Main Role Of A Diversional Therapist
The main role of a Diversional Therapist is to design and facilitate recreation and leisure programs, however, they may also be required to organise and run events when working in a nursing home. For the purpose of this essay, the example of, a Diversional Therapist planning, organizing and running a cultural event for a nursing home will be used to explain the essential skills required to ensure the event is successful. The cultural event will take place outdoors, ethnic food will be served and volunteers and nursing home employees will be required to assist the senior Diversional Therapist with the planning, organizing and running of the event. To ensure the cultural event is successful, there are a number of skills, which the Diversional
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Therapist is required to possess. These skills include, the ability to manage and lead a team, to manage volunteers, risks and time, to solve problems and resolve conflict, and to effectively communicate, including the ability to utilise micro skills, and to communicate cross culturally. This essay will discuss these essential skills, which are required by the senior Diversional Therapist, when organising, planning and running a cultural event.
The Diversional Therapist is responsible for planning, organizing and running the cultural event. To do this successfully, they must be able to mange and lead. Traditionally management involves, planning, organizing, leading and controlling (Schermerhorn, 2006, p. 19). Managers must make good decisions, take appropriate actions, recognize performance and opportunities (Schermerhorn, 2006, p. 19). The Diversional Therapist will need to provide the team with clear objectives and goals, which ensures all team members, employees and volunteers, know what they are working towards (Griffiths, 2003). It is important that the team is supported, information is shared, the team is listened to and team strengths are played (Griffiths, 2003). Furthermore, the Diversional Therapist must be able to delegate tasks to the team (Griffiths, 2003). This should not mean avoiding tasks, but allowing other team members to be empowered by taking on responsibilities (Griffiths, 2003). This means the Diversional Therapist must lead by example and support the team (Griffiths, 2003). They are a role model in the eyes of all employees and volunteers assisting with the event. The Diversional Therapist is responsible for the team and will need to make decisions in the groups best interest (McNamera, n.d.). Planning, organizing and coordinating are all resource based skills, associated with the day to day running of organisations, while leading is more focused on setting direction and influencing people to follow (McNamera, n.d.). All four functions will be essential for the event to be successful. The Diversional Therapist will be required to plan the event, organize resources, co-ordinate volunteers and the day and be a leader throughout the entire process. The Diversional Therapist must ensure they are able to plan, organize, coordinate and lead, as without these essential skills the event cannot take place.
The skills required by managers and leaders will be essential when planning, organizing and running the cultural event. For the cultural event to be successful the Diversional Therapist must have an understanding of event management and the required skills to ensure events are successful. One such skill is time management. The Diversional Therapist will be required to continue performing the daily tasks within the nursing home, whilst also planning and organizing the event. This places a great importance on having the ability to effectively manage time. Events are required to be planned and organized by set dates (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). This gives the Diversional Therapist a set amount of time to achieve the planning and organizing components of event management (Tum, Norton & Wright, 2006, p. 213). Successful time management, results in the required tasks being completed when they should be (Tum et al., 2006, p. 213). Time should be used efficiently and effectively (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). The Diversional Therapist will need to set goals and develop a detailed plan outlining how the goals will be achieved (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). It is essential that the tasks are planned and correctly scheduled to create an event (Tum et al., 2006, p. 213). The Diversional Therapist will need to be organized, and ensure they do not waste time, as this will result in wasted resources, and an unsuccessful event (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). The use of time management is an important skill, which must be adopted by the Diversional Therapist. Time management will allow all tasks to be completed by particular dates to create a successful cultural event.
Risk management is a key component of event planning, it should be considered from the beginning, where the Diversional Therapist is planning, through to the very end, the completion of the event (Bladen, Kennell, Abson & Wilde, 2012, p.
193). Risk management involves “…identifying risks, specifying their nature, assessing the degree to which the risks could impact upon the event, and developing contingency plans designed to avoid or minimize the potential impacts” (Harrison & McDonald, 2004, cited in Tum, Norton & Wright, 2006, p. 149). Risk management requires the Diversional Therapist to assess, plan, manage and control the risks (Tarlow, 2002, p. 30). Undertaking risk management will allow the Diversional Therapist to identify risks, anticipate risks, calculate the probability of risks occurring, estimating there impact, determine what can be done to avoid risks, prevent them from occurring, and take the required actions (Tum et al., 2006, p. 150). As part of the risk management process the Diversional Therapist will need to ensure they have contingency plans ready, these plans will need to be communicated to the employees and volunteers (Tum et al., 2006, p. 150). The Diversional Therapist will need to consider health and safety and any legal requirements, this may include regulations, licenses and permits (Bladen et al., 2012, p. 196). Some of the risks that the Diversional Therapist may need to consider, include, hazardous substances, communication procedures, fire safety, food, drink and water, noise, major incidents, ambulance and medical, structures and barriers, venue site design and management (Bladen et al., 2012, p. 195). Furthermore, as the event is designed for older adults, the Diversional Therapist will need to consider common risks within the nursing home, such as falls risks, individuals who are at risk of falling and food requirements, individuals who cannot eat certain foods or have specific drinking requirements. For example, residents that
require thickening when drinking or eating. Risk management is an important process when planning and running an event. All risks should be considered, the likelihood reduced, alterations made and contingency plans available, ensuring a successful and safe event.
Problems will frequently arise when working with others. Problem solving is an important skill required in management. A problem is a situation where there is a gap between what is and what should be (Gundy, 1991, cited in Proctor, 2013, p. 66). Problems solving involves, discovering an issue, ensuring it is a problem, and then developing specific steps, which will resolve the problem (Scharf, 1985, p. 7). Problem solving allows movement from the problem to the solved state (Nickols, 2004, cited in Braveman, 2006, p. 208). It is important that the Diversional Therapist is aware of problem solving skills. If a problem arises the issue will need to be resolved quickly. Problem solving may be broken down into the following steps, defining the problem, gathering information, finding a solution for the problem and implementing the solutions (Parnes, 1992, cited in Proctor, 2013, p. 71). Problem solving centers around implementing solutions, but if these solutions are not implemented then they are worthless and the problem solving strategy has not been successful (Scharf, 1985, p. 7). Strategies are designed to allow for a greater understanding of the problem, simplify tasks, identify solutions, solve the problem and allow the team to continue to function optimally (Malouff, 2004, cited in Braveman, 2006, p. 211). Prior to the event or during the event problems may arise. It is important that the Diverisonal therapist is able to identify the problem and quickly implement strategies to resolve the problem.
For the event to be successful, the Diversional Therapist will require the assistance of volunteers. Many organizations place a great importance on volunteers as they assist them in accomplishing goals (White, 2016, p. 10). The nursing home is a great example of an organization that utilizes volunteers. Volunteers can have a major impact on organizations and their assistance greatly increases success (White, 2016, p. 10). They are not utilized due to being free labour, but are a great resource as they complete many vital roles within an organization (White, 2016, p. 10). The Diversional Therapist will manage and supervise volunteers prior to and on the day of the event. When managing volunteers the Diversional Therapist must be aware of the essential aspects, which ensure effective volunteering, this includes volunteer assignment, supervision and communication (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 208). The Diversional Therapist must ensure tasks are defined and communicated to the volunteer (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 208). The volunteer’s tasks should provide the volunteer with meaningful work, allowing the volunteers to contribute and assist the organization in achieving goals (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 208). Secondly, the Diversional Therapist must supervise and monitor volunteers. Supervision of volunteers has been found to be an important element (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 210). The interaction of staff and volunteers results in volunteers having greater attendance and performing better (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 210). Supervision also allows the Diversional Therapist to provide assistance and guidance, this is important when volunteers are new and may be unsure about their role (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 210). Finally, the Diversional Therapist must communicate with the volunteers. Communication refers to informing volunteers in advance when they are needed (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 214). The Diversional Therapist will utilize volunteers prior to and on the day of the cultural event. The volunteers may assist with organizing, and/or helping set up and serve food on the day. The Diversional Therapist will need to ensure volunteer roles are defined, supervision and schedules are provided, ensuring all volunteers are aware of when they are required. Volunteers are important in ensuring the cultural day is successful, therefore, the Diversional Therapist must manage volunteers correctly.
Therapist is required to possess. These skills include, the ability to manage and lead a team, to manage volunteers, risks and time, to solve problems and resolve conflict, and to effectively communicate, including the ability to utilise micro skills, and to communicate cross culturally. This essay will discuss these essential skills, which are required by the senior Diversional Therapist, when organising, planning and running a cultural event.
The Diversional Therapist is responsible for planning, organizing and running the cultural event. To do this successfully, they must be able to mange and lead. Traditionally management involves, planning, organizing, leading and controlling (Schermerhorn, 2006, p. 19). Managers must make good decisions, take appropriate actions, recognize performance and opportunities (Schermerhorn, 2006, p. 19). The Diversional Therapist will need to provide the team with clear objectives and goals, which ensures all team members, employees and volunteers, know what they are working towards (Griffiths, 2003). It is important that the team is supported, information is shared, the team is listened to and team strengths are played (Griffiths, 2003). Furthermore, the Diversional Therapist must be able to delegate tasks to the team (Griffiths, 2003). This should not mean avoiding tasks, but allowing other team members to be empowered by taking on responsibilities (Griffiths, 2003). This means the Diversional Therapist must lead by example and support the team (Griffiths, 2003). They are a role model in the eyes of all employees and volunteers assisting with the event. The Diversional Therapist is responsible for the team and will need to make decisions in the groups best interest (McNamera, n.d.). Planning, organizing and coordinating are all resource based skills, associated with the day to day running of organisations, while leading is more focused on setting direction and influencing people to follow (McNamera, n.d.). All four functions will be essential for the event to be successful. The Diversional Therapist will be required to plan the event, organize resources, co-ordinate volunteers and the day and be a leader throughout the entire process. The Diversional Therapist must ensure they are able to plan, organize, coordinate and lead, as without these essential skills the event cannot take place.
The skills required by managers and leaders will be essential when planning, organizing and running the cultural event. For the cultural event to be successful the Diversional Therapist must have an understanding of event management and the required skills to ensure events are successful. One such skill is time management. The Diversional Therapist will be required to continue performing the daily tasks within the nursing home, whilst also planning and organizing the event. This places a great importance on having the ability to effectively manage time. Events are required to be planned and organized by set dates (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). This gives the Diversional Therapist a set amount of time to achieve the planning and organizing components of event management (Tum, Norton & Wright, 2006, p. 213). Successful time management, results in the required tasks being completed when they should be (Tum et al., 2006, p. 213). Time should be used efficiently and effectively (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). The Diversional Therapist will need to set goals and develop a detailed plan outlining how the goals will be achieved (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). It is essential that the tasks are planned and correctly scheduled to create an event (Tum et al., 2006, p. 213). The Diversional Therapist will need to be organized, and ensure they do not waste time, as this will result in wasted resources, and an unsuccessful event (Thomack, 2012, p. 201). The use of time management is an important skill, which must be adopted by the Diversional Therapist. Time management will allow all tasks to be completed by particular dates to create a successful cultural event.
Risk management is a key component of event planning, it should be considered from the beginning, where the Diversional Therapist is planning, through to the very end, the completion of the event (Bladen, Kennell, Abson & Wilde, 2012, p.
193). Risk management involves “…identifying risks, specifying their nature, assessing the degree to which the risks could impact upon the event, and developing contingency plans designed to avoid or minimize the potential impacts” (Harrison & McDonald, 2004, cited in Tum, Norton & Wright, 2006, p. 149). Risk management requires the Diversional Therapist to assess, plan, manage and control the risks (Tarlow, 2002, p. 30). Undertaking risk management will allow the Diversional Therapist to identify risks, anticipate risks, calculate the probability of risks occurring, estimating there impact, determine what can be done to avoid risks, prevent them from occurring, and take the required actions (Tum et al., 2006, p. 150). As part of the risk management process the Diversional Therapist will need to ensure they have contingency plans ready, these plans will need to be communicated to the employees and volunteers (Tum et al., 2006, p. 150). The Diversional Therapist will need to consider health and safety and any legal requirements, this may include regulations, licenses and permits (Bladen et al., 2012, p. 196). Some of the risks that the Diversional Therapist may need to consider, include, hazardous substances, communication procedures, fire safety, food, drink and water, noise, major incidents, ambulance and medical, structures and barriers, venue site design and management (Bladen et al., 2012, p. 195). Furthermore, as the event is designed for older adults, the Diversional Therapist will need to consider common risks within the nursing home, such as falls risks, individuals who are at risk of falling and food requirements, individuals who cannot eat certain foods or have specific drinking requirements. For example, residents that
require thickening when drinking or eating. Risk management is an important process when planning and running an event. All risks should be considered, the likelihood reduced, alterations made and contingency plans available, ensuring a successful and safe event.
Problems will frequently arise when working with others. Problem solving is an important skill required in management. A problem is a situation where there is a gap between what is and what should be (Gundy, 1991, cited in Proctor, 2013, p. 66). Problems solving involves, discovering an issue, ensuring it is a problem, and then developing specific steps, which will resolve the problem (Scharf, 1985, p. 7). Problem solving allows movement from the problem to the solved state (Nickols, 2004, cited in Braveman, 2006, p. 208). It is important that the Diversional Therapist is aware of problem solving skills. If a problem arises the issue will need to be resolved quickly. Problem solving may be broken down into the following steps, defining the problem, gathering information, finding a solution for the problem and implementing the solutions (Parnes, 1992, cited in Proctor, 2013, p. 71). Problem solving centers around implementing solutions, but if these solutions are not implemented then they are worthless and the problem solving strategy has not been successful (Scharf, 1985, p. 7). Strategies are designed to allow for a greater understanding of the problem, simplify tasks, identify solutions, solve the problem and allow the team to continue to function optimally (Malouff, 2004, cited in Braveman, 2006, p. 211). Prior to the event or during the event problems may arise. It is important that the Diverisonal therapist is able to identify the problem and quickly implement strategies to resolve the problem.
For the event to be successful, the Diversional Therapist will require the assistance of volunteers. Many organizations place a great importance on volunteers as they assist them in accomplishing goals (White, 2016, p. 10). The nursing home is a great example of an organization that utilizes volunteers. Volunteers can have a major impact on organizations and their assistance greatly increases success (White, 2016, p. 10). They are not utilized due to being free labour, but are a great resource as they complete many vital roles within an organization (White, 2016, p. 10). The Diversional Therapist will manage and supervise volunteers prior to and on the day of the event. When managing volunteers the Diversional Therapist must be aware of the essential aspects, which ensure effective volunteering, this includes volunteer assignment, supervision and communication (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 208). The Diversional Therapist must ensure tasks are defined and communicated to the volunteer (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 208). The volunteer’s tasks should provide the volunteer with meaningful work, allowing the volunteers to contribute and assist the organization in achieving goals (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 208). Secondly, the Diversional Therapist must supervise and monitor volunteers. Supervision of volunteers has been found to be an important element (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 210). The interaction of staff and volunteers results in volunteers having greater attendance and performing better (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 210). Supervision also allows the Diversional Therapist to provide assistance and guidance, this is important when volunteers are new and may be unsure about their role (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 210). Finally, the Diversional Therapist must communicate with the volunteers. Communication refers to informing volunteers in advance when they are needed (Baldwin- Grossman & Furano, 2000, p. 214). The Diversional Therapist will utilize volunteers prior to and on the day of the cultural event. The volunteers may assist with organizing, and/or helping set up and serve food on the day. The Diversional Therapist will need to ensure volunteer roles are defined, supervision and schedules are provided, ensuring all volunteers are aware of when they are required. Volunteers are important in ensuring the cultural day is successful, therefore, the Diversional Therapist must manage volunteers correctly.