Activities Assistant

Job Details

Description

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Activities Assistant is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the activities program for The Highlands at Wyomissing Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center with the goal of promoting meeting the individual interests and promoting the emotional, intellectual, nutritional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being of each resident.

Essential Functions/Duties

• Assists in planning an innovative and dynamic program that fully engages all residents and incorporates their needs and wishes
• Facilitates a program that promotes inclusive and successful participation for residents with varying levels of cognitive and physical abilities
• Enables residents to participate in activities to their highest level of functions by providing individualized cues and assistance.
• Work with Personal Care and Residential Programming to coordinate campus-wide events.
• Plan and accompany the residents on excursions into the community for special events
• Utilizes technology to provide group programming, to aid residents in maintaining contact with family and friends, and for the completion of required activities documentation.
• Assists the residents in attending and participating in a variety of social gatherings in Assisted Living and Post-Acute Rehabilitation, other Highlands venues as well as in the community.
• Assists residents to accomplish normal activities of living, ex: writing letters, making phone calls, voting, etc.
• Ensure budgetary compliance with the conservation and care of activities materials.
• Works independently to coordinate the activities program and other departmental functions in the absence of the Activities Coordinator.
• Assists with the MDS and Activities Assessments as needed.
• Assists at mealtimes as needed.
• Adheres to necessary infection control protocols.
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Possess outstanding customer service ability
• Comfortable and agile working with technology; Proficient in MS Office and other applications
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, maintaining accurate records and producing effective documentation
• Excellent oral communication skills including a clear speaking voice
• Ability to work under conditions that may be distracting and handle multiple interruptions of routine tasks
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to adapt to changing needs
• Ability to use a resident and customer-focused approach to problem solving
• Excellent interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
  
  

Core Values

• AMBASSADOR: Represents The Highlands at Wyomissing in a positive light with integrity. Takes pride in our community.
• COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate. Often does more than is required. Reports to work as scheduled and timely.
• COMPASSIONATE: Is empathetic, mindful, and kind.
• INNOVATIVE: Is curious. Identifies new methods and efficiencies.
• RESULTS-DRIVEN: Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and completing work. Exerts unusual effort over time to achieve a goal. Maintains commitment to goals in the face of obstacles and frustrations.
• TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.
  
  

The Highlands’ Traditions (Customer Service Expectations)

• SAFETY: Practices safe behaviors to ensure the safety of all.
• KINDNESS: Projects a positive image and energy. Courteous and respectful to all. Goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
• SHOW: Takes pride in self-appearance. Stays in “character” and performs the “role in the show.” Ensures work area is show-ready.
• EFFICIENCY: Performs role with consistency and efficiency. Uses time and resources wisely.
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work

• This position works a flexible schedule when required to ensure programming options for residents throughout the day and seven days a week (i.e., working evenings, weekends, a split shift).
  
  

Education And Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• 1-3 Years Activities experience in a long-term care or dementia facility (Preferred)
• AAC - Activity Assistant Certification (Preferred)
• Basic First Aid (Preferred)
• CPR CERTIFICATION (Preferred)
• Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required)
  
  

Work Authorization/Security Clearances

• Medical Screening
• Criminal History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
• Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
  
  

Physical Requirements And Physical Demands

• Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.
• Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone.
• Writing: Must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing.
• Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens. Is frequently exposed to computer screen light.
• This position is continuously required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• This position is continuously required to crouch, squat, kneel, balance, pull with force, reach above head and shoulder, lift from floor level up, lift from waist level up; lift, push, and pull with assistance (mechanical or co-worker) the weight of the average patient specific to department; lift 50 lbs. max.
  
  

Safety Hazards And Physical Environment

• May be exposed to blood borne pathogens - High Risk
• May be exposed to communicable diseases
• May be exposed to extreme conditions, (i.e. heat or cold)
• May be exposed to high noise levels
• May be exposed to potential electrical shock
• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts
• May perform emergency care
• May be exposed to rare occasions during which it is necessary to interact with a resident exhibiting aggressive behavior