Recreation Assistant

Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) is committed to positive long-term outcomes for older adults and their caregivers. We empower older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers to live to their fullest potential by providing services, resources and information. At SMAA, we believe that a supportive and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and heard, is key to shaping organizational culture and advancing our work with underrepresented and diverse communities. We were recently voted Best Places to Work in Maine 2024!
 

Position Summary:  

SMAA is seeking a Recreation Assistant who excels at providing support and encouragement to Older Adults with Dementia in living their best lives possible.  The Recreation Assistant position at Southern Maine Agency on Aging Adult Day Program(s) involves helping folks combat loneliness and depression by being part of a Team that creates an environment where Members can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging, make and maintain friendships with peers and engage in meaningful activities that helps keep them physically and cognitively as healthy as possible for as long as possible.  The Recreation Assistant offers support, compassion, enthusiasm and guidance to our Members as they navigate the day’s events.  The Recreation Assistant Position provides verbal queuing, physical guidance and light (no-lifting) hands-on bathroom assistance to our Members. 
 

We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. 
 

Responsibilities:  

Reporting to the Team Lead/Program Manager, the Recreation Assistant will work closely with The Adult Day Program Team of Recreation Assistants and other staff across the organization.  Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Running or assisting with a variety of activities for the Members to participate in such as : physical games
  (like Baggo, Noodle Ball, bowling, mini golf and pong bounce games), exercise/movement groups, cognitive games (such as Finish the phrase, Word Scramble, List 5, Remember When?), singing, socializing, arts and crafts, baking, special/themed events, reminiscing and a to facilitate a number of Special Interest Clubs (such as Gardening, Bird-Watching, Adventure and Art Clubs)
   

• Daily documentation of Member attendance, participation, mood/behavior, etc.
   

• Assist with toileting (no lifting) for Members if needed.
   

• Verbal cueing/guidance for Members to be successful in their participation of day’s activities
   

• Support Members in feeling welcome, safe and cared for while exploring things that are of interest and are meaningful for them
   

• Contribute towards programming ideas and implementation
   

• Collaborate with Teammates and Caregivers on changes noted and adjustments needed in supporting Members
   

• Assist with housekeeping daily tasks to keep program clean and orderly
   

Qualifications:   

We list our preferred qualifications and are open to candidates who can demonstrate their experience supporting this population of folks and/or education that supports their alignment with the skills we are seeking.
 

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. 

• Capable of writing clearly and using a computer. 

• Ability to communicate accurately and professionally. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and works well with consumers, providers, co-workers and 
  management alike. 

• Clean criminal background check and clean driving record. 

• At least one year of experience in an Adult Day Health Center, residential care or nursing home strongly preferred. 

• Proven knowledge, experience and skill in working with the needs of older adults with memory 
  loss and other disabilities in areas such as ADL skills and appropriate mental, social and physical, preferred.  

Salary and Benefits:  

This is a Per Diem or Part-Time position, working up to 24 hours per week.
We have openings at both Adult Day Program locations Biddeford AND Springvale, Maine. 

Pro- rated benefits for a part-time position that is 16 - 19 hours per week (additional benefits 20-24 hours):  

• Vacation time 

• Sick time 

• 13 holidays per year 

To Apply
 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the right fit for this position.
 

The position is open until filled 
 

SMAA is an equal-opportunity employer