Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Part-Time Activities Assistant

Overview:

The primary purpose of this individual’s responsibility is to work with patients in the skilled nursing facility by respecting and facilitating their social needs, spiritual needs, strengths and abilities, as well as aiding in access to activities, in order to help that individual, attain the highest quality of life. This position may include non-medical skills such as assessment, communication, engagement, planning and delivery of activities , as assigned by the Activities Director. The Activities Assistant works under the guidance of the Certified Activities Director to foster a person-centered climate and range of activities that enable patients to maximize their individuality, independence, highest practical function and dignity. This climate shall provide patients with the opportunity to pursue meaningful activities.

Job Summary

The Activities Assistant will facilitate and assist the patients’ participation in individual and group activities according to the assessment and care plan for each patient. He/she will communicate any relevant information to the Activities Director regarding the needs/preferences of newly admitted or current patients in order to form an activity plan which offers the highest practical level of physical, mental and psychosocial well-being and quality of life within the facility. The Activities Assistant will work with the Activities Director in following department policies and procedures to reflect the latest best practices and regulations.

Must be physically able to evacuate patients in the event of evacuation. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position. Must possess hearing and sight, with or without use of prosthetics that enables these senses to function adequate to fully meet the requirements of the job, which include transporting residents to and from activities, setting up a/v equipment, and other tasks. Must be able to work with people of varying levels of understanding, coping skills, varying cultures and varying sensory awareness.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: included but not limited to:

• Interface with nursing office, MDS Coordinator, Therapy Manager and other staff in forming and reviewing the care plan for each person as assigned by the Activities Director.
• Interact well with patients and their families/visitors when offering activities.
• Inform the nursing supervisor on duty or Activities Director of any new unusual behaviors, mental status changes or changes in circumstances to help the staff with non-pharmaceutical interventions.
• Assist patients with choosing both individual and group activities that are interesting and motivating to each one, based on individual needs and interests. Refers to the activity calendar and makes patients aware of activities by informing individual patients who may not have access to seeing calendars.
• Facilitate night and weekend activities as assigned. These may be conducted by other staff or even volunteers under the observation of staff.
• Follow a care plan for each person and documents response.
• Document activity participation in timely manner daily. This documentation is used to evaluate needs and complete a care plan.
• Demonstrate good stewardship of supplies and resources.
• Seek the assistance of a trained staff member when moving, transporting and staying with patients to assure patient safety.
• Make sure that a qualified staff member is present at activities where food or beverages are served.
• Develop and maintains a good working rapport with other departments with the facility.
• Consistently demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality.
• Participate in quality assurance program as assigned.
• Attend all mandatory in-service trainings, including annual fire, OSHA and CDC program.
• Keep up knowledge of standards and job requirements through in-services and trainings offered.
• Practice in adherence to national standards for electronic health care transactions and code sets, unique health identifiers, and security, including passwords and user ID codes, in compliance with the Privacy Act and HIPAA. Notifies Administrator, or Director of Nursing in the absence of the Administrator, of any known violations.
• Render all services without discrimination regarding race, color, national origin, sex or handicapping condition.

Job Requirements:

Education: Experience with long term care or field where working with people directly is beneficial .

PC literacy and competence. Experience using Word, Outlook and Excel preferred. Must be able to learn and maintain understanding of electronic charting system. Must demonstrate ability to operate facsimile machines, copiers, scanners.

Must be able to relate to people of varying education, cultures and ability to comprehend information.

Applicant must be self-directed and demonstrate ability to work independently to meet deadlines.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Must have the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions.

Must meet general health requirements set forth by policies and procedure of Stone River Manor. Must meet the general health requirements set forth by policies and procedure of Stone River Manor. Must be able to push, pull, move, or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum of five (5) feet; able to push, pull, move and carry such weight a minimum distance of three hundred (300) feet.

Must pass drug screen and background check.