Activities Assistant

Summary

Assists with the delivery of engaging, meaningful, and resident-centered programs that support social connection, purpose, creativity, and overall well-being. May also support residents with routine services in alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and community care guidelines.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Experience supporting older adults in senior living, hospitality, community engagement, or service-based environments preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Certification or training requirements as required by state regulations for resident support roles; CPR certification required

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• Communicates observations and resident needs to appropriate team members and follows established escalation and documentation processes
• Possess common working knowledge of all rules, laws and regulations as defined by the state as it relates to activities programs and resident services.
• Must be patient, friendly, courteous, and respectful to residents in any situation, including difficult ones.
• Ability to move throughout the community and support residents with activities, mobility, and routine assistance, as appropriate to training and care plans
• Capable of handling sensitive situations related to the emotional well-being of the residents with patience, dignity, and respect.

Work Environment

• Works throughout the community; bends, lifts, sits, stands and moves frequently throughout the shift.
• Manages time with frequent interruptions

Physical Requirement

• o lift up to 40 lbs. (floor to waist)
• o lift 10 lbs. (waist to shoulder)
• o carry up to 40 lbs.
• o push/pull up to 40 lbs.

• Works regular scheduled shifts with possible weekends, holidays and other hours based on resident needs.
• Primary responsibility is enhancing the daily experience of residents, while interacting with visitors and regulatory representatives as needed
• Participates in required continuing education.
• May be exposed to conditions common in a senior living environment, including physical hazards and potential contact with bodily fluids, and infectious diseases, in accordance with safety and infection-control protocols.

Functions and Responsibilities

You will be evaluated on your ability to perform these functions and responsibilities competently with minimal supervision and/or reminders. This list covers the key duties of the position, but you may be asked to perform other similar or related tasks. Not listing a duty does not exclude it if it is essential or closely connected to the role.

Cores Responsibilities

• Supports the planning and delivery of engaging, inclusive, and resident-driven programs that reflect individual interests and preferences
• Observes resident participation, engagement and well-being during activities and documents observations in accordance with community documentation standards
• Supports transitions and care planning activities by sharing activity-related observations and resident preferences with the interdisciplinary team
• Arranges transportation for residents as needed.
• Assists with development of resident activity plans.
• Invites and escorts residents to and from activities and events.
• Assists with ensuring that activity programs fit the individual interests and needs of the residents; encourages arts, crafts and music participation.
• Facilitates opportunities for learning, creativity, reflection, and connection, respecting each resident’s beliefs, interests, and choices
• Assists with hydration support by ensuring water is accessible and refreshed during activities and throughout the day
• Supports resident mobility and participation in activities in accordance with care plans, training, and safety guidelines
• Monitors incontinent residents to ensure bed linens and clothing are clean and dry.
• Reports observed changes in resident condition or comfort to appropriate care team members promptly.
• Communicates changes and ensures the plan of care is being followed through effectively recording changes in charts.

Other Job Duties

• Adheres to community move-in, discharge and transfer procedures and prepares resident rooms for arrival.
• Visits resident rooms as necessary to promote interest in community activity programs or to include those who are not able to attend community activities.
• Labels, organizes and stores residents’ personal belongings, clothing, etc.
• Provides support and assistance for dying residents and post-mortem care.
• Promotes interdepartmental teamwork to meet resident needs.
• Schedules events, movies, activities, parties, etc.
• Plans, organizes and participates in external community events.
• Supports residents during meals, activities, and daily routines as appropriate, working collaboratively with care and dining teams
• Shares non-clinical observations related to resident engagement, comfort, or participation with the care team
• Assists residents in making appointments or scheduling errands.
• Answers resident call bells promptly and courteously.
• Promotes an environment of positive public relations by displaying a calm, caring, warm, and friendly attitude at all times.

Minimum Expectations

Professionalism: Reports to work on time and as scheduled; works in unison with all staff; displays a willingness to help others; embraces constructive criticism; presents a friendly and professional attitude; Maintains open, respectful communication with supervisors and team members to support a positive resident experience; promotes teamwork, takes part in problem solving and displays a positive, caring attitude; consistently attends staff meetings, required in-services and other committees.

Resident Rights: Promptly reports resident grievances or concerns to supervisors; respects resident privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times, fostering an environment of respect and trust while advocating for the well-being and rights of the residents.

Organizational and Communication Skills: Ability to multi-task and is detail-oriented; possesses the ability to effectively prioritize matters promptly and appropriately; understands the importance of follow-up; builds rapport with residents and families through listening attentively and effectively following up; able to effectively communicate individually or as a group.

Creativity and Motivational Skills: Gathers input from residents and families for planning activities which reach personal goals and objectives; provides a broad variety of activities, including arts, crafts, music; Encourages participation through creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm while respecting resident choice and energy levels; offers an atmosphere of warmth with a positive attitude.

Safety Awareness: Follows safety program guidelines; immediately reports accidents and incidents to supervisors; identifies unsafe working areas and promptly reports to supervisors; promotes safety by working as safely and efficiently as possible; consistently follows infection control and universal precautions and other guidelines; identifies and corrects or reports hazardous conditions to supervisors; understands community emergency and evacuation protocols; if driving on business, utilizes safe driving techniques.

Customer Service: Treats all residents, families, co-workers and supervisors with dignity and respect and takes initiative to contributes to positive resident, family, and visitor experiences through responsiveness, professionalism, and pride in maintaining the community environment; professionally represents the community, self and position to visitors and residents; demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to help to all visitors and residents; remains sensitive to all needs through listening, observing and responding appropriately for the position held.

Meaningful Engagement & Belonging: The Activities Assistant plays a key role in helping residents feel connected, valued, and at home. Through thoughtful programming, genuine relationships, and respect for individual choice, this role supports residents in living each day with purpose and joy.