Activity/Recreation Assistant

Benchmark Senior Living•Scotch Plains, NJ

About The Position

The Programming/Activity Assistant organizes and implements programs designed to meet residents’ individual needs. These programs are intended to fulfill basic psychological, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs while promoting self-esteem in a caring, nurturing environment. The assistant supports the Activity Director in necessary programming and helps deliver engaging activities for elders and people with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma, bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience and knowledge of aging and disability issues.
Experience and training sufficient to develop programs appropriate for elders and people with disabilities.
Training and knowledge in recreational activities.
Training and knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and the community.
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, maintain a positive attitude, and work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing and implementing an innovative seven-day-a-week activity program.
Lead and implement one-on-one, small-group, and large-group activities according to the programming schedule.
Support, encourage, and direct residents’ independent activity pursuits, individually and in small groups.
Support residents’ abilities by recognizing that all aspects of care can be viewed as an activity.
Demonstrate knowledge of residents’ backgrounds, participation needs, physical abilities, interests, cognitive capacity, and attention spans.
Encourage and motivate residents to attend and participate in programming and activities.
Communicate changes in residents’ condition or behavior patterns to the Harbor Care Director.
Remain with the group at all times during excursions.
Support and assist the Activity Director with necessary programming.