Assistant - Programming

Department: Activities | Reports to: Programming Director | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About the Role

The Programming Assistant organizes and implements programs designed to meet the individual needs of residents. The program is intended to fulfill basic psychological, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs while promoting self-esteem in a caring, nurturing environment. The Programming Assistant supports and assists the Programming Director in all necessary programming and safely uses all utilized equipment when planning or implementing programming.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and implementation of an innovative daily program for residents.
• Leads and implements one-on-ones, small group, and large group activities according to the programming schedule.
• Supports, encourages, and directs independent activity pursuits, both individually and in small groups.
• Supports residents’ abilities by understanding that all aspects of care can be viewed as an activity.
• Demonstrates knowledge about residents regarding background, participation needs, physical abilities, interests, cognitive capacity, and attention span capability.
• Communicates any changes in residents’ condition or behavior pattern to the Program Director or Nurse.
• Responds to emergencies and personal emergency response systems and knows when to call for backup.
• Effectively handles difficult resident behaviors.
• Reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Documents and provides accurate record-keeping as appropriate.
• Communicates and documents residents’ material needs (e.g., briefs, clothing, toothpaste, pads).
• Accurately completes incident reports prior to the end of the working day.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Benchmark Standards and Practices.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of state regulations.
• Participates in training/in-services as required by Benchmark and state regulations.
• Actively participates in local community activities and professional associations, representing the community in a manner that brings positive recognition, enhances marketing activity, and generates wider awareness of Benchmark.

Requirements

• High school diploma; bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience and knowledge of aging and disability issues.
• Qualified by experience and training to develop programs appropriate for elders and disabled individuals.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Familiarity and experience using a wide variety of equipment related to recreational programs for elders and the disabled, including but not limited to craft supplies, VCR, stereo, stove, and food preparation equipment.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and the community.
• Ability to relate to and perform job functions for the elderly in a positive and efficient manner.

Memory Care (Harbor) Requirements

• Pursues educational development in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
• Possesses training and knowledge of Alzheimer’s and related disorders.
• Demonstrates understanding of the emotional stress of having a loved one with dementia by responding professionally and sensitively to the family’s needs.
• Possesses knowledge of policies in the Harbor Family Handbook.

Physical Demands

• Lift/Carry (Objects):
  • Objects up to 10 lbs: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Objects 11-20 lbs: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Objects 21-35 lbs: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Objects 36-75 lbs: Seldom (1-5% of time) *Weights in excess of 35 lbs. will be reviewed for 2-person or mechanical assist
• Push/Pull Force:
  • Wheelchair with Resident 10-50 lbs: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Resident Lift Equipment 10-60 lbs: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • 2-Wheel Dolly/4-Wheel Cart 5-35 lbs: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Floor Cleaning Equipment 5-25 lbs: Occasional (6-33% of time)
• Postures:
  • Sitting: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Standing: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Walking on even surface: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Walking on uneven surface: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Climbing/Stairs: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Bend/Stoop/Twist: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Crouching/Squatting: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Kneel/Crawling: Seldom (1-5% of time)
  • Reach Above Shoulders: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Reach Waist to Shoulders: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Reach Below Waist: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Repetitive Arm Use: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Repetitive Wrist/Hand Use: Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Hand grasping (power grip): Frequent (34-66% of time)
  • Fine manipulation hands/fingers: Frequent (34-66% of time)
• Resident Mobility Assistance:
  • One/two-person manual transfer (up to 35 lbs. lifting force per person): Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Bed positioning (lateral movement of resident in bed): Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Chair boosting (assisting resident to sit up in a chair): Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Assist Walking with Gait Belt: Occasional (6-33% of time)
• Environmental Exposures:
  • Indoors: Constant (67-100% of time)
  • Outdoors: Occasional (6-33% of time)
  • Extreme Heat: Seldom (1-5% of time)
  • Extreme Cold: Seldom (1-5% of time)
  • Dusty: Seldom (1-5% of time)
  • Excessive Noise: Seldom (1-5% of time)
• Additional Considerations:
  • Physical Exams or Health Screenings (as required by state)
  • TB Test
  • Annual Flu Shot
  • COVID Vaccinations and Boosters
  • Personal Protective Equipment (nitrile gloves, gown, mask, etc.)
  • N95 Respirator (must be clean shaven such that any facial hair does not impact the respirator seal)
  • Exposure to House Pets
  • Exposure to Needles and Sharps

When working with residents, you may occasionally be exposed to risks related to medical conditions or progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, including communicable diseases, agitation, and/or aggressive behaviors which may be verbal or physical. Understanding that these behaviors are related to a medical condition and are not personal is key to maintaining dignity and respect for residents.