Activities Assistant, Long Term Care - Part time

Sanford Health•Windom, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. This role strives to improve the quality of life for patients/residents by providing appropriate, meaningful activities and interventions on a one-on-one and/or group basis. The Activities Assistant administers the monthly activity calendar, elicits patient/resident input into activity planning, and keeps activities organized and upbeat, following all state-required activities such as music, craft, and spiritual activities. The position involves partaking in activities appropriate for residents to support and ensure functioning at an optimal level while maintaining dignity and identity. It also includes assisting with simple nursing procedures, transporting patients/residents, and assisting with Minimum Data Set's (MDS's)/EPIC's documentation. The role requires creativity, resourcefulness, the ability to follow instructions, excellent communication skills, leadership abilities, and the capacity to work with challenging patients/residents. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and prioritization skills are necessary, along with the ability to work autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Requirements

Ability to work with elderly individuals, including those with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Ability to motivate and engage residents.
Understanding of person-centered care principles.
Ability to maintain resident confidentiality and dignity, creativity and enthusiasm in planning and conducting activities.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Demonstrates the ability to follow written and verbal instructions while working under close supervision.
Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrates leadership abilities to develop and motivate people.
Possesses the ability to work with strong willed patients/residents and/or behavioral issues.
Maintains strong critical thinking skills and problem solving skills.
Prioritizes responsibilities while working autonomously.
Basic Life Support (BLS) required based on location.
Depending on location, all new employees will attend CPR training, and must be certified within six months of hire.
Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications.
Depending on location, this role classifies as a Sanford Category I or II Driver requiring a motor vehicle report and proof of valid driver’s license.
Must be medically qualified to perform the essential driving functions of this position as per our Sanford Driving Policy.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of dementia-friendly activity approaches preferred.
High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
Experience in social services or creative activities are preferred.
Experience in geriatrics preferred.
Knowledge of working with a wide variety of resident demographics.
Preferred current Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) certification or currently enrolled as a student in a healthcare related program preferred.

Responsibilities

Encourage resident participation in activities based on personal interests, abilities, and preferences.
Lead group activities such as games, crafts, exercise programs, music, discussion groups, bingo, spiritual programs, and special events.
Provide one-to-one visits and individualized activities for residents unable or unwilling to attend group programs.
Transport residents to and from activities using appropriate safety procedures.
Document resident attendance, participation, responses, and activity-related observations in accordance with facility policies.
Communicate resident preferences, needs, and behavioral changes to the interdisciplinary team.
Help maintain activity supplies, equipment, bulletin boards, calendars, and resident communication materials.
Follow infection control, resident rights, safety, confidentiality, and abuse prevention policies.
Administer the monthly activity calendar.
Regularly elicit patients/residents input into activity planning.
Keep activities well organized and upbeat, following all state required activities such as music, craft and spiritual activities.
Partake in activities appropriate for the patient/department and residents in order to support and ensure functioning at an optimal level while also maintaining dignity and identity.
Assist with simple nursing procedures and transporting patients/residents to and from rooms.
Assist with Minimum Data Set's (MDS's)/EPIC's documentation.
Plan and oversee the utilization of resources and designs of work processes.