Activity Assistant

General Purpose :

To plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the Activity Programs in accordance with current federal, state and local standards governing the facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator, to ensure that the spiritual development, emotions, recreational and social needs of the residents are met and maintained on an individual basis.

Qualifications :

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Completion of secondary education or otherwise show ability to read, write and follow oral and written directions
• Must speak and understand English
• Patience, tact, enthusiasm and positive attitude toward the elderly

Essential Job Functions :

1. Administrative Functions

Duties :

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the Activity Programs of the facility; plan and schedule movies, parties, games, projects, crafts, resources and field trips for residents at least once a month in advance; compile and maintain current activity schedules; provide craft supplies, materials, library services, tapes, records and braille reading materials and assist and supervise residents with activities; assist bed patients with writing letters, running errands, making appointments, etc.; ensure that necessary forms, charge slips, reports and progress notes are properly completed and contain informative descriptions of the services provided and the residents’ responses to the services; participate in community planning, development and implementation of activities programs, resident assessments and discharge planning to meet the needs of the facility, the residents and their families; and, coordinate the activities programs with the residents, their families, staff members and community agencies through interviews, consultations and direct involvement in the programs.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) :

Walking, reaching, bending, lifting, fine hand coordination, ability to read and write in English, ability to communicate with residents, families, personnel and support agencies and ability to remain calm under stress.

Quality Assurance Functions

Duties :

Assist in identifying and monitoring the spiritual, social, recreational and emotional needs of the residents through routine interviews, visits and consultations with residents and their families; promptly report to nursing personnel any noticeable changes in residents’ conditions; meet with personnel on a regularly scheduled basis and solicit advise from inter-department supervisors concerning the activities programs; ensure that nursing supervisors assist residents with selection of activities in compliance with physicians’ orders and encourage patients to develop physical and educational skills through participation in activities; and, develop and maintain rapport with all services to ensure that a team effort is achieved in developing activities for all residents.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) :

Walking, reaching, bending, lifting, fine hand coordination, ability to read and write in English, ability to communicate with residents, families, personnel and support agencies and ability to remain calm under stress.

1. Residents’ Rights Functions

Duties :

Maintain resident confidentiality; treat residents with kindness, dignity and respect; know and comply with Residents’ Rights rules; monitor activities to ensure that residents’ emotional, recreational and social needs are met; and, review promptly report to the Administrator and maintain written records of all resident complaints and grievances.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) :

Ability to communicate with residents and ability to remain calm under stress.

2. Safety Functions

Duties :

Promptly report accidents, incidents, unsafe and hazardous conditions and equipment and ensure that established safety rules and regulations are followed at all times.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) :

Ability to communicate with personnel, ability to read and write in English and ability to distinguish smells.

3. All other Duties as Assigned