Life Enrichment Assistant (Part Time)- Healthcare

Description

Join Our Team at Sunnyside Retirement Community! 

Position: Part-Time Life Enrichment Assistant - Healthcare
Location: 3935 Sunnyside Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Position Overview & General Responsibilities:

 This part-time, flexible position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through both group and individualized engagement, particularly with ambulatory and immobile residents, to ensure inclusive, personalized experiences for all. This position plays a key role in enhancing the well-being of residents through therapeutic recreation programs. Additional responsibilities include leading activities, preparing event spaces, assisting with resident transportation, and accurately documenting participation. The assistant is also expected to observe and report changes in residents’ condition or behavior to the HC Life Enrichment Coordinator, supporting a person-centered care approach. 

Resident Engagement & Activities

• Assist in planning and implementing activities and events that support social, physical, spiritual, and sensory enrichment for residents.
• Lead a minimum of two activities per week and support the facilitation of scheduled weekday, evening, and weekend programs.
• Invite and encourage residents to participate in group activities; provide transportation to and from events as needed.
• Engage with residents individually, tailoring interactions to their interests and care plan goals (as determined by the care plan team). May include, but is not limited to, documenting interactions with residents, taking attendance, etc. 
• Welcome new healthcare residents promptly by introducing yourself, providing orientation, offering the activity calendar, and helping them integrate into the community.
• Accurately document daily resident activities, attendance, and participation; submit records to the supervisor timely.

Program Operations & Support

• Perform room setup, prepare equipment and supplies, and be comfortable with leading and instructing volunteers on their duties/tasks. 
• Operate general office equipment as needed for activities, which may include accommodations (s) for residents such as audio and/or visual devices, live stream technologies, etc.  
• Assist with general office duties, including answering phones, taking messages, and responding to emails, prioritizing customer service 
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the activities room and supplies.
• Distribute mail, gazette, and activity calendars.

Resident Relationships & Communication

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with residents, families, guests, volunteers, and coworkers.
• Read daily resident status updates to remain informed of changes.
• Communicate resident needs, health or behavior changes, and volunteer concerns to the supervisor promptly.
• Promote a positive experience and resident/employee environment by addressing concerns or sharing observations with the supervisor to ensure the department runs smoothly with minimal complaints. 

Transportation & Safety

• Operate vehicles for outings, including a wheelchair-accessible van and a 14-passenger van, with appropriate approval and training 
• Ensure the safety and privacy of residents at all times and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Maintain responsibility for assigned keys

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in providing basic care for Healthcare's bird sanctuary. 
• Flexibility and comfort working around the activities schedule, which will include rotating weekend and evening events. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Prior work experience in the long-term care industry or working with older adults is preferred. Comfort and experience with working with individuals experiencing dementia is a plus. 
• Ability to communicate with an older population with varying mental and physical capabilities.
• Ability to work with confidential information and maintain its integrity.
• Ability to process information accurately, make appropriate decisions, and take appropriate action based upon the information available.
• Sincere interest in working with the elderly.
• Be creative, positive, energetic, organized, and patient.
• CPR and First Aid certified or ability to obtain.
• Strong customer service skills; maintain a hospitality approach when engaging all individuals. 

Physical & Environmental Consideration(s)

This job operates in an environment with activity rooms and office space with normal lighting levels, temperature ranges, air quality, ventilation,   and noise levels. Special events,   temperatures vary with the season and location. 

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. The employee is frequently required to stand for long periods of time. Additionally, employees will routinely sit, stand, reach, lift, bend,   kneel, stoop, climb, push, and pull items weighing 30 lbs or less and occasionally more than 40 lbs. The position requires manual dexterity,   auditory and visual skills, and the ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures. General hazards related to the operation and maintenance of activity equipment. Hazards related to the exposure and handling of cleaning supplies, as well as possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Minimal hazards if universal precautions are followed.