Activities Assistant

Job Title: Assisted Living- Activities Assistant

Location: 3935 Sunnyside Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Hours/Shifts: Part-Time status. Scheduled days/hours may vary based off the activities calendar. Some evening and weekend activities may occur. Must be willing to work two weekends per month.

Position Overview & General Responsibilities:

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Activities Assistant to join our team and contribute to providing enriching and engaging experiences for our residents. The Activities Assistant plays a key role in creating a vibrant, enriching environment for our residents and implementing a variety of therapeutic recreation programs that promote social, emotional, and physical well-being. Prepare and organizing engaging activities, lead group sessions, and ensure that all residents are comfortably transported to and from events. You’ll also maintain detailed records of resident participation in both group and individual activities, and provide one-on-one engagement with residents based on their interests and needs. Additionally, you'll be an important part of our team by reporting necessary changes, updates, or concerns to the AL Activities Coordinator, helping us continuously improve resident care and quality of life.

• Collaborate with the Activity Coordinator: Regularly communicate with the AL Activity Coordinator regarding resident or volunteer concerns, program updates, and resident health or behavior changes. Meet with and communicate regularly to keep him/her informed about any pertinent updates, challenges, and/or successes. Notify AL Life Enrichment Coordinator when leaving the facility. Communicate with AL Life Enrichment Coordinator to ensure effective time management and all scheduled programs are maintained.
• Plan and Lead Activities: Lead a minimum of 3 activities weekly, ensuring they are well-planned, varied, and designed to encourage group interaction for optimal enjoyment and participation. Ensuring activities provide a variety of social, physical, and emotional stimulation.
• Set up and Prepare Activities: Perform room set-up, prepare equipment and supplies. Communicate and instruct/supervise volunteers to ensure smooth operations and positive resident experience(s).
• Facilitate Events: Attend, implement and facilitate weekday, evening and weekend events when scheduled to do so. (Some weekday & evenings activities may occur, and a minimum of working two weekends per month is required).
• Documentation Practices: Record resident attendance and participation in activities/events, and forward information to the AL Activity Coordinator. Complete necessary documentation, including 1:1 visits, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Engage with residents individually: Work with individual residents based on their personal interests and encourage them to attend group activities. Escort residents to and from activities as needed. Maintain daily documentation of activities in the Activity Log. Ensure residents needs are met. Read and review resident status changes daily.
• Relationship Building: Develop a professional relationship with residents, families, guests, volunteers and other departmental employees and volunteers. Answer telephone and take messages for department staff when needed. Practice professional telephone etiquette at all times. Relay all messages received, including phone, written or spoken.
• Maintain Confidentiality, Follow Secure & Safe Practices: Maintain responsibility for assigned keys and all confidential information concerning residents. Protect residents’ privacy and security. Abide by HIPAA regulations. Respond to fire and other emergencies following department guidelines. Handle emergencies to ensure safety of the residents.
• Maintain Equipment: Set up and operate equipment necessary for each activity. Ensure all equipment (including A/V equipment) is functioning properly and set up before the program starts. Operate general office equipment including PC, cellular phone, audiovisual equipment, wheel chair van with ramp and belt restraints
• Assist with Purchasing/Supplies: Occasionally assist with shopping for activity supplies and run errands as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Prior work experience in the long-term care industry or working with older adults with dementia preferred.
• Ability to communicate with older population with varying mental and physical capabilities.
• Ability to work with confidential information and maintain its integrity.
• Sincere interest in working with the elderly.
• Be creative, positive, energetic, organized and patient.
• CPR and First Aid certified or ability to obtain.
• Current Virginia driver’s license and meets driver eligibility requirements per Sunnyside policy HR069. Possibility of driving 14-passenger wheelchair bus with appropriate approval & training.
• Strong customer service skills; maintain a hospitality approach when engaging all individuals.
• Operates personal computer, printer, copy machines and other general office equipment. Familiar with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint), & Canva.

Perks & Additional Benefits

• Paid Sick, Vacation, & Personal Time
• Referral Bonus
• 401(k) Matching
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to a Orthopedic Specialist & General Practitioner
• Access to our Wellness Center
• An Engaging Atmosphere
• And More!

Join a Team That Makes You Proud – At Sunnyside, We SHINE Together!

Imagine working in a place where your contributions truly matter, and you're inspired every day to grow. At Sunnyside, we believe in creating a work environment where each team member can S.H.I.N.E – Service Before Self, Hospitality with Heart, Inspiring Excellence in Each Other, Nothing Less Than the Best, and Enjoy Your Journey. Here, you’ll find a blend of flexibility, growth opportunities, and a safe, supportive learning environment where you can thrive. With on-site training and a motivating atmosphere, Sunnyside is the perfect place to launch your career and reach new heights. Located on 150 acres in the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Sunnyside is a vibrant, not-for-profit Senior Living life plan community where over 500 residents call home. Our residents enjoy a range of living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Long-Term Care. Our beautiful campus offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance the lives of both residents and staff, such as an on-site restaurant, award-winning vitality center, therapy services, fishing ponds, walking trails, and more! In addition to all the perks, we offer generous paid time off (even for part-time staff), professional development opportunities, and a fun, supportive team atmosphere. With flexibility and opportunities for growth, you'll feel right at home at Sunnyside. Ready to make a real impact? Join us and experience the difference!

Work Environment: General office environment with normal lighting levels. Work in group activity areas within and outside campus with a high range of verbalization, music and party sounds.

Physical Demands: Lifts, carries, and pushes equipment, supplies, and/or materials weighing up to 50lbs (occasionally). Always use proper lifting and moving protocols and techniques.

Work Hazards: Normal hazards commensurate with general office environment and transportation work. Possible exposure to body fluids but minimal hazards if universal precautions are followed.

Job Type: Part-time

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person