Program Assistant -Day Program

Rogerson Brand•Jamaica Plain, MA

19h•$18 - $20

About The Position

The Program assistant is responsible for the implementation of scheduled therapeutic recreation activities within and outside the facility, to assist in providing a varied program that meets the physical, emotional and social needs of the Alzheimer’s resident and contributes to their overall quality of life.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, experience can be substituted for education.
One or more years of experience working with adults in a health-care or social service setting, preferably in Alzheimer care facility.
Sensitivity to issues of aging and needs of the dementia resident and diverse populations.
Ability to be flexible with programming work assignments and schedule changes within the community.
Experience in leading group recreation programs for elders or memory impaired clients.
Ability to follow written and spoken directions.
Ability to work as a team player, promoting good relations with supervisors, co-workers, families and residents/participants.
Ability to push/use white board easel for groups and set-up games, i.e. bowling pins, table games, arts and crafts and lead exercise programs for resident groups.
Ability to set up activity space by moving dining room tables and chairs out of the way for events and groups and replacing them when finished.
Personable ability to engage with all participants.
Ability to create a program to motivate residents to join in to enjoy the experience.
Ability to understand the approach and structure of recreation for Alzheimer groups.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Implement and lead activities of therapeutic recreation according to monthly schedule and needs of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia residents.
Assist participants with mobility devices including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Create and adjust recreational activities to maintain appropriate approach for Alzheimer’s group.
Assist in orienting new participants and residents to program structure.
Maintain an open line of communication to Day Program Coordinator, Recreation Director and all staff members.
Observe and report any change in health or mental status of participants to Day Program Coordinator or nurse on duty.
Encourage but not force participation in therapeutic recreation groups.
Follow through with scheduled 1:1 visit with residents who don’t attend groups.
Follow the structure of the calendar, make changes in real time to reflect alternative program.
Work with program coordinator to obtain any supplies needed in advance for the successful planning of groups.
Prepare in advance for all groups and begin groups at designated time.
Maintain safety awareness with use and storage of activity supplies.
Follow through goals and objectives as established by the team.
Maintain flexible structure to groups and have alternative plans if planned activity is not engaging resident/participant interests.
Monitor safety and well-being of residents/participants while in groups and seek
Accompany groups throughout the entire program.
Assist with serving and clean-up of meals and snacks as assigned.
Attend orientation, in-services and staff meetings as assigned.
Coordinate, organize and maintain recreation supply closets.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested from time to time by supervisor or other managers.
Any and all employees may sometimes be required to work outside of regular hours as scheduled by the supervisor or director of therapeutic recreation.