Recreation Assistant

BETHESDA HEALTH AND HOUSING•Willmar, MN

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Assistant works directly with residents with such love, acceptance, friendliness and compassion that residents are invited to live their lives in fullness; they develop activity programs based on resident’s interests, strengths and needs; they conduct activities in an atmosphere of warmth, success, encouragement and joy. To spend time with assigned residents in order to become, for each, a friend, advocate, source of life or comfort. Provide personal contact with assigned residents and conduct activities in a manner: that assists them to feel successful & purposeful, encourage them to pursue their own interests that use their remaining abilities, or that give solace or comfort, and all within a homelike and comforting atmosphere.

Requirements

Previous work or experience with elderly
Ability to maintain outgoing, cheerful, & enthusiastic personality.
Demonstrates respect for the elderly or physically challenged.
Ability to speak clearly and make self understood to people of varying abilities.
Ability to function as a team player
Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
Ability and willingness to learn
Ability to present an activity to a large group.
Skills in one or more areas of: music, art, organization, listening and group work.
Ability to read, write, follow directions in English and use basic math skills.
Ability to problem solve and think creatively.
Precise record keeping ability.
Ability to prepare, present and evaluate activity accurately.
Attend all Bethesda or other sponsored on-going activity meetings and in-services.
Continual professional updating.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Previous work with elderly or physically challenged persons is desirable.

Responsibilities

Spend time with assigned residents in order to become, for each, a friend, advocate, source of life or comfort.
Provide personal contact with assigned residents and conduct activities in a manner that assists them to feel successful & purposeful, encourage them to pursue their own interests that use their remaining abilities, or that give solace or comfort, and all within a homelike and comforting atmosphere.
Remain on duty during the entire scheduled work time, observing Bethesda’s policy of ½ hour noon break and any 15 minute breaks allowed.
Spend the majority of time each day working directly with the residents.
Foster resident communication, self expression and personal identity.
Be aware of resident interests, needs, goals, and assist to help them be successful.
Be friendly, helpful and accommodating to family members and volunteers.
Promote a spirit of open communication, cooperation, teamwork and friendliness within the department as well as with other departments.
Do the required documentation and care planning in a timely, legible and accurate manner.
Be creative in planning and implementing activities that meet different levels of abilities, assisting them to function at their highest practicable level.
Develop activity programming that promotes the philosophy, policy and procedures of the activity department.
Assist at meals when directed by supervisor.
Assist Residents at activity groups with their snacks/beverages.
Foster cooperation and friendliness with new staff.