About this role
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Activities Assistant plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of residents within the facility. This position involves planning, coordinating, and facilitating a variety of recreational, social, and therapeutic activities tailored to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the residents. The Activities Assistant works closely with and reports to the Activities Director to create a stimulating and engaging environment that promotes social interaction, mental stimulation, and overall enjoyment for residents.
Responsibilities:
Activity Planning: Collaborate with the Activities Director to plan and organize a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests, abilities, and preferences of the residents.
Program Implementation: Lead and facilitate group and individual activities, which may include games, crafts, music sessions, exercise classes, educational programs, and social events.
Engagement and Interaction: Foster positive relationships with residents by actively engaging in conversations, listening to their stories, and encouraging participation in activities that promote socialization.
Therapeutic Engagement: Utilize therapeutic techniques to engage residents with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's or dementia, in meaningful and beneficial activities.
Assessment: Observe residents' reactions and adapt activities based on their feedback and individual needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Event Coordination: Assist in organizing special events and celebrations, coordinating logistics, decorations, and refreshments.
Resource Management: Assist in managing and maintaining activity supplies, equipment, and resources to ensure a well-equipped and organized environment.
Safety and Supervision: Ensure the safety and well-being of residents during activities, providing assistance as needed and addressing any concerns promptly.
Communication: Regularly communicate with families and caregivers to share updates on residents' participation and progress, fostering a sense of community involvement.
Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about new trends and best practices in therapeutic recreation and activity planning, and incorporate innovative ideas into the program.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certifications in recreational therapy, activity planning, or a related field is preferred.
Experience working in a healthcare or geriatric setting, especially in activities or recreation, is advantageous.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
Empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in improving the lives of elderly individuals.
Creative and resourceful approach to designing and adapting activities for varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team, and to multitask effectively.
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures related to activities involving seniors.
Other facts
About University of Vermont Health Network
Working together to better serve our communities makes us stronger, focused on collaboration instead of competition. As a team, The University of Vermont Health Network improves the lives of our patients by delivering outstanding care cost-effectively, as close to patients' homes as possible.
Our hospitals and physicians are bringing the best of community and academic medicine together, sharing their knowledge and resources to give patients access to leading-edge technology, advanced treatment options and the highest level of compassionate care are the heart and science of medicine.
The University of Vermont Health Network cares for communities on both sides of Lake Champlain, from the Adirondacks to the Green Mountains and beyond. Members include:
The University of Vermont Medical Center, formerly known as Fletcher Allen Health Care, and affiliated with the University of Vermont Colleges of Medicine and Nursing and Health Sciences
Alice Hyde Medical Center
Central Vermont Medical Center
Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
Elizabethtown Community Hospital
Our network was created in October 2011 when Fletcher Allen in Burlington, Vermont, and Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, Vermont, signed an affiliation agreement. In January 2013, New York partners Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh and Elizabethtown Community Hospital in Elizabethtown joined the affiliation. In 2016, Alice Hyde Medical Center joined. The network was originally called Fletcher Allen Partners.
What you'll do
- The Activities Assistant is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating recreational, social, and therapeutic activities for residents. They work closely with the Activities Director to create an engaging environment that promotes social interaction and mental stimulation.
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