Job Description: Part-Time Activities Assistant
Position Title: Part-Time Activities Assistant
Department: Activities/Recreation
Reports To: Activities Director
Status: Part-Time (3 days per week, including some evenings, rotating weekends, and holidays as needed)
Position Summary
The Activities Assistant supports the planning, organization, and implementation of recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities that promote the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of residents in a skilled nursing facility. This position helps create a positive, engaging environment while ensuring activities meet residents' interests, abilities, and individual care plans.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in planning and conducting individual and group activities for residents.
- Encourage resident participation while respecting individual preferences and abilities.
- Escort residents to and from activity programs as needed.
- Assist with arts and crafts, games, exercise programs, music, holiday celebrations, special events, and community outings.
- Set up and clean activity areas before and after programs.
- Document resident attendance, participation, and responses to activities in accordance with facility policies.
- Visit residents who are unable or unwilling to attend group programs and provide one-on-one activities.
- Assist with decorating the facility for holidays and special events.
- Maintain activity supplies and notify the Activities Director when additional materials are needed.
- Work collaboratively with nursing, rehabilitation, dietary, and other departments to enhance residents' quality of life.
- Observe residents during activities and report any changes in physical, emotional, or cognitive status to nursing staff.
- Maintain resident confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Follow all infection control, safety, and emergency procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Activities Director.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Previous experience working with seniors, long-term care residents, or individuals with disabilities is preferred.
- Experience in recreation, customer service, education, childcare, or healthcare is a plus.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Compassionate, patient, dependable, and enthusiastic.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to organize activities for residents with varying physical and cognitive abilities.
- Basic computer skills preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist residents throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to push wheelchairs and transport residents safely.
- Ability to participate in recreational activities both indoors and outdoors.
Work Schedule
- Part-time hours.
- Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed for resident programming and special events.
Compliance
The employee must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including New Jersey Department of Health requirements, OSHA standards, HIPAA regulations, and facility policies regarding resident rights, infection prevention, and workplace safety.
Preferred Skills
- Creative and energetic personality.
- Musical, artistic, or recreational talents are a plus.
- Ability to engage residents with dementia and other cognitive impairments using person-centered approaches.
- Bilingual abilities are beneficial but not required.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Pay: $16.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
