Activity Assistant

Summary:

To assist the Activities Director in the planning, organizing and directing of a program of activities, which provides opportunity for entertainment, exercise, relaxation, and expression and fulfills basic psychological, social and spiritual needs to all residents of the facility. Assist the physically, emotionally, and cognitively impaired individual and their families in the exploration of appropriate avocation/leisure pursuits.

Environment:

Work will be performed primarily indoors at a long-term healthcare facility, throughout all areas, including in resident rooms, and on carpeted and/or tiled floors. Work will also be performed routinely around other co-workers, healthcare staff, residents, and guests. Due to the nature of facility's business, worker may be exposed to occasional slippery floors, object on floors, chemicals, sharp objects, hazardous materials and waste (including human), blood borne pathogens, and communicable diseases, as well as high-stress medical and/or life threatening situations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meet physical and sensory requirements stated below, and be able to work in the described environment.
• Identify and participate in process improvement initiatives that improve the customer experience, enhance work flow, and/or improve the work environment.
• Assist in the development, organization, and implementation of a program of activities to meet the social, emotional, physical and other therapeutic needs of residents as identified on the resident's plan of care and within the specified budget.
• Assist in the initiation and promotion of activities both within the facility and outside the facility, as weather permits, ensuring the safety and well being of each resident at all times.
• Coordinate and verify that assistance is provided to residents for activities and events as necessary.
• Provide in room activities for residents who are unable to attend daily events.
• Assist in the creation of an ongoing calendar of activities that creatively meets multiple needs and is accessible and appealing to both men and women of all ages and abilities.
• Consistently maintain standards for activity scheduling and documentation established by policies and regulatory requirements.
• Solicit the involvement of the community (clubs, groups, organizations, agencies, churches, individuals, etc.) when planning facility activities and events.
• Assist in the planning, organizing and directing of the Activity Department fund raising events.
• Maintain detailed records of activity programs and participation of individual residents, identifying progress toward established care plan goals.
• Participate in resident care planning by identifying the activity needs of residents in accordance with the medical assessment.
• Develop and distribute a monthly calendar of events. Provide a copy of the calendar in each resident's room, and at least one large calendar prominently displayed in the facility.
• Maintain a pictorial scrapbook of activities and events sponsored by the facility during the year.
• Develop and maintain an active volunteer program through marketing, development, support, and organization. Encourage participation by residents, family members, staff, visitors, community groups and individuals. Assign and train volunteers and maintain documentation of volunteer hours. Reward volunteers for service annually and at other special events.

• Train groups of volunteers and students in techniques of recreational therapy.
• Prepare progress notes for medical staff reflecting residents' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
• Maintain all activity related records required by regulations and Medical Records - activity assessments, progress notes, and discharge summary.
• Assist the residents with organizing and maintaining active Resident Council. Provide accommodation, assistance, scheduling, and other means to assure that residents have the opportunity to meet a minimum of one time per month. Channel feedback from Resident council to the appropriate facility personnel to insure that resident issues are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. Document minutes of Resident Council meetings as well as follow-up to any concerns expressed at the meeting.
• Attend in-service education programs in order to meet facility educational requirements.
• Other special projects and duties, as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent related work experience.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year experience or related experience performing activity related duties.
• Knowledge of the aging process and various resident activities.
• Ability to assume leadership role in the Activity Department in the absence of the Activity Director.
• Effective verbal and written English communication skills.

• Excellent creative and communication skills.
• Skill at working with individuals who have cognitive, physical or sensory disabilities.
• Practical knowledge of how an Activity Department functions in a nursing facility.
• General knowledge of regulatory requirements for an activity program in a long-term care facility.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with high level of energy and enthusiasm.
• Experience in working with volunteers and ability to organize and develop volunteer program.
• Ability to communicate at all levels of organization and work well within a team environment in support of company objectives.
• Customer service oriented with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize, coordinate and simultaneously maintain multiple projects with high level of quality and productivity.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, take initiative and make independent decisions.
• Ability to deal with new tasks without the benefit of written procedures.
• Approachable, flexible and adaptable to change.
• Function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with employees and vendors.

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

• Moderate physical activity:
• Requires handling of average-weight objects up to twenty five (25) pounds.
• Repetitive standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Repetitive bending and/or stooping for more than one (1) hour at a time.
• Sitting for more than two (2) hours at a time.
• May require consistent computer work with repetitive typing and concentrating on computer screen.
• Physical ability to travel to sites.