Activity Assistant/Activity CNA

Purpose of your Job position

The primary purpose of your job position is to assist the Activity Director to plan, organize, develop and implement activity programs in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations governing our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator, to assure that an on-going program of activities is provided to meet the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well being of each resident.

Delegation of Authority

As Activity Assistant , you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. 

Job Function

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

Assist in the planning, development, organization and implementation of activity programs.

Coordinate activities with other related departments (i.e., Nursing, Dietary, Housekeeping, etc.) to ensure that adequate space is available for the planned activity.

Ensure that any supplies need for activities are obtained and set-up. Clean up activity supplies and areas upon completion of activities.

Implement and facilitate activities.

Ensure activities begin at the scheduled times.

Involve residents and families in planning facility activity programs.

Remind staff and residents of scheduled activities.

Assist in transporting residents to and from the activity area.

Follow instructions on how to implement the scheduled activity. If problems are identified, notify the Activity Director. Notify nursing of any change in the resident’s behavior, emotional or physical status.

Observe and document residents’ responses to the activity provided

Be aware of the resident’s cognitive, emotional, and psychological impairments.

Interact appropriately at all times with residents, families and visitors.

Provide one to one (1:1) activities to residents as indicated in the resident’s plan of care and as needed or directed. Document the activity provided, length of time resident was engaged in the activity, and the resident’s response to the activity.

Implement the activity program in the absence of the Activity Director.

Chaperone any scheduled activities off facility grounds.

Make recommendations to the Activity Director of possible improvements or new activities.

Assist with putting up, taking down, and storing seasonal decorations.

Assist the Director in the development of the Activity Calendar.

Deliver a copy of the monthly calendar to each resident.

Address, stamp, stuff and mail monthly calendars to responsible parties or family members as directed.

Deliver mail to residents as requested and provide assistance with opening, and reading the mail if specifically requested by the resident.

Assist the Director in obtaining and documenting information about the residents and their activity preferences/interests, as directed.

Assist the Director in maintaining current records of residents’ activity likes and dislikes

Assist residents, in conjunction with the Director, to obtain needed supplies for independent activities of the resident’s choice. Document the activity and resident’s response.

Report all accidents/incidents to the Administrator or designee immediately.

Report any abuse and/or neglect of residents to the Abuse Coordinator and/or Administrator immediately upon identification and in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures

Participate in facility inspections (surveys) made by authorized government agencies

Document all resident complaints and grievances and report the complaint to the Grievance Coordinator or Social Service Director. Follow facility's established procedures.

Assist the Director in arranging transportation for field trips when necessary.

Implement and facilitate activities

Implement resident-centered Activity Plans of Care which accurately reflect and address the resident’s needs and upholds the resident’s rights

Assist in Discharge Planning for the activity services portion of the resident's discharge plan.

Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.

Assist the Director in interviewing residents or family members, as directed, to assure resident satisfaction.

Report any abuse and/or neglect of residents to the Abuse Coordinator and/or Administrator immediately upon identification and in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures

Others activities as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Administrator.

Staff Development

Attend and participate in annual in-service training programs.

Attend and participate all Activity Department in-services and trainings as directed.

Attend and participate in all mandatory facility in-services.

Attend and participate in annual OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazard communications, TB management, and bloodbome pathogens standards.

Safety and Sanitation

Follow all safety standards for the Activity Department.

Review and maintain knowledge of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for hazardous chemicals used or stored in the activity department.

Follow established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies.

Ensure that activity storage and work areas are maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.

Follow established departmental policies and procedures, including appropriate dress codes.

Participate in all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner.

Ensure use of appropriate protective clothing/devices when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids.

Follow established infection control procedures when isolation precautions become necessary.

Follow all Infection Control policies and procedures.

Immediately report hazardous conditions or equipment to the Director or Administrator

Ensure use of safety precautions and equipment when performing tasks that could result in bodily injury.

Equipment and Supply Functions

Implement procedures for the safe operation of all activity equipment. Do not utilize any equipment until trained and/or authorization to utilize equipment has been given.

Operate activity equipment in a safe manner.

Ensure that activity supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste.

Report missing/illegible labels and MSDSs to the safety officer or other designated person

Resident Rights

Maintain the confidentiality of all resident information.

Knock before entering a resident's room.

Respect the resident’s right to privacy.

Ensure knowledge of and respect the residents’ rights, including the right of refusal.

Treat all residents, resident representatives, family and visitor is dignity and respect.

Miscellaneous

Be prepared to handle emergencies as they occur (i.e., rescheduling work assignments and work schedules, etc.).

Assist with movies, parties, and games/activities for residents.

Encourage residents to participate in hobbies and crafts. Provide materials as necessary.

Provide reading in Braille, tapes, and records as necessary.

Make routine visits to residents and perform assistance with crafts, projects, etc., as necessary.

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 staff, and other department supervisors and personnel.

Works beyond normal duty 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 educational programs.

Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work 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 dining services/activities.

May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Position Requirements

Must, at minimum, have completed high school.

Associates or Bachelor Degree in an activity or social work related field preferred.

Experience

No experience required. “On the job” training provided.  

Specific Requirements

Must possess a current, active and unencumbered Certified Nursing Assistant Certification.

Must possess and maintain a current “Eligible’ AHCA Background Screening Status

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

Must be knowledgeable of activity practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations and guidelines governing Long Term Care Facilities.

Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel. Must have the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., of the Activity Department.

Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of the facility’ areas.

Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.

Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements
(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.

Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.

Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.

Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.

Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.

Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 35 lbs. to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 450 feet.

May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.