Activity Assistant

John Knox Manor is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and creative Activity Assistant to join our dedicated Life Enrichment team within the Memory Care Unit. This key role supports the emotional, social, and cognitive well-being of residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Activity Assistant helps deliver person-centered programs in a secure, structured, and caring environment that promotes dignity, purpose, and engagement.

Schedule: Thursday & Friday 10 AM - 6PM (can supplement with available pick up days)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead or assist with individual and group activities tailored to residents' cognitive and physical abilities.

• Facilitate therapeutic programs such as music therapy, art projects, reminiscence activities, sensory stimulation, spiritual programs, games, and gentle exercises.

• Encourage resident participation using patience, redirection, and positive reinforcement.

• Monitor residents during activities, ensuring emotional comfort and physical safety.

• Accurately document participation, mood, and engagement levels in accordance with facility policies and resident care plans.

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of activity areas and materials.

• Work collaboratively with nursing, therapy, dietary, and other departments to promote holistic resident care.

• Attend mandatory dementia care training and ongoing professional development sessions.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Activities, Administrator, or their designees.

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Responsibilities

• Recognize your role as part of the facility’s QAPI efforts.

• Attend trainings to build understanding and capacity to participate in QAPI activities.

• Carry out QAPI roles and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

• Follow established policies and procedures that support QAPI goals.

• Share ideas with leadership for improvement in resident care or operational practices.

• Communicate observations of positive outcomes or barriers to success related to QAPI projects.

• Support QAPI efforts through attitude, actions, and commitment to quality improvement.

• Participate in QAPI meetings or initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Additional training in gerontology, therapeutic recreation, or a related field is a plus.

Experience:

• Prior experience working in a long-term care or memory care setting strongly preferred.

Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid preferred.

• Dementia care and activity-specific training a plus.

Key Skills

• Deep compassion and patience for individuals with memory loss

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Creativity and adaptability in activity planning

• Ability to follow individualized care plans and collaborate with team members

• Basic computer and documentation skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and assisting residents

• Physically able to support residents during activities or transfers as needed

Working Conditions

• Work is conducted primarily in the secured Memory Care Unit

• May encounter residents with cognitive and behavioral challenges

• Must be available for weekend, evening, and holiday shifts, as needed

About John Knox Manor

John Knox Manor is a faith-based, non-profit senior living community in Montgomery, Alabama, committed to providing exceptional care with dignity and compassion. Our mission is to support aging with purpose, fostering meaningful connections and enriching experiences for every resident we serve.