Activities Assistant

Pay Range: $17.48 – $21.17/hour

JOB CULTURE

The Masonic Homes of California are committed to a culture of Leadership. Our culture is to provide superior service to members, residents and staff through a sound and progressive model of service and care which aligns our mission, vision and operations. We demonstrate excellence in core services and place value on high quality job performance, professional development, effective time management, budget management, workplace safety and resident/employee satisfaction. We are dedicated to disciplined innovation and continuous quality improvement – we are a learning company. We are committed to sharing our knowledge and being an organization that attracts the best and brightest talent. We are team-oriented, caring and honest.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Life Enrichment Director, plan, organize, and direct therapeutic active living programs to effect improvement in the physical, mental, and social well being of skilled nursing and assisted living residents. Activity Assistants will promote the spiritual, emotional, educational, recreational and social needs of residents on an individual basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in the process of designing, planning, organizing, and implementing therapeutic recreation programs to include but not limited to activities such as exercise, music, games, socials, arts & crafts, sensory stimulation, and outings. Will be oriented to programs in Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Traditions/Memory Care and will be required to provide programming on those units as assigned.
• Develops, organizes, and posts a monthly calendar for residents in accordance with resident therapeutic, educational, and diversionary needs as well as with state, federal, and corporate guidelines.
• Consults with multidisciplinary team to assess the recreational needs of the residents.
• Completes a recreation interview and individual assessment for each resident in accordance with Title 22, OBRA, and MDS guidelines on a timely basis and develops goals with measurable objectives consistent with the assessment information obtained from the resident, family, friends, and chart reviews, as appropriate.
• Maintains daily log and data regarding each resident’s involvement in programs when appropriate.
• Coordinates with Nursing and C.N.A staff in preparing residents to go to and from recreation activities as directed.
• Notifies Nursing of any immediate change in the residents' condition and/or participation.
• Maintains resident care and safety on off-campus outings.
• Keeps updated regarding current federal and state regulations as well as professional standards and makes recommendations on changes in policies and departmental procedures. (Title 22/OBRA)
• Assists in coordinating the work of Activity Assistants and volunteers.
• Develop and implements special activities designed for visually and hearing-impaired residents including individual projects and programs.
• Completes event requests for environmental and dietary needs for specified events in a timely manner.
• Maintains regular attendance and arrives to work on time; completes time sheet appropriately as needed. Must be flexible with work hours; regular weekends, holidays and some evenings required.
• Attends bi-weekly department staff meetings and in-services designated for staff
• Completes assigned online safety trainings by the required due date.
• Other duties as assigned

Additional competencies

• Able to interact with multidisciplinary team on the unit throughout the shift and in meetings to convey concerns, observations, and suggestions for resident care.
• Demonstrates ability to problem solve, resolve conflicts, assert ideas, promote a supportive environment, give positive and/or constructive feedback, and to create a positive work environment with team members.
• Able to support resident and family needs regarding the care of residents; includes family members in creating a suitable recreation plan for residents as much as possible; treats all residents and family members fairly and with respect.
• Transports residents for recreation outings as needed using Masonic Home van, cars or people-mover.
• Adheres to Masonic Homes policies and procedures regarding safety; attends any pertinent in-services to stay current on safety measures; practices safety protocol with residents at all times.

Requirements

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of six months to one-year recent experience in a recreation or activity program in a health care setting, which includes experience in caring and programming for the frail elderly and for people with dementia.
• Knowledge of compliance with state and federal laws governing the position, knowledge of Title 22, and experience with MDS.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge and abilities listed, typically:

• Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• Community College Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or equivalent program from an accredited college.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or equivalent program from an accredited college.
• Certification with the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation, (CTRS), or with the California Board of Parks and Recreation, (RTC), or eligibility to sit for the exam with a commitment to becoming certified.
• Must have current BLS and Standard First Aid training with an accredited organization
• Clean driving record required.

Benefits

At Masonic Homes, we are looking for team members who would like to combine their passion for helping people, good communication skills, decision-making skills, and great ethical standards with the opportunities to advance your career.

In return for your skills, you will be offered:

• A work environment focused on teamwork and support
• Excellent health, wage replacement and other benefits for you and your family’s well-being
• A generous contribution to a 401K plan whether or not you participate, and an additional contribution from the company when you participate in the plan
• Investment in your growth through Tuition Reimbursement