Activities Aide Optalis Leonard

Optalis•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Activities Aide assists in planning, organizing, and implementing recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities that enhance residents’ quality of life and well-being. The role promotes resident engagement, independence, dignity, and social interaction while supporting the facility’s mission and regulatory requirements. The aide supports daily activity programming, encourages participation, provides individual engagement, and helps ensure activities are safe, respectful, and inclusive. The role works collaboratively with other departments and follows infection control, safety, confidentiality, and resident rights policies. The job goal is to enrich residents’ lives through meaningful activities that support physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive well-being and foster a vibrant community environment.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Compassionate, patient, and resident-focused approach.
Ability to lead small groups and motivate participation.
Creativity and enthusiasm for planning engaging activities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Frequently walk, stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Push wheelchairs and transport residents safely throughout the facility.
Ability to participate in recreational activities indoors and outdoors.
Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Experience working with seniors, long-term care residents, memory care residents, or individuals with disabilities preferred.
Previous customer service, hospitality, recreation, or activity programming experience is beneficial.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification preferred but not required.
Dementia training or experience preferred when serving memory care populations.

Responsibilities

Assist with developing and implementing daily activity programs for residents.
Encourage residents to participate in individual and group activities.
Transport residents to and from activities using appropriate safety procedures.
Set up and clean activity areas, equipment, and supplies.
Lead or assist with games, crafts, exercise programs, music, social events, and community outings.
Visit residents who cannot or do not wish to attend group activities and provide one-on-one engagement.
Document resident attendance, participation, and responses to activities.
Decorate the facility for holidays, special events, and resident celebrations.
Maintain activity supplies, inventory, and equipment.
Collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation, dietary, social services, and other departments to meet resident needs.
Observe residents for changes in mood, behavior, or condition and promptly report concerns to nursing staff.
Conduct activities in a safe, respectful, and inclusive manner.
Follow infection control, safety, confidentiality, and resident rights policies.