Activity Assistant

Job Title: Activity Assistant

Department: Activities

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Activity Director

Position Summary

In keeping with our Organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Residents we serve; the Activity Assistant is responsible for implementing the facility’s activities and events under the supervision of the Director of Activities. Activity Assistants ensure compliance for a well-rounded Activity Program that promotes life enriching activities while complying with the overall operation of the department according to state and federal guidelines.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Implements the Activity Program in accordance with the planned monthly calendar and as assigned by the Director of Activities, and responsible for ensuring planned activities meet specific Resident needs that include large groups, small groups and individual attention.
• Observe and report Residents’ attendance, participation, and behavior changes by documenting and charting.
• Transports Residents to and from programs and assists with community trips as scheduled.
• Prepares for programs by gathering the equipment and supplies as needed prior to starting program.
• Advises Director of Activities when assistance from nursing, maintenance, or other departments may be required to prepare for a program.
• Encourages Resident participation in group programs by one-on-one invitations, make announcements, and encouraging involvement during the program.
• Knowledgeable of individual care plans and supports the care planning process by providing supervisors with specific information and observations of the Residents’ needs and preferences and reports any behavioral changes. Know special diet restrictions of all Residents prior to offering refreshments and special food items.
• Coordinates activity programs with volunteers from the surrounding community by providing guidance and assigning tasks.
• Meet and greet all new Residents upon arrival to the facility.
• Notifies nursing personnel immediately if an accident or incident occurs with a Resident during a group program or one-on-one room visit.
• Reports to the Charge Nurse or Unit Manager any change noticed in a Resident’s behavior, or mental or physical condition, and reports to the Recreation Director any and all incidents, occurrences, and changes in condition.
• Adheres to Standard Precautions and the Facility's Infection Control Procedures in all aspects of work performance, and stores and uses all activity equipment in accordance with good safety practices. Applies hand washing principles during daily work; demonstrates understanding of isolation and standard precautions; recognizes signs and symptoms of infection and complies with the employee health program; demonstrates understanding of the process for identifying and handling infectious waste; maintains personal hygiene; complies with OSHA standards in the work place; and demonstrates understanding of cross-contamination.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of Residents and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment.
• Promotes and protects Resident Rights by assisting Residents to make informed decisions; treating Residents with dignity and respect; reporting suspected abuse or neglect; avoiding the need for physical restraints in accordance with current professional standards; and supporting independent expression, choice and decision-making consistent with applicable law and regulation.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.
• Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment and supply issues to the supervisor.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Answers and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in resident care areas
• Reports all resident concerns to the appropriate department head.
• Perform job duties while operating in compliance with federal and state laws/regulations, and facility policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other tasks as required.
• Ability to work with residents who may have cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairments.
• Ability to work in potentially stressful or emergency situations.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. However, all employees are expected to lead by example, demonstrate professionalism, support their supervisors and leadership team, and contribute positively to the success of the team and organization.

Requirements

Required/Desired Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience

• High School Graduate or equivalent required.
• Experience working with senior groups, or in leading/assisting with group activities preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with various types of arts and crafts preferred.

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Ability to organize and perform assignments with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with others in the department and facility.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Basic computer knowledge is needed.

Other Special Requirements

• Tolerate potential exposure to blood, body tissues, and fluids with occasional exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment.