Activities Aide Optalis Leonard

Optalis Healthcare•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Activities Aide assists with 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 helps provide meaningful activities that support residents’ physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive well-being and foster an engaging community environment. The position is based in a long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or assisted living environment and involves working with residents with varying physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.

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.
Ability to frequently walk, stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to push wheelchairs and safely transport residents 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 are unable or unwilling 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.