Activities Assistant

Optalis Healthcare•Grand Rapids, MI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Part-Time Activities Assistant supports the Activities Department at Optalis Health & Rehabilitation of Grand Rapids by providing engaging, therapeutic, and recreational programs for residents in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. The role promotes residents’ physical, mental, emotional, and psychosocial well-being through meaningful activities and positive social interaction. The assistant helps plan and deliver group and individual activities, encourages participation in ways that respect residents’ interests, abilities, and care plans, and supports events and outings. The position also involves preparing activity spaces and supplies, documenting participation, helping residents travel to activities, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, and communicating resident needs and concerns to the Activities Director and interdisciplinary team. The work takes place in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation healthcare environment, with frequent interaction with elderly residents, including those with dementia or cognitive impairments. Exposure to infectious diseases is possible; appropriate PPE and infection-control procedures are used. The schedule is part-time and flexible, with evening, weekend, and holiday availability potentially required based on programming needs.

Requirements

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Creative, energetic, compassionate, and dependable personality.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist residents throughout the shift.
Ability to lift and move activity supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds.
Ability to push wheelchairs and transport residents safely.
Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Previous experience in activities, recreation, healthcare, senior living, or customer service preferred.
Experience working with geriatric residents or individuals with memory care needs preferred.
CTRS or MEPAP training is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing daily activity programs for residents.
Lead and support group activities, one-on-one visits, games, crafts, music, exercise programs, and special events.
Encourage resident participation while respecting individual interests, abilities, and care plans.
Assist with community outings, holiday events, and entertainment programs as assigned.
Prepare activity areas, distribute supplies, and assist with cleanup after programs.
Document resident participation and attendance according to facility procedures.
Build positive relationships with residents, families, visitors, and team members.
Support residents with mobility and transportation to and from activities when needed.
Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment during activities.
Follow infection control guidelines, resident rights, and facility safety policies.
Assist with decorating for seasonal events and facility celebrations.
Communicate resident needs and concerns to the Activities Director and interdisciplinary team.