What are the best activities director qualifications and training to get ahead?

What is the best training for becoming an activities director? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective activities director?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

Host said: What is the best training for becoming an activities director? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective activities director?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

duties of activity director

Barbara A. Wilkins in Wilson, North Carolina said: duties of activity director

I have received a lot of my training thru the girl scouts. They give you all kinds of training to train leaders how to run effective troops. I lot of that training I hava applied to my activities director job. Plus it help to be an assistant activity director for a resort for a few months.

I worked as a young life volunteer for the non-profit ministry Young Life serving youth with disabilities as well as worked as a teacher's assisstant for kids with special needs. Being involved in the community through my church as also helped a LOT. I must say, though it is definitely a balance between being a public speaker and just being outgoing to really having a heart for the population and education behind it. There really is a lot to weigh for the job. Don't let it intimidate you though. It is all fun, really.

I am certified as an Activities Director ,I want to get a liscense ,can you tell me where and how ? Thanks

Indiana does not license Activity Directors. You can get qualified. Rowlett and Laker offers a National certification course that can be used anywhere in the US. HTH

i am in need of more information.

Being a people person is also needed to be an effective activity director. You have to be able to start conversations with people. It also helps if you know your area and what your community has to offer as far as outside activities, whether you work at a vacation resort or a retirement home. Talk to other activity directers in your field in your area to get other ideas of what they offer.

no comment

deanna greene-rogalski in La Vista, Nebraska said: i am in need of more information.

Dee, is this you?!

Marilynn Bona Lacy

I believe that our profession is growing respect by the healthcare industry as research shows the value we bring to meet the needs of our seniors proactive lifestyles. More expectations of our position grow everyday and usually with no staff or support. To bring value, experience with the ability of adapting to various stages of aging, computer skills, National Activity Certification, flexibility to day to day situations, ability to work with a budget and the ability to lead/develop programs of interest are looked at for growth.
- Certification in Activities
- Gerontology degree or credits
- Exercise certification - (there is a variety out there)
- Laughter Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, etc...
- Recreation Therapy, Teaching degrees, etc...
Good luck and wish you a great fulfilling job ahead

Host said: What is the best training for becoming an activities director? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective activities director?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

Start with your local community college, take any classes related to mentally and physically disabled recreational programming, and get your AA! If you do not have one join and actively particicpate in your local Ca. AD. Ass. Your boss would mosy likely pay your fees. find a local state vendor, and take as many CE classes and workshops related to both activities and social services. I am assuming you are certified, convalscent homes pay the most and you will get the best training! Assisted living facilities pay the least, no training in documentation or Title 22 and they are out for the money. So do not expect any promotions or pay raises! After 25 years in the long-term care industry, I am now unable to find a job due to having the gull to turn 55! Even after some facial work, keeping in shape, no company wants to deal with the cost of health care ins. So never for a second forget your young and use it! Because it is a fact( my residents said for years)with the blink of an eye you'll be my age,and it is not alot of fun having to work as a homemaker and care for three boston terries! I miss work, and wants hits me right in the gut is all my many accomplishments, and I'm talking alot! Not one employer seems to care, and having more qualifications,then your boss can be a problem during a interview. Good luck,if you find an opportunity to work in a SNF,depending on your education and background, eccept no less then $15.00 per hour

I live in Riverside county, actually a small town called Hemet ca, I need to find out what site SNF Admin. use when seeking out certified Activity or Social Services directors. If anyone can provide some info. Please let me know,I have noted they rarely use the newspaper anymore. If they were in need of an qualified department head ASAP there must be a ciber space employee list!
Thanks

I am a certified Elemetary teacher and social worker, but find myself wanting to try a new way to use my crativity.

I recently moved to the Atlanta metro area. I have been an Activity Director for 10 years. I have a Masters Degree in Psychology and a Bachelors Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. I don't seem to be able to find a job, I've been told twice I am over qualified. Also told I need to be certified after 10 years in the field. Go figure. I want to stay in the field, but having no luck, any suggestions.

I am praying to work for a great facility, with professional people that are caring, hardworking, dependable, and believe in team work.

The problem is have not found any home, I have work for, therefore I would like to go into my own business and show people that their is actually a activity director that care and want the best for residents, clients, praying for $500.000 to start my own business. I know in my heart, that I can run and operate a great recreational facility with the right people.

Do not waste your time, certified activirt director's usually work with seniors, either in SNFs,RCF's, or senior communities.Unless you get into the mental health side of it. Right now the job market is very slow, and educational programing is limited. Pick up a copy of title 22, you will dicover the state/federal regulations reqiure social, creative, physical, cognitive, spritual, and implementing special programs to meet each resident's needs. I t involves alot more then educational activities. In fact during the past 20 years I have been a certified AD, I have found educational programing to be the most challenging! Also the documentation requires the ability to address both phychosocial and phsucal needs of each resident. Moreover, the starting wage for a recently certified AD adverages $10.00 PER HOUR. I make $30,000 a year exempt 52 weeks. But as I said I recieved my certifcation back in 1988, and I work in a SNF which natually has a higher pay scale. Do your self a favor, and and go for and LVN, Concord is offering a 52 week coruse, and after you take the state test, and become licensed your options are unlimited!

I live in San Jacinto, as you know right next door to Hemet, I long for the same information as you. I am certified in both Activities, and Social Services. I have not had any luck finding either position. I would rather work in a SNF, it is much more challenging, and the salary is better. I do not need to work for a large company with a chain of SNF's, just a small facility would be fine with me. Also the bigger companies are all doing personal background checks, I feel this is a violation of my civil rights! The live scan is fine, but what dose my FICO score have to do with my job performance!!!!!If since your last forum you have found a list of admin. let me know. Seems like were in the same boat! Also if you do find an AD POSITION in a SNF, and @ anytime your facility is seeking a certified SSD PLEASE CONTACT ME, or anyone eles living in the Hemet area. If there is anyone who works outside of hemet let me know if you hear of a SSD position. We could share the commute! PS: has anyone taken a crack at the MDS 3.0? No more easy ride for you AD's! you can find them @ CMS.COM there a nightmare for social services! But since they just came into affect the first of this month, everyone is on a learning curve!
Freda
Fredaree7@aol.com
Seriouly, I am in need of work, if anyone can turn me on to a SSD OR AD position in a SNF or Senior community within 40 miles of the San Jacinto area I would be willing to help with activity ideas, programming,and special events etc. I was a consultant for resiential care, and helped people start up thier own facilities.So when it comes to recerational therapy, I know my stuff!

debbie in Montrose, South Dakota said: I am a certified Elemetary teacher and social worker, but find myself wanting to try a new way to use my crativity.

Hi Debbie, just wondering how things worked out for you since this post is about a year old. I'm curious because I am an elementary teacher as well and interested in trying something new.

Freda13 said: I live in Riverside county, actually a small town called Hemet ca, I need to find out what site SNF Admin. use when seeking out certified Activity or Social Services directors. If anyone can provide some info. Please let me know,I have noted they rarely use the newspaper anymore. If they were in need of an qualified department head ASAP there must be a ciber space employee list!
Thanks

Did you find anything? I just moved into this town an I do not have certification either. I did work occassionally with seniors an an exercise instructor many years ago, but now you need certification for everything from the State.