Activities Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

This position plans and implements a well-rounded and stimulating program of activities for seniors that fosters a positive atmosphere and meets the spiritual, cultural, physical, intellectual, and social needs of residents both inside and outside the Community.

One designated employee will have primary responsibility for the following:

• Organization of planned activities.
• Conducting planned activities.
• Evaluation of planned activities.
• Provide assistance as necessary to ensure client participation.
• Should have at least 1 year experience in organizing and providing planned group activities, and should be knowledgeable in the evaluation of client needs, supervision of employees and training of volunteers.

Job Duties:

Essential Functions:

• Support the mission, vision, and culture of the organization through positive communication and leadership.
• Contribute to Community relationships by demonstrating cooperation and professional conduct with residents, families, fellow associates, physicians, pharmacies and other vendors or persons.
• Contribute to team effort by being flexible in work assignments; by furnishing support; by taking initiative; and by understanding how this position affects and compliments all other Community positions.
• Able to maintain work pace appropriate to given workload. Perform activities on schedule while maintaining regular attendance and punctuality within specified tolerance.
• Supervise activities staff, if applicable. Provide performance feedback both informally and formally; apportion work among subordinate if applicable.
• Develop, organize, plan, implement and evaluate a well rounded and stimulating holistic activity program, which addresses the needs and limitations of residents.
• Assess the needs of the residents. Observes when a resident's needs have changed and create an activity plan to encompass the changes.
• If applicable, create specific memory care activities tailored to functional status.
• Maintaining interior space so that the residents can wander freely and safely.
• Conduct/Attend monthly Resident Council meeting.
• Decorate for holidays and special occasions and assure community is always appropriately decorated.
• Ensure a variety of holidays and special occasions are celebrated.
• Ensure birthdays are recognized and celebrated.
• Conduct memorial services if applicable.
• Write and edit the monthly calendar.
• Make and post daily announcements of scheduled activities.
• Make weekly bulletins for residents and/or the Daily Chronicle.
• Design and post creative monthly bulletin boards and activities calendar.
• Lead large group activities, e.g. discussion groups, sing-a-longs, exercise classes.
• Arrange for appropriate entertainment for residents.
• Assist residents with projects.
• Instruct residents on arts and crafts projects.
• Plan and implement a variety of activities to meet residents of all functioning levels.
• Operate within the given budget and provide appropriate documentation/receipts.

Added Responsibilities:

• Respond appropriately to changes in the work setting.
• Perform other related assignments as required.
• Conduct tours if applicable.
• Assist with coverage of front desk when needed.
• Perform special projects as requested by supervisor.
• Demonstrate willingness to help other staff whenever needed.
• Be familiar with Policies & Procedures Manual and Employee Handbook.

Accountabilities:

• Act on constructive feedback by listening to supervisor(s), customers and peers and use it to improve performance.
• Maintain resident, employee, and community confidentiality.
• Respect Resident's Rights.
• Demonstrate positive attitude and ability to work well with all people, particularly the elderly.
• Promote positive work environment that emphasizes teamwork.
• Demonstrate willingness to help other staff whenever needed.
• Stay within budgetary guidelines.

Job Specifications:

Skill:

• At least 18 years old.
• This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent certificate.
• Must have had their required health screening, TB clearance, and criminal record clearance.
• At least one year of experience working with elderly.
• Shall have at least six-months experience providing planned activities or have completed or be enrolled in an appropriate education or training program.
• Must possess valid First Aid Certification, a valid license to drive a passenger vehicle, state required licenses, and a clean motor vehicle report.
• Possess Activities Certification if applicable.
• Operate a VCR, DVD, Smart TV, and stereo system.
• Communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally.
• Computer literacy.
• Able to speak, read, write and understand the English language fluently.

Effort:

• Maintain mental alertness, attention, and concentration for necessary periods.
• Apply common sense understanding and carry out instructions (written, oral or diagrammatic).
• Adapt to situations requiring the precise attainment of set limits, tolerances, or standards.
• Regularly required to sit and talk or listen.
• Able to stand, stoop and bend frequently, lift up to 75 pounds and push up to 75 pounds. Also, must have the ability to talk, hear, sit, use hands and fingers, handle/feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust the focus of the eyes.
• Possess adequate physical stamina to move freely about the Community and assist residents where needed, including in emergency situations.

The physical demands described must be met by every associate. Reasonable accommodations may be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Working Conditions:

• Must be willing and able to work required and scheduled shifts, including evenings, weekends, overtime and holidays.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.