memos, a computer screen, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.
• Must have high manual dexterity.
• Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouching, reaching, kneeling, twisting/turning, fingering and feeling.

Work Environment

• Exposure to biohazards, including infectious material and waste and any other conditions common in a health care environment.
• Subject to unpleasant odors.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, but may at times be noisy and crowded.

Education/Experience Requirements    

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid California Driver’s License, acceptable driving record and vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Good understanding of psychosocial problems of aging.
• Only act within the scope of his or her authority to practice.
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with geriatric individuals including those with cognitive decline and/or physical frailties.
• Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by Central Valley PACE and approved by CMS before working independently.

Education/Experience:

• The activity specialist shall have one of the following qualifications:
  • Two (2) years' experience in a social recreational or educational program within the past five (5) years, one (1) year of which was full-time in an activities program in a health care, mental health or handicapped program setting; or
  • Certificate of completion of at least 36 hours training in an activity leader course approved by the California Department of Public Health and qualified under Title 22 requirements.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy; or in related field with an emphasis or concentration in recreation therapy, preferred.
• Experience providing and coordinating services for a frail or elderly population within the last five (5) years, preferred.
• Current BLS CPR Card certified by the American Heart Association