Activities Assistant

Activities Assistant

Activities Assistants are a vital member of the Catholic Community Services (CCS) team, dedicated to upholding a service philosophy rooted in dignity, compassion, and inclusion. You will lead group and independent activities that promote the strengths and community integration of clients at Nativity House. Working within a strengths-based and person-centered framework, you will assist in the planning, implementation, and continuous evaluation of recreational, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual programs. Your primary goal is to ensure that services are flexible, client-informed, and provided in the most normative, least restrictive environment possible, in accordance with WAC 388-71-0724 and each client's negotiated care plan.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Program Manager, assist clients with mobility, transportation, and activities of daily living (ADLs) (e.g., eating, toileting, repositioning, transferring, personal hygiene, etc.) during programming, ensuring all physical support is provided with dignity and respects client privacy.
• Conduct continuous informal safety assessments during all interactions and activities.
• Respond to emerging concerns using de-escalation and established emergency procedures to maintain a safe, secure environment.
• Monitor client moods, behaviors, and physical safety, and report noticeable changes in daily communication logs and to Program Manager and/or designee.
• Clean, organize, and maintain the program's activity space, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain a file on each respite guests in accordance with the records retention policy of Catholic Community Services
• Actively seek client input to ensure activities are flexible and responsive to unique needs, preferences, daily routines, and individualized goals as illustrated in client negotiated care plans.
• Facilitate activities that center on client abilities and accomplishments, ensuring participation is based on strengths and competencies rather than limitations.
• Promote autonomy and choice by offering assistance only when necessary, encouraging maximum independence in all social interactions and recreational activities.
• Uphold a calm, cheerful, and welcoming environment that fosters trust and validates the lived experiences of every client.
• Facilitate opportunities for clients to build and maintain relationships with family, friends, and community members as informed by the client.
• Adapt interactions and activities to align with the client's cultural background and identity, belief systems, values, traditions, and communication styles.
• Collaborate with the team to explore and plan community-based activities that encourage social inclusion and sense of belonging.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including daily communication logs and participation notes, that focus on individualized interventions and observations from Person-Centered Service Plans (PCSPs).
• Use person-first, non-stigmatizing, and inclusive language in all verbal and written communications.
• Participate in regular coaching and evaluations to ensure service delivery remains aligned with the core Guiding Principles of CCS and WAC requirements.
• Duties and assignments may be adjusted at the discretion of the Program Manager and/or designee to meet programmatic needs and maintain service delivery for client safety and success.
• Ability to build trust through active listening and respectful communication.
• Skill in adjusting pacing and approaches based on a client's cognitive status or physical capacity and energy levels.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure consistent messaging and comprehensive care across all life areas (e.g., social, emotional, spiritual, physical, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must have one of the following valid certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC), Home Care Assistant (HCA).
• Must maintain annual requirement certifications per Washington State law.
• Must have two years' experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Must obtain a Food Handlers Card within 2 weeks of employment.
• Must have or obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 2 weeks of employment.
• Proof of negative Tuberculosis (TB) test within the past 12 months.
• Applicants must successfully pass required background checks prior to an offer of employment.
• Ability to be compassionate, nonjudgmental, and set clear personal boundaries.
• Ability to set clear limits and consequences and manage triangulation with guests and staff.
• Ability to take strong initiative and ownership of the position, be proactive in problem solving, and be an effective team communicator.
• Ability to form and maintain a strong team commitment with staff.
• Work with diverse populations, including people with active mental health and chemical dependency issues.
• Be a positive and proactive team member.
• Support and uphold the mission, beliefs and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Support and contribute to a creative, collaborative, and respectful environment that promotes teamwork.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge, and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Social Service or similar field.
• Experience working in trauma-informed care.
• Experience working in wraparound services.
• Experience working in person-centered planning.