Life Enrichment Therapy Assistant

Life Enrichment Therapy Assistant

The Life Enrichment Therapy Assistant performs responsible and interactive work supporting the planning and delivery of therapeutic and recreational activities for residents at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center. Work involves assisting with daily group and individual programs that promote residents' physical, emotional, and social wellbeing while fostering independence and engagement. The position helps organize and lead activities, maintain documentation, and assist with special events and community outings. The Life Enrichment Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of the Life Enrichment Therapy Manager and/or Lead Life Enrichment Therapist to enhance residents' quality of life through meaningful interaction, companionship, and person-centered programming.

Provide residents with comfort, companionship, and engagement through daily group, individual, and independent activities that promote enjoyment, independence, and well-being. Assist in planning, preparing, and implementing Life Enrichment programs under the direction of the Life Enrichment Therapy Manager and/or Lead Life Enrichment Therapist. Lead or assist with a variety of activities such as arts, music, games, exercise, religious services, community outings, and special events, adapting programs to meet resident interests and abilities. Encourage and support resident participation while fostering peer interaction and monitoring individual needs during programs. Escort residents to and from activities and community events, ensuring safety and promoting positive interactions. Assist in organizing and maintaining activity areas, equipment, and supplies; create and update calendars, attendance records, and daily documentation. Deliver mail, newspapers, and materials to residents and ensure safety measures, including accessible call lights, are maintained. Collaborate with volunteers, beauticians, and other departments to coordinate schedules and ensure smooth delivery of services. Assist in planning and executing special events, holiday celebrations, and fundraising activities that enhance resident quality of life. Communicate observations regarding resident participation, interests, and needs to supervisors for inclusion in care planning. Participate in departmental meetings, staff training, and quality improvement initiatives. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the Life Enrichment Department and promote resident satisfaction.

Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum Experience: Two (2) years of experience working with elderly, physically impaired, or cognitively challenged individuals in a therapeutic recreation or activity services role. A combination of education and experience may be considered. Other Requirements: Functional understanding of medical terminology and basic resident care practices.

Work is performed primarily within a skilled nursing facility environment, including resident rooms, activity areas, and common spaces, with occasional duties in outdoor or off-site community settings. Regular exposure to moderate noise levels, cleaning agents, and variable environmental conditions when assisting with resident outings or community events. Position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and climbing throughout the workday. Must frequently lift or move residents and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally more, using proper body mechanics and assistive devices as necessary. Involves regular physical activity, including setting up and taking down activity areas, moving tables, chairs, and equipment, and assisting residents with mobility and positioning. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Requires manual dexterity, gripping, and grasping for handling activity materials, equipment, and office supplies. Must be able to drive a facility vehicle and escort residents or large groups to various community events within the county. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges; must be able to perceive and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues from residents and staff. Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing, smell, touch, and color differentiation to monitor resident safety and environmental conditions. Work may occasionally require evening, weekend, or holiday hours to accommodate special programs or events. Risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases is considered high; compliance with facility infection control and safety procedures is required.