Activity Assistant

About the Role

To assist the Activities Director in the planning, organizing, and directing of a program of activities that provides opportunity for entertainment, exercise, relaxation, and expression, fulfilling basic psychological, social, and spiritual needs for all residents of the facility. Assist physically, emotionally, and cognitively impaired individuals and their families in exploring appropriate avocation/leisure pursuits.

Work will be performed primarily indoors at a long-term healthcare facility, throughout all areas, including in resident rooms, and on carpeted and/or tiled floors. Work will also be routinely performed around other co-workers, healthcare staff, residents, and guests. Due to the nature of the facility’s business, exposure to occasional slippery floors, objects on floors, chemicals, sharp objects, hazardous materials and waste (including human), blood-borne pathogens, and communicable diseases may occur, as well as high-stress medical and/or life-threatening situations.

Responsibilities

• Meet physical and sensory requirements and work in the described environment.
• Identify and participate in process improvement initiatives that enhance customer experience, workflow, and the work environment.
• Assist in developing, organizing, and implementing a program of activities to meet the social, emotional, physical, and therapeutic needs of residents as identified in their care plans and within budget.
• Initiate and promote activities both within and outside the facility, ensuring resident safety at all times.
• Coordinate and verify assistance for residents during activities and events.
• Provide in-room activities for residents unable to attend daily events.
• Create an ongoing calendar of activities that meets diverse needs and is accessible to all ages and abilities.
• Maintain activity scheduling and documentation standards per policies and regulatory requirements.
• Solicit community involvement (clubs, groups, organizations, etc.) in planning facility activities and events.
• Assist in planning and organizing Activity Department fundraising events.
• Maintain detailed records of activity programs and individual resident participation, tracking progress toward care plan goals.
• Participate in resident care planning by identifying activity needs in accordance with medical assessments.
• Develop and distribute a monthly calendar of events, providing copies in resident rooms and prominently displaying a large calendar in the facility.
• Maintain a pictorial scrapbook of facility-sponsored activities and events throughout the year.
• Develop and maintain an active volunteer program, encouraging participation from residents, family members, staff, visitors, and the community. Train and assign volunteers, document hours, and recognize their service.
• Train groups of volunteers and students in recreational therapy techniques.
• Prepare progress notes for medical staff reflecting residents’ reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
• Maintain all activity-related records required by regulations, including activity assessments, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Assist residents in organizing and maintaining an active Resident Council, ensuring monthly meetings and addressing resident concerns efficiently.
• Document minutes of Resident Council meetings and follow up on concerns.
• Attend in-service education programs to meet facility requirements.
• Perform other special projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; equivalent related work experience may substitute.
• Six months to one year of experience performing activity-related duties.
• Knowledge of the aging process and various resident activities.
• Ability to assume a leadership role in the Activity Department in the absence of the Activity Director.
• Effective verbal and written English communication skills.
• Excellent creative and communication skills.
• Skill in working with individuals who have cognitive, physical, or sensory disabilities.
• Practical knowledge of how an Activity Department functions in a nursing facility.
• General knowledge of regulatory requirements for activity programs in long-term care facilities.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with high energy and enthusiasm.
• Experience working with volunteers and ability to organize and develop volunteer programs.
• Ability to communicate at all organizational levels and work well in a team environment.
• Customer service-oriented with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, take initiative, and make independent decisions.
• Ability to handle new tasks without written procedures.
• Approachable, flexible, and adaptable to change.
• Ability to function independently, with personal integrity, and work effectively with employees and vendors.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Moderate physical activity, including handling objects up to 25 pounds.
• Repetitive standing and/or walking for more than four hours per day.
• Repetitive bending and/or stooping for more than one hour at a time.
• Sitting for more than two hours at a time.
• Consistent computer work with repetitive typing and screen concentration.
• Ability to travel to different sites.