Activity Assistant

Hessmer Nursing Home and Rehabilitation is looking to add an Activity Assistant to their Facility.

Work schedule would be 4 on 2 off

JOB SUMMARY

The Activities Assistant ensures a quality program of activities that is designed to meet the needs of the Residents.  He/She provides assistance to other departments, as needed and available.

EDUCATION

Preferred high school or equivalent education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a resident activities program in a health care setting; or has completed a training course approved by the State. Must be able to communicate well verbally and in writing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Restoring self-confidence, community reintegration, resocialization skills, improving physical condition, leisure education for residents, one on one programming for the room/bed bound, providing mental stimulation and sensory stimulation, and develops a plan for each resident that is designed for restoration of the quality of life experienced by the resident prior to admittance to the health care facility.

1.         Makes an introductory visit to residents within 48 hours of admission.

2.         Based on information as a result of the Interest Survey/Initial Assessment, identifies problems and needs of the resident and develops an activity plan designed to meet the individual needs of the residents.

3.         Is familiar with Federal and State regulations regarding activity programming for long-term care facilities and functions accordingly.  Participates in survey exits, and assists in responding to the survey, when appropriate.

4.       Has a working knowledge of Resident's Rights, and is an advocate for the resident.

5.       Is responsible for completion of all documentation required by the Activity Department, in a timely and professional manner.

6.       Communicates with Activity Director to insure full implementation and understanding of the activity program.

7.       Keeps confidential any and all information regarding the resident’s personal and clinical records.

8.         Presents a minimum of two in-services annually, designed to educate and/or support staff in the purpose and role of the activities program in the facility.

9.         Evaluates the resident's response to the activity plan as indicated.

10.       Provides assistance to the Resident Council as requested.

11.       Develops an ongoing program of meaningful activities, designed to meet the needs and interests of each resident, and is responsible for the implementation of programs.

12.       Keeps a current list of precautions noted on all residents available for reference at all times in the activities office.

13.       Participates in community oriented projects, and special marketing projects.

14.       Schedules all presentation of visiting groups and coordinates interdepartmental communications regarding special events.

15.       Coordinates and supervises the activity volunteer program. Recruits, trains, and orients volunteers.

19.       Transports residents on community outings.

20.       Adapts activities to meet resident capabilities.

21.       Is willing to work flexible hours to meet resident needs including some evening and weekends.

22.       Performs cognitive orientation that may be related to impairment of daily living functions, i.e., orient to person, place, or time; reality orientation; memory recall long and short term.

23.       Maintains confidentiality, adhering to established policies on confidentiality in regards to residents, employees, and family members.

24.       Is aware of fire and disaster plans and is prepared to function accordingly.

25.       Is aware of procedures directly related to resident care (infection control, record keeping and terminology).

26.       Aware of chain of command, and functions within role as a professional.

27.       Maintains acceptable degree of organization of activity supplies, and keeps inventory of supplies and usage.

28.       Uses time management and supervises the time of Activity personnel.

29.       Coordinates fund raisers for the Activity Department.

30.       Produces monthly newsletter.

31.       Performs other tasks as assigned.

32.       Attends required staff in-services, meetings, orientation, and continuing education activities as required.

33.       Is aware of and adheres to Patient’s Bill of Rights and confidentiality of patient information including HIPAA regulations.

34.       Interacts with patients and family members, co-workers, clinical and ancillary staff in a non-judgmental, supportive and calm manner.

35.       Is aware of Patient Abuse Reporting Law.

36.       Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful and enthusiastic attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires full range of body motion including:

• Standing/Walking
• Bending/Stooping
• Lifting/Handling/Carrying
• Pushing/Pulling
• Balancing
• Pivoting/Turning
• Crouching/Crawling/Kneeling
• Reaching
• Climbing
• Speaking/Hearing/Seeing