Assistant - Programming

Benchmark Senior Living•New London, CT

About The Position

The Programming Assistant organizes and implements programs designed to meet residents’ individual psychological, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs and promote self-esteem in a caring, nurturing environment. The position supports the Programming Director in programming activities and safely uses equipment when planning or implementing programs. The role serves older adults and people with disabilities. For Harbor memory care programming, the assistant is expected to pursue education about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, understand the needs of residents’ families, and know the policies in the Harbor Family Handbook. The job includes working closely with residents and may involve exposure to communicable diseases and verbal or physical agitation or aggression related to medical conditions or progressive diseases.

Requirements

High school diploma, or equivalent experience and knowledge of aging and disability issues.
Qualified through experience and training to develop programs appropriate for elders and people with disabilities.
Valid driver’s license.
Familiarity and experience using recreational-program equipment, including craft supplies, VCR, stereo, stove, and food-preparation equipment.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and the community.
Ability to relate to older adults and perform job functions for them in a positive and efficient manner.
For Harbor memory care: training and knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
For Harbor memory care: knowledge of policies in the Harbor Family Handbook.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
For Harbor memory care: ongoing educational development in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing and implementing an innovative daily program for residents.
Lead and implement individual, small-group, and large-group activities according to the programming schedule.
Support, encourage, and direct residents’ independent activities, individually and in small groups.
Support residents’ abilities by recognizing that all aspects of care can be viewed as an activity.
Learn about residents’ backgrounds, participation needs, physical abilities, interests, cognitive capacity, and attention spans.
Communicate changes in residents’ conditions or behavior patterns to the Program Director or a nurse.
Respond to emergencies and personal emergency response systems, and know when to call for backup.
Handle difficult resident behaviors and react calmly and effectively in emergencies.
Document and maintain accurate records as appropriate.
Communicate and document residents’ material needs, such as briefs, clothing, toothpaste, and pads.
Complete incident reports accurately before the end of the working day.
Demonstrate knowledge of Benchmark standards and practices and working knowledge of state regulations.
Participate in training and in-service sessions as required by Benchmark and state regulations.
Participate in local community activities and professional associations, representing the community positively and supporting recognition, marketing, and wider awareness.
For Harbor memory care, respond professionally and sensitively to family needs related to the emotional stress of having a loved one with dementia.