Dementia Program Director

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:

To develop, implement and evaluate the Supportive Care Unit in order to achieve and maintain a coordinated interdisciplinary focus of directed programming to ensure continuity of therapeutic interventions and care for the residents; to ensure optimal care for the dementia-type residents with focus on Cognitive Behavior Program in the long term care facility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF JOB:

1. Can assist in completing admission and periodic assessments of residents, and develops care plan related to Cognitive Behavior Programming; attends care plan meetings when needed.
2. Provides daily instruction, support and direction to staff and advises them of federal, state, and agency policies and procedures.
3. Understands the purchasing and finance policy of the facility. Expresses to administration needed items for unit and reviews with administrator regarding anticipated budget needs and office policies/ procedures.
4. Prepares and submits data and reports as required.
5. Updates Electronic Medical record regarding an increase/decrease in resident behaviors.
6. Serves as a liaison between family, staff and resident regarding admissions, discharges and transfers. Handles conflict resolution as needed.
7. Handles behavior management interventions/programs; provides appropriate documentation.
8. Develops and implements monthly education programs for staff; provides educational materials for staff and families.
9. Monitors appropriateness and accuracy of resident services and assures that required paper work is completed in an accurate and timely manner.
10. Conducts staff meetings to review or resolve case management issues, problems, and concerns with the collaboration of the employees direct supervisor.
11. Consults with other agencies regarding accessing of needed services.
12. Monitors intakes, referrals, requests for service and recommends approval of same.
13. Demonstrates Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab commitment to service excellency by understanding the needs of residents, their families, physicians and co-workers and doing what is required the first time, every time by being responsible, sensitive, accurate, timely, coordinated and thorough.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1. Attends community functions as representative of Supportive Care Unit.
2. Performs other job related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives direct supervision from Nursing Home Administrator.

SUPERVISON GIVEN:

Provides guidance, training and education to those that work on the supportive care unit.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works indoors in adequate work space, ventilation and lighting, but with fluctuations in temperatures.
2. Works with average indoor exposure to noise, but subject to frequent disruptions and high levels of stress.
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
4. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or disruptive behavior of residents.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:

1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
2. Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the work day with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching and driving necessary to carry out duties of job.
3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands, feet/legs, and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of ten pounds.
5. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
6. Must be able to physically and mentally react quickly in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak.
7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. TRAINING:

Required Certification in Dementia Training. Bachelor Degree in related field or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

2. WORK EXPERIENCE:

Minimal 2 year experience working with dementia residents, preferred experience in developing and implementing a program as well as leadership training and education in dementia care; or any combination of appropriate education and work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language and to follow oral and written instructions.
2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Must possess initiative and problem solving skills.
4. Must possess ability to supervise staff and delegate and monitor department work duties
5. Must possess knowledge of department policies and procedures and ability to train other of same and enforce them in regard to department duties and responsibilities.
6. Must possess knowledge of and ability to practice effective organizational and conflict management techniques.
7. Most possess effective interpersonal skills in dealing with residents, co-workers, agencies, therapists and physicians.
8. Must possess knowledge of effective social service and psychological skills in carrying out work duties.
9. Must possess some knowledge of and ability to perform math functions and prepare required reports, budgets and/ or statistics.
10. Must possess knowledge of protective service and ability to administer and supervise work of same in compliance with applicable standards.