Evening Activity Assistant

Activities Department Assistant

The primary purpose of this position is to assist with the operations of the activities department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, established facility policies and procedures and as directed by the Activity Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as necessary or as directed.
• Ensure that activity progress notes are informative and descriptive of the services provided and indicate the resident's response to the service.
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the Activity Director as required.

Committee Functions

Serve on, participate in and attend various committees of the facility as appointed.

Activity Functions

• Facilitate activities as directed by the Activity Director (i.e., setting up necessary equipment and supplies, escorting residents to and from activities area and providing instruction).
• Supervise and assist residents engaged in scheduled activities as necessary.
• Make routine visits to in-room residents and assist them by writing letters, running errands, making appointments and providing assistance with crafts, projects, etc., as necessary.
• Observe and document resident attendance, mood, behavior and degree of involvement in facility activities.
• Interview residents or family members to obtain activities information.
• Involve the resident/family in planning activity programs when possible.
• Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of Activity Assistant.
• Coordinate activities with other departments as necessary.
• Assist in making appointments for the resident as requested.
• Assist in scheduling movies, planning parties and providing games/activities for residents.
• Assist with arranging transportation for activities trips when necessary.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate or as directed by the Activity Director.

Care Plan and Assessment Functions

• Assist in developing activities-related interventions in resident care plans as appropriate.
• Encourage the resident/family to participate in the development and review of his/her plan of care.
• Follow the care plan in providing daily activities for the resident.

Personnel Functions

• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with other departments within the facility to assure that daily activities can be performed without interruption.
• Assist in developing volunteer activities assignments.

Safety and Sanitation Functions

• Report all incidents/accidents immediately.
• Report all unsafe/hazardous conditions/equipment immediately.
• Follow all established safety and ergonomics policies and procedures.
• Participate in Life Safety Code and emergency preparedness and response drills.
• Follow facility infection prevention and control practices at all times.
• Report missing/illegible labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) to your supervisor.
• Assist in preparing activities rooms/areas for scheduled activity programs.
• Assist in cleaning up activities areas after completing activity functions.

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Recommend to your supervisor the equipment and supply needs of the activities department.
• Operate activities equipment safely and efficiently.
• Assist in the moving/arranging of equipment/supplies to assure that activities areas are ready for scheduled activity functions.

Budget and Planning Functions

• Assist in the development of the department's budget.
• Purchase department supplies as directed.

Working Conditions

• Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing services and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours on weekends and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Attends and participates in continuing education programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the day as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for resident activities.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum a 10th grade education.
• Must be supervised by qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who is licensed or certified by the state.