Position Summary:
The Activity Assistant supports the implementation of a person-centered activity program that promotes residents' physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This position assists with activity planning and is primarily responsible for engaging residents in meaningful activities based on their individual interests, preferences, abilities, and life experiences. The Activity Assistant helps create a warm, home-like environment where residents are encouraged to make choices, maintain independence, and experience purpose and enjoyment each day.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Resident Engagement and Activities
- Implement daily activities and engagement opportunities that reflect each resident's interests, preferences, and abilities.
- Assist the Administrator or designated staff member with planning and preparing activities, special events, and community outings.
- Lead and facilitate both group and one-on-one activities, including exercise, music, games, arts and crafts, gardening, reminiscing, sensory activities, spiritual activities, and outings.
- Adapt activities to meet the individual needs of residents with dementia, physical limitations, or sensory impairments.
- Encourage resident participation while respecting each resident's right to choose whether or not to participate.
- Recognize and use everyday moments, routines, and household tasks as opportunities for meaningful engagement and purposeful activity.
Person-Centered Care
- Get to know residents' life stories, hobbies, routines, preferences, and personal goals.
- Incorporate residents' choices and interests into daily activities and interactions.
- Promote dignity, independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with residents and their families.
Documentation and Communication
- Document resident participation, preferences, and notable observations as required.
- Communicate changes in residents' mood, functioning, behaviors, or interests to the Administrator and care team.
- Provide input regarding residents' activity interests and engagement needs.
Environment and Safety
- Prepare activity areas and gather necessary supplies and materials.
- Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and inviting environment during activities and events.
- Follow infection control practices and all facility policies and procedures.
- Assist with setting up and cleaning up activities, events, and outings.
Teamwork
- Collaborate with caregivers, medication aides, nurses, volunteers, and family members to enhance residents' quality of life.
- Assist with transportation, supervision, and support during outings and special events as assigned.
- Contribute to a positive, compassionate, and person-centered home environment.
Schedule:
- Weekdays and occasional weekends required (approximately 25 hours/week)
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- At least 1 year experience working with older adults, dementia care, activities, recreation, and/or caregiving
- Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with residents and families.
- Creative, patient, dependable, and flexible.
- Ability to lead activities and engage residents with varying abilities and needs.
- Must pass required background checks and complete all required training.
- Must have reliable transportation.