JOB SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of the Activity Assistant position is to assist in planning, organizing, developing and implementing the resident activity programs of the facility and assure resident safety.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Functions

• Assist in planning, organizing and implementing group and individual activities based on residents’ individual needs as identified in residents’ health care plans.
• Assist in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the resident and family as directed by the Activity Director.
• Assist in maintaining a balance of recreational activities based on the particular demographics of the residents.
• Assist in coordination of activity schedules with other departments as necessary.
• Communicate residents’ programs to residents, residents’ families, volunteers, and facility staff.
• Decorates monthly bulletin boards indicating future activities, holiday themes, and/or picture review of past activities.
• Assists in transportation of residents within the facility from one area of activity to another.
• Participate in group activities to ensure maximum involvement by interested residents.
• Help read incoming mail, and address and post outgoing mail upon the resident’s request.
• Arrange transportation for field trips as requested.

Miscellaneous Activity Functions

• Assist in making appointments for the residents as requested.
• Assist in scheduling movies, planning parties, and providing games/activities for residents.
• Encourage residents to participate in hobbies, crafts and other activities. Provide materials as necessary.
• Supervise activities as necessary in the absence of the Director and/or Assistant Director.
• Provide reading materials in various formats i.e., Braille, tapes, large print, etc. as necessary.
• Assist in providing library services for residents through cooperation with local library.
• Make routine visits to residents and perform assistance with crafts, projects, etc. as necessary.
• Assist in arranging for special events i.e., bazaars, picnics, birthdays, anniversaries as necessary.
• Assist bed bound residents by visiting them, writing letters, running errands, reading, etc.
• Perform clerical duties as assigned by Activity Director or Assistant Director.
• Perform daily, weekly and Monthly duties as described on attached Addendum.

Care Plan, Assessment and Documentation Functions

• Assist the Activity Director in developing comprehensive assessments and progress notes of the activity needs of each resident.
• Recognize abnormal signs and symptoms that may signify a physical change in resident’s condition that could require nursing intervention. Report changes to charge nurse and Activity Director.
• Develop and maintain a good rapport with all services involved with the care plan to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing a comprehensive plan of care.

Committee Functions

• Serve on, participate in, and/or attend various committees of the facility as requested by the Activity Director.
• Provide written and/or oral reports of the programs and activities as required by the committee.
• Assist the Activity Director in evaluating and implementing recommendations from established committees as they may relate to activity services.
• Assist in planning, organizing and implementing group and individual activities based on residents’ individual needs as identified in residents’ health care plans.

Staff Development Functions

• Assist the Activity Director in orienting new associates, activity personnel and/or volunteers to the activity department.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

• Must have a minimum of six (6) months of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years preferably within a health care setting.

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must display professionalism both in appearance and attitude.
• Must possess the ability to solve problems and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must genuinely care for and understand the elderly and disabled.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agency personnel and the general public.
• Must possess the ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must be able to plan, organize, develop, implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing activity services.
• Must have patience, tact, a positive disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult people.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activities practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.