Recreation Assistant

Position Summary

NeighborHealth seeks an experienced Recreation Assistant to support the delivery of a person centered therapeutic recreation program for PACE participants. This role assists in implementing structured activities that promote social engagement, cognitive stimulation, physical function, and overall quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting the Recreation Therapist with facilitation of PACE Center–based Participant Council meetings to support participant rights, engagement, and feedback in compliance with CMS requirements
• Contributing to the planning, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of therapeutic recreation programming aligned with individualized care plans and interdisciplinary team (IDT) goals
• Providing guidance and support to Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) to ensure safe, appropriate, and compliant participant involvement in activities in accordance with PACE policies and quality standards
• Led a variety of activities that support PACE participant’s engagement aligned programs developed to implement care goals and dimensions of wellness: such as, but not limited to: arts and crafts, physical activities, exercise, cognitive, creative, music, and social programs
• Prepares materials in advance and starts activities on time according to the scheduled calendar or direction of the recreation therapist and/or recreation manager
• Supports oversight of Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) during activities to ensure: Collaboration in carrying out therapeutic activities, Adherence to assigned duties and schedules, Prompt reporting of changes in participant condition, Establish and maintain the day room as a safe and supportive environment for all participants and staff, Provides support and guidance in redirecting participants as needed to appropriate space and engagement based on participants’ abilities and interests
• Assists the Recreation Therapist with coordinating and supporting volunteers to: Lead small group activities, Provide one-to-one social interaction, Support participants’ psychosocial needs and enhance recreation services
• Activity Room and Supply Management: Maintains activity rooms to ensure they are safe, organized, welcoming, and appropriate for PACE participants, Ensures activity supplies are stored neatly and meet health and safety standards, Responsible for timely posting calendars, daily schedules, and seasonal or holiday decorations, Maintains oversight of inventory of recreation supplies and equipment, reporting to recreation therapist supplies that need to replenish before they become depleted, Verbal deescalation of behaviors that create disruption and/or conflict in the activity areas
• Other Duties: Supports the PACE mission by promoting participant dignity, independence, and respect, Participates in interdisciplinary team communication

Required Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• HHA, CNA, or National Activities professional certification
• Two years’ experience working with elders or other frail population, preferably in a health care setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport across diverse teams
• Experience and confidence in leading small and large groups
• Exceptional problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion
• Flexibility, reliability, initiative, creativity and organizational skills, sensitivity to culturally diverse populations
• Physical capability
• Proficiency in Microsoft and variety of computer programs within the context of the activities program
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Bilingual a plus

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing administrative and computer-based tasks
• Occasionally required to lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds (such as files, office supplies, or small equipment)
• Must have adequate visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity to perform essential job functions
• May occasionally move between clinic and administrative areas and be exposed to a typical clinical setting
• Expected to follow all NeighborHealth and OSHA safety policies and procedures, including maintaining a safe and ergonomic work environment
• Frequent standing and walking with occasional sitting, frequent reaching, bending grabbing, moving activity supplies in designated areas and ability to lift and carrying up to 20 pounds to transport and store activity-related items
• Ability to transport participants in wheelchairs to and from activities within the center, community and outings
• Occasional cross coverage at other NH PACE Centers and travel to NH locations for scheduled meetings and training as needed