Activities / Therapy Aide

An Activities/Therapy Aide and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) often work synergistically to support the well-being of residents. While CNAs focus primarily on direct patient care and daily living assistance, Activities/Therapy Aides facilitate engaging activities and assist therapists with resident rehabilitation. Combining these roles can create a versatile team member who contributes holistically to resident care and quality of life. 

Job Summary 

The Combined Activities/Therapy Aide & CNA provides direct personal care to residents, assists with activities of daily living (ADLs), and implements therapeutic and recreational activities to promote physical, cognitive, and psychosocial well-being. This role supports both the nursing and activities/therapy departments, ensuring comprehensive and person-centered care in a skilled nursing facility setting. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

 Activities/Therapy Aide Responsibilities 

• Assists the Activities Director or Recreational Therapist in planning, organizing, and leading individual and group activities. 
• Encourages resident participation in a variety of therapeutic and recreational activities, including social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual programs.
• Assists therapists (Physical, Occupational, Speech) with resident treatment plans, exercises, and mobility as directed and within scope of practice. 
• Transports residents to and from activity and therapy areas. 
• Prepares and sets up activity areas, including arranging equipment and supplies. 
• Documents resident participation and response to activities/therapies as required. 
• Provides one-on-one activities for residents who are unable to participate in group settings. 
• Maintains activity and therapy equipment and supplies, ensuring cleanliness and proper storage. 
• Observes and reports resident participation, mood, and engagement during activities to the Activities Director/Therapist. 
• Assists with special events, outings, and community programs. 

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Responsibilities 

• Assists residents with ADLs, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding, ensuring resident dignity and privacy. 
• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) accurately. 
• Assists with resident transfers and ambulation using appropriate equipment and techniques. 
• Monitors and reports changes in resident condition, behavior, or appetite to the nursing staff promptly. 
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized resident environment. 
• Documents are provided accurately and in a timely manner according to facility policies. Assists with restorative nursing programs as directed by nursing staff. 
• Responds to call lights promptly and courteously. 
• Assists residents with dining, including setting up trays and feeding as needed. Performs post-mortem care as directed.

Licenses/Certifications 

• Current and active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the state applying to.
• Current CPR certification. 
• 1 year previous experience in a skilled nursing facility or long-term care setting is preferred
• Experience in activities, recreation, or therapy assistance is a plus. 

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday 
• 8 AM- 4:30 PM