Activity Assistant

BASIC FUNCTION:  Responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Activities Program activity programs under the direction of the Villa Activities Coordinator.  This shall be done on a daily basis with effort to meet the participants’ individual needs and interests. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Help develop and implement activity programs within the framework of the needs and ability of memory impaired residents and State and Federal regulations
• Coordinate programs in a team manner with related Villa services and staff.  Will implement activities that are both group and individual participation in nature.
• Develop activities providing the opportunity for the participants to experience sensory input, touch, smell, taste, etc. as well as group interaction and personal achievement.
• Include activities which shall encourage participants to make decisions, participate in planning and assume some degree of responsibility and independence.
• Help develop weekly schedule of all activities, to be coordinated with Activity Coordinator.
• Evaluate each participant according to his/her background, interest, abilities, physical and mental limitations and needs.  This shall serve as the base from which the individual activity program shall be developed.
• Document the individual activity program using the appropriate forms.
• Develop appropriate records which indicate residents’ attendance and participation in the program with reference to response to the program. 
• Develop methods for implementing programs within departmental budget.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Help order supplies as needed to maintain Program inventory.
• Ensure the safe supervision of participants and keep the group as harmonious and engaged as possible throughout the day.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Activity Coordinator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to organize; ability to teach, supervise, and orient; willingness to accept consultant direction and to assume responsibility. 
• Interest in and understanding of the needs of the aged and the chronically ill or disabled. 
•  Must be computer literate [create documents, send and respond to email, etc.].

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• Experience with adult and child activities preferred.
•  Activities certificate is preferred but not required for the position 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Frequently must be able to push and pull objects under 20 pounds; occasionally objects up to 50 pounds. 
• On occasion, must be able to lift and carry objects less than 50 pounds.
• Frequently will need to perform moderately difficult manipulative skills such as typing, keyboard skills, etc., and simple skills such as standing, walking, stooping, and filing. 
• Frequently will need to identify objects visually at a distance of 15 feet, and occasionally read fine print. 
• Must be able to distinguish normal sounds in the presence of some background noise and to speak clearly and make self understood.

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