Activities Assistant - PT - Days

Sanford Health•Le Mars, IA

21d•$15 - $23

About The Position

The Activities Assistant strives to improve patients’ and residents’ quality of life by providing appropriate, meaningful activities and interventions on a one-on-one and/or group basis. The role administers the monthly activity calendar, regularly gathers input from patients and residents when planning activities, and keeps activities organized and upbeat while following state-required activities such as music, crafts, and spiritual activities. The assistant participates in activities appropriate to the patients, department, and residents to support optimal functioning while maintaining dignity and identity. The position also assists with simple nursing procedures, transports patients and residents to and from rooms, and assists with Minimum Data Set (MDS) and EPIC documentation. The Activities Assistant follows written and verbal instructions while working under close supervision, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness, and communicates effectively in writing and verbally. The role requires leadership, the ability to motivate others and work with strong-willed patients or residents and behavioral issues, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, prioritization and autonomous work, and planning and oversight of resources and work processes.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
Demonstrate the ability to follow written and verbal instructions while working under close supervision.
Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrate leadership abilities to develop and motivate people.
Ability to work with strong-willed patients or residents and/or behavioral issues.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize responsibilities while working autonomously.
Obtain and maintain required department-specific competencies and certifications.
Basic Life Support (BLS) required based on location; depending on location, new employees attend CPR training and must be certified within six months of hire.
Depending on location, the role may require a motor vehicle report and proof of a valid driver’s license, and medical qualification to perform the essential driving functions under Sanford’s Driving Policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience in social services or creative activities.
Experience in geriatrics.
Knowledge of working with a wide variety of resident demographics.
Current Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) certification or current enrollment as a student in a healthcare-related program.

Responsibilities

Administer the monthly activity calendar.
Elicit patients’ and residents’ input into activity planning and keep activities organized and upbeat.
Follow state-required activities, including music, crafts, and spiritual activities.
Participate in activities appropriate for patients, the department, and residents to support optimal functioning while maintaining dignity and identity.
Assist with simple nursing procedures.
Transport patients and residents to and from rooms.
Assist with MDS and EPIC documentation.
Plan and oversee the utilization of resources and the design of work processes.