Activity Assistant

Class Title: ACTIVITY AIDE

Department: Ozark Riverview Manor

Immediate Supervisor: Activity Director

FLSA: Full-time, Non-exempt

Date: October 01, 2015

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The primary purpose is to assist in the implementation of recreational, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual programs, in accordance with the resident’s assessment and care plan, and as may be directed by your supervisor.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school graduate or GED is required.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies: customer service; oral communication; written communication; professionalism; quality; safety and security; attendance and punctuality; and dependability.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must possess willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activity services.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the implementation of activity programs of the facility. Observe resident attendance, mood, behavior, and degree of involvement so that facility activities and resident progress are evaluated, by noting, reporting, and charting resident behavior.
• Assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of Activity Aide. Keep abreast of economic conditions/situations and recommend to the Activity Director adjustments in activity programs that assure the continued ability to provide daily activities.
• Follow established ergonomics policies and procedures (e.g., a back brace and/or a mechanical lifter are used when lifting or moving heavy objects). Participate in fire safety and disaster preparedness drills. Use protective clothing/devices when handling infectious waste and/or blood/body fluids. Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials and hazardous chemicals to your supervisor.
• Assist in preparing activity rooms/areas for scheduled activity programs. Assist in cleaning up activity areas after completing activity functions.
• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with other departments within the facility to assure that daily activities can be performed without interruption. Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the facility.
• Follow the care plan in providing daily activities for the resident. Implement activity procedures as directed by the Activity Director by creating decorations, setting up necessary equipment, creating ceramics, needlework, woodwork and other crafts, etc., and escorting residents to and from activity areas. Follow calendar of scheduled activities. Encourage residents to participate in hobbies and crafts; provide materials as necessary. Supervise activities as necessary. Befriend residents to encourage resident self-esteem by visiting and conversing with residents on a regular basis. Make routine visits to residents and perform assistance with crafts, projects, etc., as necessary. Assist bed residents by visiting with them, writing letters, running errands, making appointments, etc., as necessary. Encourage residents to develop their educational development through reading, etc. Conduct individual, and/or group, re-motivation and reality orientation sessions to promote worth, self-esteem and reality level of the residents. Oversee the residents engaged in scheduled activities to promote the physical, social, and mental well-being of residents by applying experience in activities and knowledge of diagnoses and conditions of residents.
• Ensure that all charted activity progress notes are informative and descriptive of the services provided and indicate the resident’s response to the service. Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the Activity Director as required. Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Activity Director.
• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as necessary.