Activities Assistant

Douglas County • Ne, NE

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Position Incumbent works under the direction of the Recreation Therapy Coordinator or designee, implementing specified recreation programs to benefit the residents' mental, physical, social, and emotional growth and development. This role involves establishing and maintaining effective work relationships, complying with various policies and regulations to create a cooperative, safe, respectful, and quality work environment. The incumbent will conduct individual and group activities, one-to-one visits with residents, and assist in developing therapeutic activities to promote physical well-being. They will also assist residents with limited abilities using adaptive equipment, obtain feedback on activities, and remain alert to resident conditions, reporting any changes. Recording resident attendance and maintaining reports is also a key function. The role includes assisting volunteers and the allied healthcare team, utilizing skill within budget constraints, ensuring resident awareness and participation in activities, and assisting with the care of animals and plants. Safety procedures are to be followed, and clinic and storage areas maintained. Driving residents to outings and performing light clerical duties are also part of the responsibilities. The incumbent will stock supplies and perform vehicle inspections, operating a motor vehicle when required for county business. Regular and consistent attendance is expected, along with performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One (1) year Recreational, Physical, or Occupational Therapy, Activities or Life Enrichment experience required.
• Valid driver’s license upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.
• Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check, conditional offer drug screen, and physical assessment.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning/implementing recreation programs, providing input on the condition and capabilities of residents following the individual resident's care plan.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Conduct individual and group activities (e.g. games, crafts, music appreciation, group discussions).
• Conduct one-to-one visits with residents who have limited abilities and/or special needs.
• Assist in developing/conducting therapeutic activities/exercises, promoting the residents’ physical well-being.
• Assist residents with limited abilities using adaptive equipment to enable residents in function and participation to their maximum capability.
• Obtain feedback from residents on current activities, submitting recommendations.
• Remain alert to resident condition/capabilities while engaging in activities and report any change in the condition to the proper personnel.
• Record resident recreational program attendance, maintaining all reports.
• Assist volunteers and other members of the allied healthcare team in the organization and implementation of various activities (e.g. religious, community, picnics).
• Utilize skill and initiative in the delivery of program activities while operating within budget constraints.
• Ensure residents awareness of scheduled activities while providing assistance, escorting and encouraging participation.
• Assist in the care of dogs, cats, birds, gardens, fountains, and plants within the facility.
• Comply with defined safety procedures ensuring resident, staff, volunteer and visitor safety.
• Maintain clinic area and other department storage areas.
• Drive residents to/from various outings while ensuring resident safety.
• Perform light clerical and messenger duties.
• Stock supplies for activities and gift shop.
• Perform pre/post trip inspections of wheelchair accessible vehicle.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
• Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned and directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED