Activities Assistant (Personal Care)

Messiah Lifeways•Mechanicsburg, PA

About The Position

Messiah Lifeways is hiring a part-time Activities Assistant, also referred to as an Enrichment Specialist. The role works with residents and teams in both Personal Care and Skilled Nursing, creating and leading activities that support residents’ engagement, connection, and sense of purpose. The schedule is 40 hours per pay period: 2:00–8:00 PM on an alternating Tuesday/Thursday rotation, 5:00–8:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and every other weekend. The position also participates in a holiday rotation. The Enrichment Specialist plans and leads age-appropriate, person-centered group programs; encourages residents to take part and assists with transportation to programs when needed; supports socialization during meals; and coordinates with team members on resident engagement. The role also includes requesting or purchasing program supplies with the manager, documenting participation in the electronic record, maintaining clean and organized activity spaces, following safety procedures, working under direction and supervision, and protecting confidential information.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct meaningful enrichment programs.
Basic knowledge of computer programs, audio-visual equipment, and communication devices.
Must work with children as part of intergenerational programming, as well as with older adults.
Patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm.
Professionalism and patience when supporting residents displaying challenging behavioral expressions.
Willingness to learn new ideas, methods, and technologies with some guidance.
Collaborative, team-oriented approach that embraces organizational values.
Ability to build rapport quickly and establish and maintain productive, trusted relationships.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working directly with residents in long-term care and/or residents with dementia.
Prior caregiving experience with resident care or basic hygiene tasks.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and lead person-centered, meaningful, age-appropriate group programs.
Encourage and invite residents to participate in activities, and provide transportation assistance to and from programs when needed.
Work with the manager to request and/or purchase supplies needed for programming.
Document resident activity participation accurately and promptly in the electronic record, and coordinate with care team members to capture other engagement experiences.
Assist residents during mealtimes and create opportunities for socialization and connection.
Keep activity areas, office spaces, and activity storage areas clean, organized, and tidy.
Work cooperatively and productively with residents, families, and fellow team members.
Follow proper safety procedures and use devices and equipment appropriately.
Work willingly under direction and supervision.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding resident information and other business-related information.