Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 33478
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs - Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota
Location:Hot Springs, SDSalary: $23.00 to $28.00 Hourly, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GH
Closing Date: 10/31/25
The Activity Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive activities program tailored to the interests and needs of the residents. Key responsibilities include creating an activity schedule, coordinating with external vendors for special programs, and promoting an environment that enhances quality of life while ensuring safety protocols and regulations are followed.
Core Responsibilities:- Program development: develop and implement an activity program that contributes to the physical, mental, and social needs of residents including recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities.
- Assessment of resident needs: conduct assessments to understand the individual preferences and abilities of each resident to promote socialization and engagement.
- Activity coordination: organize and oversee activities to include games, music sessions, outings, arts and crafts, among others. Activities must maintain resident safety and consider their capabilities.
- Collaboration: work closely with residents and their families as well as facility staff in each department to include nursing, physical therapy, and business office.
- Budget mindfulness: in coordination with the business office, ensure that resources are allocated effectively to provide a variety of activities while adhering to financial constraints.
- Documentation and reporting: maintain documentation of resident participation in activities, document progress as appropriate, and evaluate the effectiveness of the activities program.
- Care planning: develop and maintain resident care plans as it relates to activities, social history and personal preferences.
- Staff supervision: oversee and train the Activities Assistant and volunteers as appropriate to ensure understanding of roles and responsibilities and adherence to facility policies and procedures.
- Safety and compliance: prioritize the safety and well-being of residents and ensure all activities comply with state and federal regulations as well as facility policies and procedures.
Other duties:- clean and disinfect areas following activities;
- assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed;
- assist residents requiring dining assistance as needed;
- ensure resident dignity and privacy is always maintained;
- adhere to infection control guidelines to include use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed;
- other duties as assigned by leadership.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:- knowledge of geriatric care to include dementia;
- knowledge of long-term care regulations and guidelines;
- basic computer skills to include use of electronic health record (EHR);
- skill to create an organized monthly activities calendar;
- problem solving and organizational skills;
- leadership, interpersonal and communication skills;
- ability to assess resident needs and preferences;
- ability to interact professionally with the interdisciplinary team.
Qualifications:- two (2) years' experience as an Activity Director or a similar role in a long-term care setting preferred;
- possess or obtain a state approved Activity Coordinator Certification, may be provided through SDHCA (120 hours) and completed within six (6) months;
- possess or obtain, Nursing Assistance Certification, may be provided by the facility with completion required within four (4) months of hire, or at leadership's discretion;
- CPR and first aid certification (BLS Certification), may be provided by the facility with completion required within 90-days of hire;
- current SD Driver's License with a clean driving record as required to drive facility vehicles;
- CDL preferred, or ability to obtain.
Work Environment:- prolonged periods of standing and/or sitting at desk while documenting;
- ability to lift 50 pounds (required);
- activities may occur inside or outside the facility;
- travel as needed.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume. This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2N7
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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