Activites Aide

Summary Description:Under the direction of the Activity Director (the Director), the Activity Assistant is responsible for assisting in the planning, development, organization, implementation, evaluation, and direction of activity programs in accordance with current federal, state, and local laws, as well as facility established policies and procedures, to ensure the spiritual, emotional, recreational, and social development needs, interests, hobbies and cultural preferences of the patient/resident are met and maintained on an individual basis, in an effort to support the residents domains of wellness (security, autonomy, growth, connectedness, identity, joy and meaning).Essential Functions and Responsibilities:1. Assists in developing an activity program based on a comprehensive assessment individualized care plan and the preferences of each resident, the Activity/Recreation Director and staff will provide an ongoing Activity/Recreation program to support residents in personal choice of activities, facility-sponsored group and individual activities, and independent activities that are designed to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident, encouraging both independence and interaction in the community.2. Assists in developing and maintaining a good working rapport with other departments within the facility and with outside community health, welfare and social agencies, to ensure that activity programs are properly maintained to meet the needs, interests, hobbies and cultural preferences of the patients/residents.3. Keeps abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional policies, and makes recommendations to the Director for changes in policies and procedures.4. Assists in following the physician order for each patient/resident related to activity/recreation services and participation.5. Interviews patients/residents/families in a private setting, as directed.6. Involves the patient/resident/family in planning activities, when possible.7. Assists in arranging transportation for field trips and to other facilities, as necessary and assists in ensuring patient/resident paperwork accompany each patient/resident on outing.8. Encourages patients/residents to enhance their educational development through reading, etc.9. Assists Informing patients/residents, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers of a monthly program schedule, i.e., calendars, daily announcements, postings,10. Encourages supplies and equipment for independent, individual and group programs and provides materials within patient/resident and department budgets.11. Assists in obtaining information concerning the patient's/resident's background to better provide activities which meet the patients/residents needs.12. Records and maintains activity progress notes as well as a record of patient/resident activities, group, one-to-one and self-directed.13. Provides individual activities to patients/residents as assigned and in accordance with patient/resident plans of care.14. Maintains an excellent working relationship with medical professionals and other health related facilities and organizations.15. Creates and maintains an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.16. Schedule programs/events at times available to the patient/resident and in sufficient number to address the patient's/resident's interests, hobbies and cultural preferences. Meets with the Activity Director on a regularly scheduled basis to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and/or to improve services.17. Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent patient/resident care information to ensure patient/resident rights are protected.18. Makes routine visits to patients/residents and assists with crafts, projects, etc.19. Maintains contact with the patient's/resident's family and involves them with non-medical progress reports, as directed.20. Makes recommendations regarding equipment and supply needs of the department.21. Assists in making appointments for the patient/resident/family, as requested or appropriate.22. Reports all incidents/accidents immediately.23. Reports all unsafe/hazardous conditions/equipment immediately.24. Ensures that established safety regulations are followed at all times.25. Assists in obtaining supplies and equipment available for independent, individual and group programs as needed/directed.26. Ensures that a current patient/resident activity schedule is maintained for each patient/ resident.27. Remains alert and monitors for any change in patient's/resident's condition. Reports any changes in condition or other identified concerns to the Charge Nurse immediately.28. Assists in encouraging patients/residents to participate in programs of choice or in programs designed to fit their needs.29. Provides adapted material for the impaired to ensure maximum participation in activity programs.30. Alerts the Director of the need for additional adaptive devices to enhance the participation level of any patient/resident.31. Participates in discharge planning, development and implementation of activity plans, schedules, and patient/resident assessments.32. Participates in the overall quality assurance performance improvement program for activities.33. Is responsible for the return of all activity department materials to their proper place at the end of the shift, thus, maintaining a tidy and pleasant atmosphere in the facility activity room.34. Reviews department policies and procedures, as directed, and participates in making recommended changes.35. Serves on various facility committees as directed.36. Participates in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the patient/resident and family.37. Performs required administrative tasks, such as completing appropriate forms, charge slips, reports, etc., and submitting the documentation to the Director, as required.38. Attends and participates in professional activities and programs.39. Arranges for sale of articles made by patients/residents i.e., at bazaars, in gift shop, etc., in accordance with established policies and procedures.40. Assists in coordinating programs and activities with other departments, as necessary.41. Works with the facility's consultants, as necessary, and implements recommended changes as directed by the Director.42. Reviews complaints and grievances and makes oral/written reports to the Director, as appropriate.43. Makes written and oral reports/recommendations to the Director concerning the operation of the Activity Department.44. Participates and assists in departmental studies and projects as assigned.45. Assists in providing and ensures sensory activity supplies are available at all times for residents with needs for non-pharmacologic interventions.46. Follows the department contingency plan if the Activity Director has an anticipated absences or an extended leave.47. Assists in the management of the volunteer program, through volunteer training and supervision and reporting volunteer performance to activity director.Other Duties:1. As this job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, the employee will be expected to perform other essential functions and duties as assigned.Standard Responsibilities:1. Supports the Facility.2. Is knowledgeable of patient/resident rights and promotes an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.3. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for:A. Safety, including precautions and safe work practices, established fire/ safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.B. Confidentiality and privacy of all data, including patient/resident, employee and operations data.C. Compliance with all regulatory requirements.D. Compliance with and enforcement of current law and policy to provide a work environment free from harassment and all illegal and discriminatory behavior.4. Supports and participates in common teamwork:A. Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plan and complete job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment.B. Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations.C. Reports complaints, problems and concerns regarding co-workers, management or residents in accordance with company policy.D. Promotes positive public relations with patients, residents, family members and guests.E. Completes requirements for in-service training, acceptable attendance, uniform and dress codes including personal hygiene, and other work duties as assigned.5. Agrees to comply with the Code of Conduct.Employment Standards:Education: Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent; college credits are preferred.Experience: Should have an aptitude for, and some training in, arts and crafts.Working Conditions:Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility. Must be able to move about intermittently during working hours including standing, lifting, bending, stooping, twisting, pushing and pulling with or without accommodation. Must be able to read, write and speak the English language. Must be able to transfer residents and assist in emergency evacuations. Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies/ personnel, etc., under all conditions/ circumstances. Must be able to relate and work with the disabled, ill, elderly, emotionally upset and at times, hostile people within the facility. May be involved in community/civic health matters/ projects. May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and hepatitis B viruses. Must be able to effectively communicate with the management staff, medical staff, nursing staff, and other unit supervisors. Maintains a liaison with residents, their families, support staff, etc. to assure that the residents needs are continually met.