Job Summary: The Activity Assistant assists with the planning and implementation of recreational programs for the elderly, as part of an Interdisciplinary team providing all-inclusive care.  The Activity Assistant helps to build a sense of community and warm social atmosphere for the participants, assists in evaluating their needs and assists with developing group and individual programming to meet those needs.

 Primary Responsibilities:

1. Assists in evaluating the participants’ educational, emotional and vocational needs.  Assists with planning and implementing relevant recreational programs to meet the needs of the participants, per the treatment plans developed by the Interdisciplinary Team.
2. Helps to build within the Day Center a sense of community and a warm social atmosphere in which participants are able to identify a support system.
3.  Assists in organizing and directing individual and group activities, reality orientation, exercises, discussions, clubs, field trips/outings, arts and crafts, music appreciation, etc. Seeks input from the participants on programming they enjoy most as well as additional ideas they would like the Activities Department to pursue.
4. Fulfills administrative requirements; timely completion of evaluations/reassessments, charting, maintaining statistical records. 
5. Treats all people with respect, maintains confidentiality and strives towards service excellence.
6. Participates in QA activities as appropriate.  Maintains current professional licensure/certifications by attending appropriate educational conferences.
7. Assists with coordinating with various community resources to add diversity and enrich the recreational program by involving organizations, groups and schools in celebration of special occasions and events.
8. Performs all other reasonably related jobs as assigned.
9. May assist in providing general instructions regarding principles of activity/recreational therapy to staff members as needed.
10. Attends appropriate conferences and in-service activities to keep abreast in the field.

Employment Specifications:

Education:  High School Education 

Experience:  One year with frail or elderly population. Preferable at least one year in adult social or recreational program.

Licensure, registry or certification required:  CPR Certification and valid North Dakota License

Special Training:  Must be able to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team. Must be able to communicate effectively. Must possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to adapt to change in a positive and professional manner. Must meet standardized competencies established for position. Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases. Must have all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.

Working Conditions:  imarily inside, well-lit, climate controlled environment.  Potential exposure to infectious disease and environmental hazards.