Social Day Programs - PRN Activity Leader

JSSA•Rockville, MD

13d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director/Manager/Program Coordinator and an Activity Leader, the PRN Activity Leader assists with the specialized activity program of the Social Adult Day Club (the Gorlitz Kensington Clubs) for members with early-stage memory loss. The role may include helping new members transition into the club and working to understand and meet members’ intellectual, physical, social/emotional, and leisure needs. The PRN Activity Leader assists with in-person and, if needed, virtual activity programming, filling in for regularly scheduled Activity Leaders. When possible, the regular Activity Leader provides substitute plans for guidance. The role co-leads daily programs with an experienced Activity Leader for up to four hours, supervises members, supports their safety, and demonstrates expertise in working with people with early-stage dementia. The position requires an acceptable level of physical condition and stamina to help co-lead at least 30 minutes of small-group adapted seated exercise. The PRN Activity Leader communicates changes in member behavior, incidents, safety hazards, and procedural difficulties to the Activity Leader, and performs duties in a manner that respects members’ rights and privileges. The role calls for organization, initiative, dependability, punctual attendance, creativity, flexibility, effective on-call teamwork, patience, and sensitivity to changing needs. JSSA describes itself as a nonsectarian provider serving the Washington metropolitan area and says it offers a competitive salary and benefits package, work-life balance, a collaborative team environment, and opportunities for personal growth and professional development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or associate degree in human services, education, health care, or a related field, plus at least one year of experience providing care for someone living with dementia; an equivalent combination of skills, abilities, experience, and education may also qualify.
Knowledge of the 55+ adult population, particularly the social and activity needs of people in the early stages of dementia.
Good written and oral communication skills.
CPR/First Aid certification.
Valid driver’s license.
Willingness to travel to varied Kensington Clubs locations if requested.
Ability to physically respond to adults with dementia in crisis, including helping lift or support a senior weighing at least 40 lbs. as needed.
Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, and bend frequently during a six-hour workday, and to stoop and kneel at floor level to administer first aid/CPR if needed.
Ability to help coworkers push or pull loads of 30 lbs. and move supplies and deliveries weighing up to 25 lbs. from one room to another.
Ability occasionally to use safe lifting techniques to lift up to 80 lbs. with assistance from another staff member.
Selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting and required medical clearance if requested.

Nice To Haves

Computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; Google Docs; PowerPoint; email communication; spreadsheets; newsletters; social media; and using a smartphone and apps.

Responsibilities

Assist with implementing in-person and, if needed, virtual activity programming, filling in for a regularly scheduled Activity Leader.
Co-lead daily programs with an experienced Activity Leader for up to four hours.
Provide necessary supervision and help ensure the safety of club members.
Help facilitate new members’ transition into the club and attend to their intellectual, physical, social/emotional, and leisure needs.
Help co-lead small-group adapted seated exercise for at least 30 minutes.
Communicate member behavior changes, incidents, safety hazards, and procedural difficulties to the Activity Leader.
Carry out duties in a manner that respects members’ rights and privileges.