The Activity Assistant assists with the planning, organizing, and implementation of therapeutic activity- based programs. The Activity Assistant utilizes a variety of recreational tools during activities to maintain, improve or enhance cognitive, physical, social, spiritual and emotional functioning through purposeful programming. Activities include but are not limited to arts, crafts, card games, board games, cooking groups, trivia, fitness, music, entertainment, drama, holiday/themed events, cultural activities, out trips, and reading/discussion groups. These Programs are developed to encourage residents to remain as independent as possible, enhance self-esteem and recognize and celebrate life’s accomplishments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists Director, Care Team, and families to provide activities that meet the social needs of the SNF residents, including but not limited to meaningful daily pursuits, daily pleasures, exercise, friendships, growth and learning, personal routines, household rituals, and one-on-one specific programming and meets the Friendship Village policies and procedures and the Department of Health and Senior Services regulations.
• Promptly follow the daily schedule of activities.

·Maintain accurate and timely documentation of resident’s participation during group and individual sessions.

• Report noticeable changes in resident’s participation and behavior to the Activity Director and others as needed.
• Assist with publishing, preparing and distributing the monthly Activity calendar and community newsletter.
• Distribute the community daily chronicle and daily activity sheet with time and location of each activity.
• Performs and directs the movement of residents to and from activities and recreational areas.
• Assists, guides and supervises volunteers as assigned by the Activity Director.
• Assists in maintaining supplies and equipment inventory; assist with purchasing supplies as needed.
• Ongoing contact and communication with residents, families and interdisciplinary team.
• Coordinates/facilitates daily activities in the absence of the Activity Director.
• Assist with special event planning as needed.
• Complete all additional work duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Activity Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Required High School or GED Degree.
• One year of social and recreational program experience in a licensed senior living facility. Will train if necessary.
• Self-motivated, creative, energetic and able to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Good visual and hearing acuity required.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English in a clear tone of voice.
• Need to be able to adapt to change and think on the go.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel.
• Basic understanding of technology and social media: iPads, iPods, Kindles, Smart TV, and DVD players.
• Flexible work schedule with evenings, weekends and holidays.