Life Enrichment Assistant

Life Enrichment Assistant

Life Enrichment Assistant is primarily involved in supporting the life enrichment program in the Terrace and Courtyard. The Life Enrichment Assistant works under the direction of the Life Enrichment Coordinator, yet independently leads activities in the Terrace and Courtyard. Life Enrichment Assistant position availability and hours are occupancy based and must be approved by the Controller for Heritage Property Management.

Qualifications of the Life Enrichment Assistant include a positive and respectful attitude toward persons with dementia. Maturity and ability to deal effectively with the demands of the job. Education and experience relevant to working with frail elderly, as well as elderly having dementia (including Alzheimer's disease). Course work or experience in gerontology. Compassion for serving frail elderly population. Innovative and creative thinking processes. Ability to read, write and carry out directions. Must be able to pass the state mandated criminal background screening and random drug testing.

Essential functions of the Life Enrichment Assistant include:

• Familiarity with the GEMS: Positive Approach to Dementia Care
• Establishes GEM boxes for resident active engagement for persons with dementia
• Direct interaction with individual, small and large groups of residents in the Terrace and Courtyard
• Develops and leads activities for residents of the Terrace and Courtyard
• Group activities – exercise, music, reminisce, etc.
• Crafts
• Manicures
• Engagement in household activities: folding laundry, setting table, washing dishes, sorting silverware, dusting, etc.
• Coordinates with the LEC for special event planning:
• Musical programs
• Outings
• Family events
• Assists Resident Service Assistants with Gems concepts
• Prepares activity materials for residents:
• Craft projects
• Games
• Puzzles
• Manicures – including selection of varied colors of polish.
• Compliance with all Resident Rights including confidentiality
• Other duties as assigned or as may be necessary to meet the goals and objectives of this living center

General responsibilities of the Life Enrichment Assistant include:

• Be a goodwill ambassador for this living center
• Comply with Life Safety policies and periodic "drills"
• Participate in training opportunities
• Report safety and health hazards to the Maintenance Supervisor
• Work cooperatively with others on the same shift and across shifts
• Report to work as scheduled
• Treat all residents with dignity and respect
• Observe residents for any change in condition (physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioral)
• Communicate any change in condition to the Shift Supervisor
• Comply with infection control protocols
• Compliance with the guidelines stated in the Employee Handbook

Physical and mental requirements of the Life Enrichment Assistant include:

• Able to lift 20#
• Able to stand, bend, twist, turn, stoop, squat, sit, kneel, pull, push, and walk long distances on hard surfaces, for extended periods of time.
• Able to perform physically repetitive work.
• Able to tolerate exposure to cold and hot temperatures.
• Able to work with strong smells and chemicals (such as for manicures)
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with residents, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions in English
• Emotional stability to appropriately handle resident care needs, including chronic illness, challenging behaviors, dementia-related issues, and death of residents.

Reports to: Life Enrichment Coordinator

Compensation and Benefits: Hourly wage and benefits as stated in the Employee Handbook. Eligible for 2% increase after 90 days of employment, and merit increase annually based on supervisor's written evaluation of performance.

Part-time hourly - 16 to 20 hours weekly. MUST BE ABLE TO WORK EVERY OTHER WEEKEND

Heritage Property Management, our current loyal employees, and especially our senior residents cannot thank you enough for your help and compassion.