Program/Activity Assistant – On Call

Catholic Charities Adult Day Services - San Mateo County program promotes Aging-in-Place by offering a safe, therapeutic environment to prevent premature placement in a residential facility.  Older adults who may be suffering from memory impairments and/or physical disabilities attend 2-5 days a week while their family caregivers receive supportive services and respite. 

Adult Day Services - San Mateo County is a licensed Adult Day Program that is designed to enhance the participants’ quality of life and increase their independence. Participants enjoy a safe, fun and stimulating environment while families are eased of their constant responsibility of providing care. Seniors and adults with disabilities benefit from the healthy meals and snacks, exercise options, socialization, mental and physical stimulation, personal care support and supervision, and recreation offered. Team members promote independence, enhancing the participants experience in the program and providing continuity of care for participants and primary caregivers. 

Salary:$ 26.32

The On Call – Program/Activity Assistant will lead social, recreational and educational programs, and work as a team member to enhance the lives of the participants attending the program. 

• Under the coordination of the Activities Coordinator, lead and elicit participation in physical, cognitive, creative and expressive art, music, and spiritual activities.
• Provide participants with assistance in activities of daily living including but not limited to transfers, ambulation, dining and assistance in the restroom.
• With other staff, assist in the development of individual care plans for each client, assist in carrying out plan and participate in reviews and revisions of care plans.
• Maintain appropriate records for monthly MIS reports and chart on participants.
• Supervise and monitor participants.
• Assist in serving lunch and snacks.
• Move furniture and equipment, and perform general clean up.
• Participate with other staff in the maintenance of a safe and healthful environment in the Center.
• Establish rapport with participants and their families or caregivers in order to insure continuity of care.
• Be trained and prepared to implement emergency procedures for group or individuals.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings and workshops as required.

• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work or a related human services field preferred.
• Training, work experience, or knowledge of the senior population.
• Experience and/or knowledge working with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience and knowledge in areas of arts and crafts, music, poetry, cooking, exercise, gardening, etc.
• The ability to plan and lead group and individual activities.
• Keep regular detailed records.
• Promote a positive professional and organizational image in the community.
• The ability to keep regular detailed records.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Second language skills desirable.
• Sensitivity to the needs of frail elderly and their families.
• Ability to work as a member of multidisciplinary team. 

• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.

Prerequisites Required Prior to the First Day of Employment:

• Is responsible for accurate and timely data entry that aids Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) reporting and case record reviews.
• Is responsible for accurate and timely submission of case records.
• Serves on a quarterly case record review committee for Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) reporting.
• Serves on department or program Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible for monitoring goals and reporting.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.
• Driving is not required for this position.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• May include contact with clients with mental health issues who demonstrate behaviors such as use of profanity, shouting, running away, self harm and violence.
• The worker is occasionally exposed to cleaning products.
• The worker is occasionally exposed to perfume or scents in personal care products used by employees, clients, and visitors.
• The worker is regularly exposed to arts and crafts supplies that may contain an odor such as non-toxic paint, glue, permanent markers, dry erase markers and crayons.
• The worker is occasionally exposed to latex, bleach solution, cigarette smoke, and animals for pet therapy projects.
• The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation.
• The worker is subject to noise: Noise level in work environment can be moderate to excessive.
• The worker is subject to outside environmental conditions: No effective protection from weather.
• The work environment includes traveling using various modes of transportation.

• Noise level in work environment varies depending on daily activities.

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.