Activities Assistant

SUMMARY: Assist the Activity Coordinator in providing activities/t.r. programs for all residents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Assist the Activity Coordinator in the planning, development, and implementation of activities/programs which enrich the lives of the residents.
• Proactively encourage and support residents' rights.
• Develop and lead small, medium, and large group activities/t.r. programs.
• Work with residents who are low functioning.
• Contribute to residents' care planning: assessments, care plan goals and approaches, and progress notes.
• Assist with documentation: assessments, interest questionnaires, care plans, progress notes, daily attendance records, precautions list, one-to-one records, etc.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations within the Activity department and other departments of the facility. Cooperate with other departments in meeting the needs of the residents.
• Conduct one-to-one programs.
• Work with volunteers - assist in work direction of volunteers as needed.
• Prepare rooms, equipment, and supplies prior to each program, and clean up after each program.
• Transport residents to and from programs as needed.
• Assist with development of the monthly calendar including providing creative input, ideas, and suggestions for programs and volunteer recruitment.
• Assist with field trips and outings.
• Maintain safe Activity environment by using appropriate risk management, preventative maintenance, cleaning and storage.
• Attend staff in-services/meetings and educational seminars as requested.
• Follow established chain of command concerning department and facility business.
• Encourage resident and family participation in activities.
• Assist Coordinator in evaluating effectiveness of program, individual needs, and participation levels of each resident.
• Assist with media correspondence, mailings, newsletters, bulletin boards and displays.
• Drive van for outings/medical appointments as requested.
• Complete other duties as assigned, appropriate to the Activity program.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of Activity Coordinator Training Course desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Mobility / Movement: job requires frequent standing, sitting, and walking; frequent pushing/pulling of carts or other objects, repetitive finger motion; occasional bending and stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching out/over the shoulder level, crawling, climbing, and crouching, simple grasping, firm grasping.
• Lifting: job requires occasional carries up to 10 pounds, lifts from floor to waist high up to 40 pounds, and lifts from knee to waist high up to 40 pounds.
• Speech, Hearing, and Vision: job requires continuous talking, hearing ordinary conversation/noises, and seeing with near/far vision; occasionally responding to auditory alarms/signals, and seeing distinguished colors, and seeing with depth perception.
• Mental effort: job requires frequent concentration to a large volume of work which must be completed within a specified period of time. Involves daily or monthly deadlines with frequent periods of unusually heavy workload. Requires frequent phone or personal contact with residents, families, staff, and community agencies who may become verbally abusive, where the worker must retain personal composure.

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Environmental exposure: job requires occasional exposure to hot, humid environment, a cold environment; handling extremely hot or cold objects;l driving automotive equipment; dust fumes, odors, mists, toxic gases, poor ventilation, and adhesives; water; biological, mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards; working at unprotected heights, outside; noise; blood borne pathogens.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

• Current CPR and First Aid Certificates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and/or ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the practical application of Activity skills, such as crafts, creative expression, music, and group leadership.
• Good interpersonal skills including group dynamics and teamwork.
• Good verbal and written communication skills with functional literacy in English necessary.
• Cheerfulness, positive attitude, patience, and ability to motivate people.
• Genuine liking and respect for the elderly, and physically and mentally challenged.
• Current chauffeur/taxi/driver license and good driving record.
• Ability to work independently and with supervision.

Must pass background check, physical, and pre-employment drug screen.

Salary : $18 - $20