Activity Assistant - Nursing Home

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and implementation of recreation programs to provide social, creative, physical, spiritual, and mental stimulation.
• Documents daily on resident/patient progress and/or participation.
• Regular communication with the Activity Director regarding resident's strengths and weaknesses, progress, and needs.
• Prepares materials to notify resident/patient and staff of schedules and coordinates the schedule in the best interest of the resident/patient.
• Assists in the compilation of the Long term care newsletter.
• Offers individual therapy programs to meet the needs of residents/patients who are regressed mentally and/or physically and are unable to pursue satisfying and beneficial interests on their own.
• May assist as needed in monitoring health status of the resident/patient and administering medications as ordered by the physician.
• May assess skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients and devise an appropriate treatment plan.
• May attend weekly team meetings and report participation and needs of the resident/patient.
• Maintains availability of supplies for activities and has resources available that are age appropriate.
• Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times.
• Serves as a resident advocate.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential 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 essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or similar certification required, one year certificate from a college or technical school preferred; with one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Position Requirements, Licenses, Registrations, Certifications

• Certified Medication Aide certification and/or Certified Nursing. Certified Nursing Assistant certification preferred.
• Adaptability and strong organization and time management skills.
• Patience and compassion when dealing with others, especially those who are sick, injured, elderly, or from different backgrounds.
• Excellent resource management, record keeping, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, resident/patients, families and employees of the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee may be exposed to combative residents.

Education

• High School or better