Life Enrichment Aide- Part Time

The Activity Aide provides therapeutic activities to residents that are designed to meet the interests and to improve the physical, mental and psychosocial well being of each resident according to the comprehensive resident assessment and plan of care. Individual resident programs assist the resident to maintain life-long interests and self-esteem while promoting physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Activities provided are in accord with the facility policies and procedures, and consistent with state and federal laws and regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Assist in planning, developing, organizing and implementing, evaluating and directing the Activity Program.
2. Carries out all duties in accord with the facility mission and philosophy.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of and respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions.
4. Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information.
5. Demonstrates honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property.
6. Is able to understand and to follow written and verbal directions. Is able to effectively to communicate with staff members and residents through verbal and/or written means.
7. Is able to interact appropriately with individuals who are cognitively and/or physically impaired.
8. Has knowledge of emergency and disaster procedures of the facility. Is able to locate the nearest exit, to understand and respond to written or oral instructions in case of emergency.
9. Demonstrates respect to co-workers and responds to the needs of residents by comply with the facility policies on attendance, punctuality and dress code. Able to arrive and begin work on time and to report for duty as scheduled on all shifts and weekends.
10. An ability to comply with facility policies and procedures for workplace safety including infection control procedures.
11. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks/responsibilities and complete duties/projects within allotted time.
12. Able to respond to change productivity and to handle additional tasks/projects as assigned.
13. Seeks and identifies ways to support residents individual needs, cultural, social patterns, concerns and choices. Communicates this information to immediate supervisor.
14. Carries out individual and group activities that meet the functional levels, needs and interests (including cultural and religious interests) of each resident.
15. Provides activities to bed-bound residents and other residents confined to their rooms that reflect life-long interests (such as music, reading, visits with people of shared interests and in room projects) and that are appropriate to individual functional abilities and level of participation. Assists residents with those activities as needed.
16. Understand and learn the social, cultural and activity patterns of each resident to accommodate their change of environment when entering in a skilled nursing facility.
17. Gathers data from residents when providing one to one contact in the areas of attendance, responses, behaviors, and personal interests.
18. Creates independently structures programs; and gathers materials for those programs.
19. Provides leadership with new activity employees and volunteers guiding their orientation and training during structures one to one activities.
20. Implements and directs activities in a manner consistent with the organizations programs and procedures.
21. Assist in maintaining volunteer records and reports including the number of volunteers, hours worked, and documentation of presence in the facility.
22. Deliver and read personal mail to residents with respect to their confidentiality.
23. Assist with developing and maintaining a good working rapport with other departments within the facility.
24. Assist in the development, administering and coordinating of Department policies and procedures.
25. Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures.
26. Serve on various committees of the facilities as needed.
27. Assist in the development of and participate in regularly scheduled orientation and in-service, and training programs in relationship to the social, emotional and recreational needs of the resident.
28. Independently plan and lead activities followed by recording attendance, one-to-one visitation and general social activity of each resident within the nursing home.
29. Maintain CONFIDENTIALITY of all pertinent resident care information to assure that resident rights are protected.
30. Attend continuing educational programs.
31. Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of the Activity Program in the absence of the Program Director.
32. Perform other duties as requested by the Activity Director or Executive Director.

The Activity Assistant must have a sincere desire for working with elderly people, be capable of making mature judgments, and have no physical or mental disabilities that would interfere with carrying out the duties of this position. Must have the ability to be physically active, requiring bending, stretching, and reaching, pushing and considerable walking.

The Activity Assistant must possess a minimum of a high school diploma. Must be able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant. Possess the ability to deal tactfully with staff, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public. Be willing to work harmoniously with other personnel. Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to deal with residents on whatever level they are functioning at. Must be willing to incorporate new ideas into the existing activity program. Must have some understanding of the social, psychological and recreational needs of the elderly.

Must have freedom from illegal use of drugs and freedom from use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.