Activities Assistant

Christian Health Care Center•Wyckoff, NJ

4d•$17 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Activities Assistant supports the HM Activities department by helping plan, develop, organize, implement, and evaluate activity programs. Programs must follow applicable federal, state, and local standards and facility policies and procedures, and address residents’ spiritual, emotional, physical, intellectual, recreational, and social needs individually. The Activities Assistant is expected to understand and embrace Christian Health’s mission. The role includes maintaining activity documentation and supplies, adapting activities to residents’ abilities and needs, communicating changes in residents’ conditions to nursing and activity leadership, and helping residents and families stay informed about available activities. The position also assists with resident meals and participates in recreational programming. The stated schedule is 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays. The hourly rate range is $17.00–$17.75, with a $2.00 weekend differential.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Aptitude for and some training in arts and crafts.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and the general public.
Willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
Patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm; willingness to support residents at their highest practical functioning level.
Ability to seek out new methods and principles and incorporate them into existing activity programs.
Sincere desire to work with older adults.
Some understanding of the social, psychological, and recreational needs of older adults.

Responsibilities

Use activity protocols, policies, and procedures to meet residents’ needs.
Review, maintain, and use resident activity boxes to help ensure individual needs are met.
Record daily attendance accurately and promptly, adding behavioral comments as needed.
Recognize participation needs and adapt group activities for residents who are hearing- or visually-impaired, at risk for falls, confused, anxious, or exhibiting other behaviors.
Assist with, implement, and evaluate program effectiveness, following up with the Unit Coordinator or Director with suggestions for improvement or change.
Maintain resident activity grids, use pink sheets appropriately, and update vital comments, goals, and monthly documentation before each new month.
Monitor residents for changes in condition and report changes immediately to the Charge Nurse (RN) and Activity Director.
Inform residents and families about available activities, whiteboards, and calendars, and maintain resident and family contact.
Arrive on time and assist with serving meals and feeding residents in dining rooms in a timely, courteous, and accurate manner.
Assist the Activities Coordinator with reviewing residents’ activity participation and goals for accurate completion of resident care plans.
Participate in providing recreational activities such as movies, parties, and games, and suggest new activities monthly.