Activities Assistant

Job Duties

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and engaging Activities Assistant who will assist the Activities Coordinator and Activities Director with planning and implementing activities designed to enrich the lives of our residents. Activities Assistant responsibilities include creating, leading and engaging residents in meaningful and enjoyable activities, providing emotional support, and ensuring residents’ personal and social needs are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Aid in planning and leading daily activities such as games, music, crafts, exercise, outings, etc.
• Encourage and assist residents to participate in scheduled activities.
• Able to develop and adapt engaging activities tailored to a wide range of abilities and interests.
• Flexible in approach and able to adjust activities as needed for individual needs.

Qualifications

• Experience with music therapy, art, crafts, or movement-based activities.
• Familiarity with dementia behaviors, redirection techniques, and safety protocols.
• Experience working with seniors, especially in memory care or dementia support is a plus.
• Strong communication, patience, and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, steady reassurance for residents experiencing confusion, anxiety, or behavioral changes.
• Engaging and creative personality, enjoys leading activities, encouraging participation, and bringing positive energy into the environment.
• Dependable, shows up consistently, follows routines, and maintains a stable presence for residents who rely on predictability.
• Team-oriented mindset, collaborates well with nurses, activity staff, and families.

Why Join Us?

Competitive pay and benefits. Supportive team environment. Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring smooth staffing operations.

Additional Considerations

• Compassion and patience to support residents experiencing confusion, anxiety, or behavioral changes with calm, steady reassurance.
• Strong communication skills, speaks clearly, listens well, and adapts communication style for residents with cognitive decline.
• Engaging and creative personality, enjoys leading activities, encouraging participation, and bringing positive energy into the environment.
• Dependable, shows up consistently, follows routines, and maintains a stable presence for residents who rely on predictability.
• Team-oriented mindset, collaborates well with nurses, activity staff, and families.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Commonwealth does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work. Excluding current DVS employees, the selected candidate MUST pass a criminal background check.

To be considered for this position, candidates MUST apply online at www.jobs.virginia.gov. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes are encouraged but do not substitute submittal of the online application. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Please contact Human Resources if you need assistance. In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department of Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to obtain a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.