General Purpose
The Activities Assistant supports the planning, organization, and delivery of recreational, therapeutic, and social programs for residents in a skilled nursing facility. Working under the supervision of the Activities Director, the Activities Assistant helps promote residents’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being by encouraging engagement, meaningful activity participation, and socialization. This role contributes to enhancing residents’ quality of life while respecting individual preferences, abilities, and rights.
Responsibilities
Program Delivery
- Assistin organizing and leading daily group and individual activities, including games, music, arts and crafts, exercise and fitness programs, outings, andspecial events.
- Encourage resident participation and adapt activities to meet individual needs, interests, and functional abilities.
- Assistwith setting up,operating, and cleaning up activity areas, equipment, and supplies.
- Escort andaccompanyresidents to and from activity programs and outings as needed.
- Assistwith decorating the facility for holidays, themed events, and special occasions.
Documentation & Communication
- Record resident attendance and level of participation in activities accurately andtimely.
- Observe and report changes in residents’behavior, mood, physical condition, or cognitive abilities to the Activities Director or nursing staff.
- Assistwith the creation, distribution, and posting of monthly activity calendars, newsletters, and promotional materials.
Resident Support
- Build positive, respectful relationships with residents by providing companionship, encouragement, and emotional support.
- Respect and support residents’rights, privacy, dignity, cultural preferences, and individualityat all times.
- Provide one-on-one visits and individualized activities for residents who are unable or unwilling toparticipatein group programs.
Team Collaboration
- Work cooperatively with nursing, dietary, therapy, and social services staff to supportholistic, person-centered care.
- Participate in staff meetings, care conferences asrequested, andrequiredin-service education and training.
- Maintain activity supplies and equipment; notify the Activities Director of inventory needs and replacement requests.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Previousexperience in activities, recreation, or direct resident care in a long-term care or healthcare setting preferred.
- Genuine interest in working with older adults and individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to follow direction, work independently, and function effectively as part of a team.
- Basic computer skills for documentation and calendar preparation preferred.
- Ability to obtain andmaintainany required state or facility-specific training or certifications.
- Regular and reliable attendance isrequiredto perform the essential functions of this position.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and movefrequentlythroughout the workday.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 25 pounds.
- Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to prepare materials andassistresidents with activities.
- Flexible schedulerequired, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Work performed in both indoor and outdoorenvironments;may involve exposure to variable weather conditions during outings.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment isusually lowto moderate.
- Works in a healthcare facility environment with regular interaction between administrative staff, clinical teams, residents, and families
- Fast-paced setting that requires responsiveness to time-sensitive needs and regulatory requirements
- Collaborative environment with frequent coordination across departments (nursing, billing, administration, and external vendors)
- Structured and compliance-driven workplace with strict adherence to healthcare regulations, confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA), and documentation standards
- Requires adaptability and professionalism when handling sensitive situations involving residents, families, and care staff
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.