Job Details

Required Qualifications

The Activities Assistant must possess:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Resident/Participant Engagement

• Build positive and respectful relationships with residents or participants through daily interaction and support
• Encourage participation in scheduled activities and provide motivation for individuals who may be hesitant or isolated
• Assist residents with transitioning to and from activities safely and comfortably
• Provide companionship and emotional support during programs and throughout the day
• Adapt activities to meet physical, cognitive, emotional, or sensory limitations of participants
• Promote inclusion and ensure all participants feel valued and involved

Activity Planning and Implementation

• Assist in planning, organizing, and conducting group and individual activities
• Support recreational, therapeutic, educational, spiritual, and social programming
• Lead or co-lead activities such as:
• Arts and crafts
• Bingo and trivia
• Music appreciation
• Exercise and movement classes
• Gardening
• Holiday celebrations
• Movie nights
• Cooking activities
• Pet therapy visits
• Reading groups
• Community outings
• Prepare materials and supplies needed for scheduled activities
• Decorate activity spaces for seasonal events and special occasions
• Assist with transporting residents to outings and special events
• This position does involve evening hours and weekends

Documentation and Communication

• Record attendance and participation for activities and events
• Observe resident responses and participation levels during programs
• Report changes in behavior, mood, physical condition, or cognitive status to supervisors or nursing staff
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information in accordance with HIPAA and facility policies
• Communicate effectively with residents, family members, visitors, and staff

The Activities Assistant will assist with Resident/Family Council meetings as indicated.

Additional Assigned Tasks

• Treats all residents with dignity and respect. Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.
• Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures. Complies with standards of business conduct, state/federal regulations, and guidelines.
• Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.
• Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel. Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.
• Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator. Protects residents from abuse and cooperates with all investigations.
• Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy.
• Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings. Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.
• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.
• Follows established infection control policies and procedures.
• As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.
• Assists in developing, implementing, and maintaining an ongoing quality assurance program for the activities department.
• Assists with obtaining necessary equipment and supplies and provide for their accessibility through organized storage.
• Refers resident/families to appropriate social services personnel when indicated.
• Contributes to the facility efforts to maintain and/or improve quality of care through participation in the following:

Attends mandatory in-services and successfully complete all facility required training.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired/Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to exercise judgement.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Resourcefulness.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to be organized and efficient.
• Basic computer skills.
• CPR licensed and trained in first aid.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.
• Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Meet general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.
• Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position.
• May be subject to falls, burns from equipment, and/or odors throughout the day; encounter reactions from dust, tobacco smoke, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and/or conditions which include AIDS, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.
• May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors or personnel.