Activity Assistant

Town of Bridgewater Council on Aging Job Description:

AgeWave Social Club Program Activity Assistant

Created January 2024

The Town of Bridgewater Council on Aging and Senior Center is hiring for two new grant-funded Activity Assistant positions for the AgeWave Social Day Program. These part-time positions are not benefits eligible. Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the ideal candidates will possess knowledge of and experience in working with older adults with dementia and their caregivers. The Activity Assistants are responsible for planning and managing recreation activities for the Social Day Program serving the older adult population. Work includes coordinating and implementing programs and activities, monitoring participation virtually on Zoom and in-person, and providing information and assistance to the clients. The position is onsite at either the Bridgewater Senior Center or the Halifax Senior Center.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities are performed under the general direction of the Program Manager. The employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently, with specific instruction. The supervisor provides additional specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments. The employee is expected to refer unusual situations to the supervisor for further instruction. Employee may have access to the personal client information.

• The Activity Assistant is responsible for planning and managing recreation activities for the Social Day Program serving the older adult population. Work includes coordinating and implementing programs and activities, monitoring participation, and providing information and assistance to the clients.
• Creates and coordinates activities for participants according to levels of cognitive

abilities in order to enhance and maintain current skills.

• Works collaboratively with Program Manager, COA Staff, interns, and volunteers to

facilitate activities.

• Works with Program Manager on monthly activity calendar.
• Provides information and program tours for interested individuals.
• Monitors client’s virtual and in-person participation in programs and informs the Program Manager and caregiver of any changes in functional abilities for appropriate follow up action to be taken.
• Assist clients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) i.e., getting on and off the bus,

meals and snacks, chair transfer, etc.

• Schedule transportation for clients in absence of Program Manager.
• Set up/clean-up of all program activities.
• Adheres to all program policies and procedures.
• Performs other similar or related work as requested by the Social Day Program Manager and the Director of Elder Affairs.

Job Environment

• The work requires examining, analyzing, and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, and precedents which may be complex or conflicting at times. Employee is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in conjunction with procedural concerns in decision making.
• Errors could result in delay or loss of service, adverse public relations, and injury to self or others. The employee has constant contact with the public in person, on the phone, and via computer. The purpose for contact is to provide information and assistance regarding the hybrid social day program, to plan and implement activities, and explain policies and procedures.
• Employee has frequent contact with Towns of Bridgewater and Halifax Departments, groups and organizations, the general public, and vendors to coordinate and perform work.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent, at least one (1) year of experience working with the older adult population; customer service experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• MEPAP Certification and/or Dementia Care Certification is a plus.
  
  

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Moderate physical effort required in performing duties. Frequently moves tables, chairs, and equipment. 
• Duties require standing, walking, sitting, talking, listening, using hands, kneeling, and bending. Must be able to lift and move items weighing 30 pounds. 

Employee works indoors in the senior center, and is also required to talk/listen, and use hands more than 2/3rd of the time; stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, reach, stand, stoop up to 1/3rd of the time.

• Employee occasionally transports clients weighing 150-250 lbs., to and from wheelchairs, walkers and canes. Normal vision is required for the position.
• Equipment used includes videoconferencing equipment, durable medical equipment, power tools, hand tools, kitchen appliances, and office equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

Knowledge:

Planning and coordinating small and large group activities with the older adult

population, knowledge of the recreational needs and interests of the older adult population,

familiarity with department regulations, policies and procedures.

Skills:

Written and oral communication, presentation, and computer skills including Videoconferencing programs and equipment.

Ability:

Ability to communicate and work well with a diverse clientele, including people with physical

and cognitive challenges.

Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to maintain positive, friendly behavior.

Ability to effectively use videoconferencing programs, equipment and computers.

Excellent organizational skills.

Funding:

Position is State grant funded through March 2025. Employment is conditional based on existing funds. The position is 15 hours/week, non-benefited position with a salary of $22.63 an hour.

Benefits:

• none

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and

requirements of the job change.)

Salary : $23