What are the responsibilities and job description for the Life Enrichment Assistant position at New Hope Valley West?
Part time life enrichment assistant
TITLE: Life Enrichment Assistant
FLSA: Non Exempt
REPORTS TO: Life Enrichment Coordinator
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
An employee in this position is responsible for the planning, organization, and administration of the activity program and related resident services in a Home for the Aged (HFA) Independent and Assisted Living environment. An employee in this position works under the supervision of the Life Enrichment Coordinator.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, implement and maintain a resident centered activity program focusing on the physical/mental, social/recreational, intellectual/educational, creative/spiritual, health/wellness, and personal growth aspect of the residents of the community; monitor activity program to ensure a program that is supportive of the resident's individual needs, interests, and capabilities and offers diversification and interaction; design programs/activities to encourage socialization, provide entertainment, relaxation, fulfillment, and improve daily living skills.
- Aid in scheduling and coordinating special events, group activities/outings, and entertainment to meet the diverse interest of the residents of the community; coordinate projects and programs with other local community organizations/agencies.
- Communicate community philosophy and policies/procedures of the community's activity program to new residents and their representatives; interview the new resident to fully understand their interests, hobbies, needs, special characteristics and physical/mental abilities to enhance the activity program experience for each new resident and provide a secure foundation for their transition to the community.
- Aid in producing the monthly activity calendar which is posted in the common areas of the community reflecting scheduled activities, outings, special events, entertainment; maintain a bulletin board that is updated regularly with information and updates of happenings in the community, produce monthly community newsletter informing residents of special events, birthdays, national celebrations, puzzles, etc.
- Communicate with and direct appropriate community staff in the execution of scheduled activities, outings, special events, group activities; supervise volunteers for activity programs.
- Organize, maintain, and purchase supplies, materials, and equipment related to activities and special events in the community; maintain records and files on resident activities and special events.
- Develop and maintain an open relationship with residents of the community through regular interaction, encourage and support residents with their involvement in the community; manage difficult emotional situations in a calm manner; recognize when a situation requires intervention/assistance; respond promptly to a resident's need/concern.
- Function as a contact person for community's entertainment/special events.
- Network in community areas pertaining to senior industry and resident services; understand and use senior resources for support and assistance of residents.
- Knowledge of location of community's disaster manual and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the reporting system specified in the Right to Know policy; correct use and disposal of cleaning products/hazardous materials; awareness of general safety, environmental and infection control procedures; familiar with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and universal precautions relating to OSHA blood-bourne pathogen standard.
- Excellent attendance, timeliness in reporting to work, and discussion of all absences, injuries and illnesses with the Life Enrichment Coordinator; attendance at professional seminars and community activities.
- Attend minimum of 10 in-service training programs per 12-month period.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIRMENTS - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Ability to perform necessary functions and job responsibilities of the activity staff of the community; ability to drive multi-passenger vehicle safely and appropriately through the use of defensive driving techniques.
- Knowledge of senior activity program planning, conducting group activities, activity resources and assisted living principles.
- Friendly, courteous manner; energetic, enthusiastic and outgoing individual; musical and creative skills (e.g. arts and crafts); highly motivated, compassionate and patient, sense of humor; excellent communication skills to direct activity program to range of varying degrees of abilities.
- Knowledge of computer PC operations and software e.g., Google Suite.
- Ability to be flexible, solve problems/conflicts in a sensitive and calm manner, act independently and carry out oral and/or written instructions; ability to react quickly and decisively in the event of an emergency.
- Ability to provide written short and long-term goals designed to achieve department goals; good organizational and prioritization skills.
- Affinity for seniors and genuine care regarding their well-being with an ability to maintain appropriate attitude and conduct for the welfare of the residents; demonstrate an appreciation of the heritage, values, and wisdom of the resident and an understanding of their rights, the aging process and diseases of the elderly.
- Display honesty, integrity, dependability and ability to work as a team member, possess good interpersonal skills and maintain a positive attitude toward employment; ability to communicate effectively and appropriately and maintain confidentiality of resident information in compliance with HIPPA regulations.
- Reliable transportation to work with flexibility to work on any day of the week, any designated shift.
- Ability to identify own personal strengths and weaknesses and discuss with supervision.
- Satisfactory references, background check, drug screen, pre-employment physical and current PPD(or chest x-ray) for tuberculosis.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- High School or GED equivalent.
- Must possess and maintain a safe driving record and valid driver's license in the State of Michigan.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Work is performed in a residential community setting and outside of the community while transporting residents to and from scheduled indoor/outdoor activities, subject to inclement weather; may require attendance at evening and/or weekend events/outings; high noise levels during activities, entertainment, and/or other events.
- Speaking and hearing required to perform job responsibilities; reading/writing; understand directions and communicate verbally.
- Specific vision abilities required include color, close and far vision acuity, depth perception and ability to adjust vision focus.
- Employee must be in good physical health and have the ability to climb, balance, kneel, crouch, reach, walk, sit, lift, grasp, perform repetitive motions involving bending, twisting, stooping, pushing, pulling, fingering, wrist motions and foot operations; ability to stand for an extended period of time without significant rest period; possess the strength/stamina to lift more than 50 lbs. with assist.
New Hope Valley West provided the following inclusive hiring information:
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $11.00 - $13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Supplemental Pay:
- Bonus pay
COVID-19 considerations:
New Hope Valley does NOT require the COVID-19 vaccine, but does strongly encourage all employees to get it.
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Saginaw, MI 48603: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: One location