Activity Assistant

Position Summary

The Part-Time Activity Assistant plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of life for participants enrolled in The League for People with Disabilities' Medical Day Program. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and facilitating engaging therapeutic, recreational, educational, and social activities that promote independence, dignity, personal growth, community inclusion, and overall well-being for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. The Activity Assistant works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to provide person-centered programming while ensuring a safe, supportive, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead a variety of daily activities that support participants' physical, cognitive, emotional, sensory, and social development.
• Facilitate arts and crafts, music, games, exercise, wellness, gardening, cooking, sensory activities, holiday celebrations, educational groups, and community-based experiences.
• Modify activities to accommodate varying cognitive, behavioral, physical, and medical abilities.
• Encourage active participation while promoting confidence, independence, and self-expression.
• Aid participants during individual and group activities while providing appropriate encouragement and support.
• Promote participant choice and person-centered engagement during programming.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with participants while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Aide participants with transitions between scheduled activities.
• Encourage appropriate social interaction and communication among participants.
• Observe participant engagement and report changes in mood, behavior, participation, or physical condition to nursing or supervisory staff.
• Support implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISP) and participant goals.
• Prepare activity rooms before programming begins.
• Prepare activity materials and supplies.
• Maintain activity calendars and attendance logs as assigned.
• Decorate program areas for holidays, seasonal events, and special celebrations.
• Inventory and organize activity supplies and notify supervisor of replenishment needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized activity environment.
• Follow all DDA, Maryland Department of Health, OSHA, HIPAA, and League policies and procedures.
• Utilize proper infection control practices.
• Follow emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Report incidents, accidents, injuries, or concerns immediately.
• Collaborate with nurses, CNAs, Program Assistants, therapists, Direct Support Professionals, and supervisors.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and staff development opportunities.
• Support during special events, outings, wellness activities, and community integration opportunities.
• Assist in transporting supplies or preparing participants for outings as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Recreation Therapy, Human Services, Special Education, Art, Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults, or individuals with medical needs preferred.
• ASL (American Sign Language) preferred.
• Experience facilitating recreational or therapeutic activities preferred.
• Experience in adult day services, healthcare, rehabilitation, or community-based programs is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Passion for serving individuals with disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Creative, energetic, and enthusiastic personality.
• Ability to adapt activities for varying abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to remain calm during behavioral or medical emergencies.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and move throughout the workday.
• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Push wheelchairs and activity equipment as needed.
• Assist participants during activities while following safe body mechanics.
• Work both indoors and outdoors during various weather conditions.
• Occasionally assist with setting up tables, chairs, and recreational equipment.

Reasonable Accommodations

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized activity environment.
• Follow all DDA, Maryland Department of Health, and League policies and procedures.
• Utilize proper infection control practices.
• Follow emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Report incidents, accidents, injuries, or concerns immediately.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with participant recognition events, birthdays, celebrations, and special programs.
• Support fundraising events, family events, and League-sponsored activities when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate degree in Recreation Therapy, Human Services, Special Education, Art, Occupational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults, or individuals with medical needs preferred. ASL (American Sign Language) preferred. Experience facilitating recreational or therapeutic activities preferred. Experience in adult day services, healthcare, rehabilitation, or community-based programs is highly desirable.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Passion for serving individuals with disabilities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Creative, energetic, and enthusiastic personality. Ability to adapt activities for varying abilities. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to remain calm during behavioral or medical emergencies. Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.