Activities Assistant

General Purpose:

Carry out a scheduled program of activities, which provides opportunity for entertainment, exercise, relaxation, and expression and fulfills basic psychological, social, and spiritual needs, which will be available to all residents of the facility. Assists the physically, emotionally, and cognitively impaired individual and family to explore appropriate avocation/leisure pursuits.

Essential Job Functions:

This facility expects their employees to promote an atmosphere of teamwork with other employees and hospitality and comfort for its residents. Therefore, the following list of duties is not all-inclusive:

Assist the Activity Coordinator in all the following duties:

• Assist professional personnel or activity aides of a higher level in carrying out planned sessions of client activities in recreational, occupational, music and related therapy areas.
• Learn activity techniques and makes detailed preparations for sessions.
• Escorts clients to activity areas; assumes responsibility for the personal needs and control of the client while in the activity area.
• Secures the cooperation of clients assigned activities.
• Observes client behavior and prepares reports.
• Assists nursing and other staff in accordance with general instructions.
• Participates in housekeeping duties in the activity area.
• Friendly visits with residents
• Assists with writing letters
• Assists with decorating facility and activity area for holidays and special events.
• Assists with fund raising events for the activity department.
• Assists with daily personal care of residents (i.e., fixing hair, putting on makeup, painting finger nails, etc.)
• Drives and helps with transportation in facility vehicle.
• Assists with resident appointments as directed by supervisor.
• Completes daily documentation as required by regulations for the activity department.
• Attend in-service education programs in order to meet facility educational requirements.
• Be familiar with Standard Precautions, Exposure Control Plan, Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedures and know how to use the information.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident and facility records/information.
• Protect residents from neglect, mistreatment, and abuse.
• Protect personal property of the residents of the facility.
• Others as directed by the supervisor or administrator.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Certified Nursing Assistant is preferred, but not required
• Prior experience in a resident activities program in a health care setting preferred.
• Skill at working with individuals who have cognitive, physical or sensory disabilities.
• Interpersonal skills with high level of energy and enthusiasm.
• Genuine caring for and interest in elderly and disabled people in a nursing facility.
• Comply with Resident Rights and Facility Policies and Procedures.
• Perform work tasks within the physical demand required by the department.
• Perform Essential Duties as outlined above.