Activities Assistant

Description

An Activities Assistant organizes and participates in person-centered activity programming, including one to one interventions, small region facilitation and large region presentations. Capable of documenting individual participation and value of approaches in medical record. Must demonstrate creativity and strong interest in engaging with residents/patients.

Essential Functions

• Assists the Activities Manager, as needed.
• Utilizes the environment to provide both comfort and stimulation to the resident population.
• Fosters a sense of community within the facility.
• Leads and participates in individual and group activities.
• Utilizes a variety of models to achieve individualized programming, such as normalization activities, pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc.
• Assists with decorating the facility and preparing for special events and seasonal parties.
• Develops and posts monthly calendar as a planning resource for residents and families.
• Participates in recreational programs for residents confined to their rooms.
• Promotes volunteer efforts in the community.
• Maintains records of activities and attendance.
• Stores activity equipment and supplies and cleans area after conclusion of the activity.
• Utilizes the biopsychosocial model to support resident well-being.
• Provides or arranges for comfort/support to residents and families, when needed.
• Punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

Other Functions

• Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, its policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards. Performs other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated willingness to learn new modalities and approaches.
• Good listener.
• Builds rapport easily.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Able to work with residents/families facing end of life issues.

Requirements

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Licenses/Certification

Certified Recreation Therapist, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant or Activity Assistant Certified (NCCAP or state-specific) preferred.

Experience

Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.

Prefer minimum of 500 hours of experience in activity programming in any setting prior to hire. Different combination of education/experience may qualify, depending on state requirements.

Note: All employees of Cascadia Healthcare are required to submit and be cleared to work in the facility per each state’s specific background check requirements prior to contact with patients/residents.