Activity Aide

The hours for this position will be 10am - 6:30pm.  There will be weekend rotation as well.

JOB TITLE:  Activity Aide

MAIN FUNCTION: Assists in planning, organizing and directing a program of activities, which fulfills basic psychological, social and spiritual needs. As an integral part of total resident care, the Activities Aide must assist in providing the residents with opportunities to develop old and new interests, stimulate the desire to learn, help them socialize and feel useful to themselves and others, giving the residents enjoyment and satisfaction on all levels. Activities are available to all residents' physicians and nursing supervisors. The Activities program will be coordinated with the schedule of other resident care services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be available to periodically work more than eight (8) hours per day or more than forty (40) per week.


• Will be expected to develop, plan and execute a variety of programs both within and outside the facility, helping to stimulate and promote residents' interests and general well being.


• Plan monthly calendar one month in advance for assigned unit. Calendar is to correlate with other Activities calendar and will follow program criteria guidelines for group and 1:1 activities.


• Encourage involvement in activities among residents in a group or individually. Notifies Director of Activities of need of additional supplies needed to facilitate programs.


• Encourage socialization among residents through group activities and recreation.


• Provide materials for independent interests as needed, i.e. talking book, paper, pens, crossword puzzle books, etc.


• Transport/escort residents who need help in coming to any activities


• Responsible for accurate and timely completion of all documentation related to assigned unit (5).


• Provide units, Business Office, Dietary, Director of Activities and Assistant Director of Activities with a list of residents who participate in outing with Activities Department.


• When necessary to poll residents prior to an outing in order to obtain approximate number of residents interested in participating, provide list of residents to each floor to inform Head Nurse or Charge Nurse and CNA details of outing to insure residents will be ready.


• Visit new residents to welcome them and to introduce them to our activities program, and also gain pertinent information to assist in evaluating their main interests and capabilities in order to plan involvement as quickly as possible.


• Is required to be on constant alert for possible injuries to residents.


• Must help keep the Activities Room neat and attractive.


• Must be cooperative. Must have ability to treat resident information confidentially and not discuss residents in front of other residents. Maintain a professional and effective relationship with other staff, residents' families and the public through communication and interaction.


• Coordinate transportation needs with Director of Activities.


• Request volunteer needs in writing one month in advance of activity to the Volunteer Coordinator.


• Insure resident receives birthday card on or before date of birthday.


• Request for refreshments one month in advance to the Director of Activities.


• Attend in-house in-service education programs, as well as approved conferences for Activities personnel.


• Other related duties that may become necessary or as directed by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or Administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School graduate, previous experience and/or additional education in job related courses are preferred.


• 1-3 years working with seniors is preferred but not required.


• Must enjoy leading groups and have a passion for seniors


• Basic computer knowledge.


• Skills, aptitude and abilities in several recreational areas, working knowledge of such activities as games, cooking, arts and crafts, woodworking/ceramics, and other domestic activities, as well as music, sports, therapeutic exercises and other hobbies and special interest areas.


• Must possess good writing and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to plan, organize and execute social and religious activities and have a favorable attitude toward new ideas.


• Ability to work well with volunteers offering guidelines and direction as needed.


• Must have a sincere desire to work with the aged and handicapped, as well as all types of personalities. Must be able to encourage self-motivation, help residents feel useful, and help them to be loving toward one another.


• Must have an understanding of the social, psychological, recreational and spiritual needs of the aged as well as other types of residents in the facility. Must be able to help plan, organize, and carry out activities geared to these needs.


• Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, and be able to handle residents based on whatever level they are currently functioning. Profanity, off-color remarks and any form of disrespect of the residents are not tolerated.


• Must be flexible. Will experience frequent interruptions.


• Must be physically able to transport residents and be physically able to conduct and participate in all levels of activities.


• Must be physically able to move equipment and supplies and occasionally move furniture.


• Existing employees must have a satisfactory work record in their prior positions.