Recreation Assistant

Bethesda Recreation Assistant

The Recreation Assistant works directly with residents with love, acceptance, friendliness and compassion that residents are invited to live their lives in fullness; they develop activity programs based on resident's interests, strengths and needs; they conduct activities in an atmosphere of warmth, success, encouragement and joy.

Hours of Work: Day Shift: 8:00am -4:30pm and Evening Shift: 4:15pm-8:00pm

Dress Code: Business casual attire. Jeans with no holes or rips. Bethesda shirts. Solid colored t-shirts. Footwear: Close-toe, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. Hair and Hygiene: Maintain a high standard of cleanliness, oral hygiene and deodorant. Neat and practical hairstyle. Hair tied back when working with food. Identification: Visible name badge worn on chest area. PPE: Compliance with facility guidelines for masks, gloves, goggles, etc. if applicable. Piercings: Covered or removed if posing infection or safety risk. Tattoos: Covered or removed if posing infection or safety risk. General Appearance: Clean, well-maintained attire.

Essential Requirements of Work:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to complete the feeding portion of the Nursing Assistant course or be a Certified Nursing Assistant.
• Experience: Previous work with elderly or physically challenged persons is desirable; work that demonstrates:
• Ability to maintain outgoing, cheerful, & enthusiastic personality.
• Demonstrates respect for the elderly or physically challenged.
• Ability to speak clearly and make self understood to people of varying abilities.
• Ability to function as a team player
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Ability and willingness to learn
• Ability to present an activity to a large group.
• Skills in one or more areas of: music, art, organization, listening and group work.
• Ability to read, write, follow directions in English and use basic math skills.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively.
• Precise record keeping ability.
• Ability to prepare, present and evaluate activity accurately.
• Personal: Attend all Bethesda or other sponsored on-going activity meetings and in-services. Continual professional updating.

Physical Demands of the Job:

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Occasional squatting, kneeling, sitting, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Occasional exposure to communicable diseases.
• Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.

Mental Demands of the Job:

• Compassion for people with disabilities.
• Presenting in front of a large group of people.
• Ability to adapt activities to varying needs.
• Ability to alternate activity plans if necessary.
• Teamwork with other department members.

Work Environment & Conditions:

• Flexibility and spontaneity.
• Patience with residents displaying agitation, confusion or depression.
• Ability to work with many people, both staff and residents, with varying personalities.

Principle Job Responsibility:

To spend time with assigned residents in order to become, for each, a friend, advocate, source of life or comfort. Provide personal contact with assigned residents and conduct activities in a manner: that assists them to feel successful & purposeful, encourage them to pursue their own interests that use their remaining abilities, or that give solace or comfort, and all within a homelike and comforting atmosphere.

Tasks:

• Remain on duty during the entire scheduled work time, observing Bethesda's policy of ½ hour noon break and any 15 minute breaks allowed.
• Spend the majority of time each day working directly with the residents.
• Foster resident communication, self expression and personal identity.
• Be aware of resident interests, needs, goals, and assist to help them be successful.
• Be friendly, helpful and accommodating to family members and volunteers.
• Promote a spirit of open communication, cooperation, teamwork and friendliness within the department as well as with other departments.
• Do the required documentation and care planning in a timely, legible and accurate manner.
• Be creative in planning and implementing activities that meet different levels of abilities, assisting them to function at their highest practicable level.
• Develop activity programming that promotes the philosophy, policy and procedures of the activity department.
• Assist at meals when directed by supervisor.
• Assist Residents at activity groups with their snacks/beverages.
• Foster cooperation and friendliness with new staff.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Report for and leave the work area on a timely basis.
• Participate in annual performance reviews.
• Write yearly personal goals.
• Participate in all required in-service programs.
• Maintain professional conduct and pleasant, friendly attitude towards staff, residents and visitors.
• Be willing to learn and change to meet needs that arise.