Activity Assistant

Job Title

Programming Assistant/ Harbor Programming Assistant

Department

Activities

Date Revised: 7/24/2024

Reports To

Programming Director

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Job Code: 8005, 7113





Job Summary

The Program Assistant organizes and implements programs designed to meet the individual needs of the resident. The program is intended to fulfill basic psychological, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs while promoting self-esteem in a caring, nurturing environment. The Programming Assistant supports and assists the Programming Director in all necessary programming. S/he safely uses all utilized equipment when planning or implementing programming.

Principal Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and implementation of an innovative daily program for residents.
• Leads and implements one-on-ones, small group and large group activities according to the programming schedule.
• Supports, encourages and directs independent activity pursuits, both individually and in small groups.
• Supports the resident’s abilities by understanding that all aspects of care can be viewed as an activity.
• Demonstrates knowledge about residents regarding background, participation needs, physical abilities, interests, cognitive capacity and attention span capability.
• Communicates any changes in the residents’ condition or behavior pattern to Program Director or Nurse.
• Responds to emergencies and personal emergency response system and knows when to call for backup.
• Effectively handles difficult resident behaviors.
• Reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Documents and provides accurate record-keeping as appropriate.
• Communicates and documents residents’ material needs (i.e., briefs, clothing, toothpaste, pads, etc.).
• Accurately completes incident reports prior to the end of the working day.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Benchmark Standards and Practices.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of state regulations.
• Participates in training / in-services as required by Benchmark and state regulations.
• Actively participates in local community activities and in professional associations, representing the community in a manner that brings positive recognition, enhances marketing activity, and generates wider awareness of Benchmark.
  
  

Education/Experience/Licensure/Certification

• Must have a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience and knowledge of aging and disability issues.
• Must be qualified by experience and training to develop programs appropriate for elders and disabled individuals.
• Valid driver’s license.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Shows familiarity and experience using a wide variety of equipment related to the recreational programs of elders and the disabled, including, but not limited to, craft supplies, VCR, stereo, stove, and food preparation equipment.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and the community.
• Shows an ability to relate to and perform job functions for the elderly in a positive and efficient manner.
  
  

Memory Care (harbor) Requirements -

• Pursues educational development in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
• Possesses training and knowledge of Alzheimer’s and related disorders.
• Demonstrates understanding of the emotional stress of having a loved one with dementia by responding professionally and sensitively to the family’s needs.
• Possesses knowledge of policies in the Harbor Family Handbook.
  
  

PHYSICAL JOB ANALYSIS

JOB TITLE: Programming Assistant

The principal duties and responsibilities are listed in the formal job description. This form is intended to provide a summary of the physical demands of the job.

Frequency

Frequency

Unanticipated

Seldom

(1-5% of time)

Occasional

(6-33% of time)

Frequent

(34-66% of time)

Constant

(67-100% of time)

Unanticipated

Seldom

(1-5% of time)

Occasional

(6-33% of time)

Frequent

(34-66% of time)

Constant

(67-100% of time)

LIFT/CARRY (OBJECTS)

EQUIPMENT

Objects up to 10 lbs.

X

Transfer Devices/Gait Belts

X

Objects 11-20 lbs.

X

Kitchen Equipment

X

Objects 21-35 lbs.

X

Ladders

X

Objects 36-75 lbs.*

X

Maintenance Equipment

X

Objects 76-100lbs.*

X

Tablets/Computers/Office

X

• Weights in excess of 35 lbs. will be reviewed for 2-person or mechanical assist
  
  

Vehicles/Driving

X

PUSH/ PULL FORCE **

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Wheelchair with Resident 10-50lbs.

X

Indoors

X

Resident Lift Equipment 10-60 lbs.

X

Outdoors

X

2 Wheel Dolly/ 4 Wheel Cart 5-35lbs.

X

Extreme Heat

X

Floor Cleaning Equipment 5-25 lbs.

X

Extreme Cold

X

• Push/pull force is measured as the peak force required to start object moving
  
  

Dusty

X

POSTURES

Excessive Noise

X

Sitting

X

RESIDENT MOBILITY ASSISTANCE

Standing

X

One/two person manual transfer (up to 35 lbs. lifting force per person)

X

Walking on even surface

X

Bed positioning (lateral movement of resident in bed)

X

Walking on uneven surface

X

Chair boosting (assisting resident to sit up in a chair)

X

Climbing/Stairs

X

Assist Walking with Gait Belt

X

Bend/Stoop/Twist

X

Additional Considerations

Crouching/Squatting

X

Physical Exams or Health Screenings (as required by state)

Kneel/Crawling

X

TB Test

Reach Above Shoulders

X

Annual Flu Shot

Reach Waist to Shoulders

X

COVID Vaccinations and Boosters

Reach Below Waist

X

Personal Protective Equipment (nitrile gloves, gown, mask, etc.)

Repetitive Arm Use

X

N95 Respirator (must be clean shaven such that any facial hair does not impact the respirator seal)

Repetitive Wrist/Hand Use

X

Exposure to House Pets

Hand grasping (power grip)

X

Exposure to Needles and Sharps

Fine manipulation hands/fingers

X

When working with our resident population, you may on occasion be exposed to certain risks related to medical conditions or progressive diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. These risks include communicable diseases as well as agitation and/or aggressive behaviors which may be verbal or physical. Because you are working so closely with the resident, you may be the target of this aggression. Understanding that these behaviors are related to a medical condition and/or disease process and are not in any way personal, is key to maintaining dignity and respect for our residents in all avenues of care. Benchmark is committed to workplace safety, and to the extent there is any concern relating to safety hazards in the performance of the job, you should immediately report your concerns as directed in the Employee Handbook.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

I ______________________________ have read this job description and understand the duties and responsibilities of the position ofProgramming Assistant. I further understand that it is my responsibility to perform my duties consistent with the highest standards of Benchmark Senior Living.

________________________________ _______________

Employee Signature Date

________________________________ _______________

Supervisor’s Signature Date