Activities Assistant

High Desert PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is seeking a compassionate and energetic Activities Assistant to join our team. The Activities Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of a diverse activities program tailored to the needs, interests, and limitations of our frail and elderly participants. This position plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life, well-being, and social engagement of every participant.

The Activities Assistant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Recreational Therapist or Center Manager:

Program Implementation & Support

• Assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive calendar of recreational activities that are engaging and meet the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs and capabilities of our participants.
• Lead and/or assist in a variety of activity settings, including:
• Large groups
• Small groups
• Individual activities (1:1's)
• Facilitate activities such as exercise, arts and crafts, games, and current events discussions.
• Assist the Recreational Therapist in organizing and executing special events and scheduled outings.
• Perform all necessary preparation and cleanup for activities, which includes gathering and putting away supplies, and ensuring activity areas are straightened and well-organized.

Participant Care & Support

• Assist participants with non-skilled activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed during activities and throughout the day.
• Support Day Center staff by assisting with lunch service and providing assistance to arriving participants, as approved by the Center Manager.

Administrative & Operational

• Complete assigned charting and reporting accurately and in a timely manner, as directed by the Recreation Therapist.
• Attend meetings regarding participant care as assigned by the Recreation Therapist.
• Order supplies for the department and assist with the maintenance of department equipment, within the reason and ability of the position.

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: High School diploma or GED.
• Experience: A minimum of one year of experience working directly with the frail or elderly population.

Preferred:

• Experience working specifically with the elderly in designing and implementing recreational activities.
• Bi-lingual proficiency in Spanish, Russian, Punjabi, or Hmong is highly desirable to serve our diverse participant population.

Working Conditions

The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to access all areas of the center throughout the workday. 
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally, 15 pounds frequently, and 7 pounds constantly; required to obtain assistance of another qualified employee when attempting to lift or transfer objects over 25 pounds. 
• Requires constant hand grasp and finger dexterity; frequent sitting, standing, walking and repetitive leg and arm movements, occasional bending, reaching forward and overhead; squatting and kneeling. 
• Ability to communicate verbally with an excellent comprehension of the English language. 
• Work is generally performed in an indoor, well-lighted, well-ventilated, heated, and air-conditioned environment.