Long Term Care-Activity Assistant

ODD Fellows Home of Massachusetts -

JOB DESCRIPTION

FLSA Status :       Non-Exempt                     Job Title :    ACTIVITY ASSISTANT

Department :         Activity

Supervises :          Volunteer(s)

Reports To :          Activity Director

This job description, defining qualifications, primary (essential) and secondary (non-essential) functions, responsibilities and duties, is intended as a guideline for the employee and manager.  The duties listed here are not considered to be all inclusive.  The employee in this position performs these and other duties as required, although not listed, which may be assigned by his supervisor or facility Administrator / designee.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Assists with the completion of the activity component of the resident assessment within the time period required by state regulations for new admissions annually.

Assists with identifying and documenting in the resident’s care plan the activity interests, needs and problems of the resident.  Care planning updates will be documented every 3 months or as condition changes.

Plans and implements Reality Orientation and Validation on a one-to-one basis.

Takes part in in-service education and attends all in-service sessions relating to the Activity Program.

Plans, schedules and implements room visits and in-room activities for residents unable to leave their rooms.

Maintains a daily activity attendance record for each resident.

Observes infection control procedures related to the Activity Program.

Responsible for the safety of residents under his / her supervision.

Follows Resident’s Rights policies at all times.

Accepts assigned duties in a cooperative manner.

Assumes accountability for data contained in the Personnel Policy Manual.

Observes all facility safety policies and procedures. =

Leads activity program on weekdays, as well as evenings, weekends, and holidays, per resident needs and program requirements.

Participates in continuing education through professional organizations, publications and educational institutions and agencies.

Attends facility committee meetings as required.

Identifies safety hazards and initiates corrective action.

Consistently demonstrates responsibility, accountability and dependability.

Consistently works cooperatively and maintains effective communication with facility administration, nursing personnel, ancillary personnel, all facility departments and consultants.

Comes to work clean and neat and consistently presents a professional appearance.

Consistently maintains awareness of changes in rules and regulations effecting facility operations.

Supports, encourages and motivates independent activity and pursuits, both individually and in small groups.

Communicates with families as necessary and offers opportunities for them to share diverse, cultural and educational experiences with the resident.

Fosters interaction between the nursing home community and the community at large.

Assists in planning and managing fundraising events for Resident Council.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Acts as an active member of the multi-disciplinary team and all related resident care conferences as assigned.

Plans and conducts Residents’ Council monthly if required.

Supervises  volunteers as assigned.

May orient volunteers in the Activity Department.

Organizes and schedules community events related to residents’ interests as assigned.

Assists in developing physical, emotional, expressive, cultural and therapeutic activities.

Regularly prints, posts and distributes an Activity Schedule ensuring access to residents, family, staff, and friends in accordance with state regulations and facility procedure.

Provides staff education concerning the role and value of the activity program in the nursing home as requested.

May serve as a resource to staff, families, residents, and community organizations.

Effectively utilizes community resources.

Coordinates programs with other facility services and staff.

Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) meetings and develops and tracks CQI indications for the Activities Department as assigned.

Prerequisites :

High school diploma or G.E.D. and prior experience with the elderly.

At least 2 years experience working with the elderly.

At least 1 year experience in Elderly Recreation Program or successful completion of the Activities Director’s Basic Course.