Activities Assistant

Description

Activities Assistants contribute to the well-being and engagement of EastView residents. Primary responsibilities include planning and delivering individual and group activities to residents that focus on physical, psycho-social, cognitive, and sensory experiences while observing patterns in resident’s participation, behavior, and activity preferences. Program staff work together to create a supportive environment.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Create and Administer Community Life Program:

• Conducts an assessment with each new resident to determine those activities in which the resident would be most interested in pursuing

• Delivers the philosophy that every interaction and event is a potential “activity” and customizes daily events (eating, family visits, salon, resident committees, etc.) to meet the needs and interests of residents
• Collaborates with residential care staff to identify social, cognitive, and physical activities that match the desires of each resident. Uses their personalized knowledge of the resident to help inform the activities team.
• Prepares individual and group interactions. Ensures that the activity is “value added” in terms of care plan goals and appropriate for older adults. Continually researches new activities and presents to supervisor where appropriate.
• Leads individual and group interactions. Leads with compassion, understanding, patience and engagement. Maintains group involvement and energy level throughout the event.
• Continually observes participation levels of individual residents. Tailors programs as appropriate. Shares observations and adjustments with relevant management to ensure that the team supports observations across shifts.
• Delivers programs according to established standards of practice. Refers any questions/observations of significant change to the Director of Health Services for guidance and assistance as necessary.
• Manages Audio/Visual equipment for programs.
• Provides coverage of companion service requests for residents and their animals.

Observation/Notation:

• Understands baseline functioning and physical status. Uses observation to identify significant change and reports to the Director of Health Services and other shift leaders as appropriate.
• Documents specific “activities” information for attendance and ongoing monitoring.

Supply Management:

• Informs the supply management process by tracking supply use and notifying the supply purchaser before supplies expire.
• Determines appropriate supplies, based upon the type of program, in relation to resident capability.
• Collaboratively manages supplies/equipment with others providing “activity” based services.

Safety:

• Applies knowledge of proper body alignment for self and individuals being served; with a focus on proper lifting, transferring, repositioning of residents.
• Maintains and applies expertise in infection control practices. Uses PPE equipment appropriately for each task.
• Understands safe and correct use of all equipment including assistive equipment, medical equipment, adaptive furniture, PPE and other supplies used for care delivery.
• Uses judgment and discretion to balance resident choice and independence with overall safety.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to interact in a calm, courteous manner with residents, family members, and other departments.
• Ability to utilize “activities-related” equipment, adaptive equipment, and all tools associated with direct-care and engagement practice (electronic communication and documentation tools).
• Ability to successfully lead or guide individuals and groups in a variety of programs and activities.
• Ability to read, speak, and comprehend the English language and basic medical terminology, for the purpose of understanding and communicating.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalency degree with continued college study or work experience providing recreation service programs, small/large group coordination, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Environment and Physical capabilities

Work is performed primarily in residential care neighborhoods. Work may require rotating schedules or placement on other units, and occasional overtime may be required.

• Lifting up to 50lbs.

• Continuous walking, stretching, bending, lifting and twisting motions.

Salary : $20