Activity Assistant

Avenir Senior Living; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Avenir Senior Living in Nanaimo is seeking a dedicated Activities Assistant to support the Director of Activities in planning and coordinating resident activities. The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and experience working with seniors, bringing knowledge of their special needs.

This role involves scheduling activities, assisting in special events planning, and maintaining supplies. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks are essential. Avenir offers a supportive environment with a focus on health and well-being.

Qualifications

• One year of activities/life enrichment experience working with seniors.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and patience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with scheduling and coordinating all resident activities.
• Prepare and distribute program contents weekly.
• Plan and coordinate special events including holidays.
• Maintain adequate supplies of books and games.
• Transport residents to appointments and outings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of special needs of residents

Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite

Patience and sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Personal Computer

General office equipment

Job description

Located on the northwestern tip of Long Lake, Nanaimo Memory Care is an 83-bed beautiful residential complex care community. Offering resident‑centered care with a specialized focus on our award‑winning Avenir Alzheimer’s program. Designed to encourage interaction and independence while concentrating on meeting residents’ unique needs by promoting their individuality and enhancing their health and spiritual well‑being.

This community will be the first stand‑alone memory care residence available to seniors living with dementia on Vancouver Island. Residents will benefit from Nanaimo Memory Care’s neighbourhood design concept and secure home‑like environment. Alzheimer’s‑trained licensed professional staff on site 24 hours a day conduct meaningful engagements personalized to each resident’s preferences. Our residents will enjoy elegantly furnished private and semi‑private suites with a personal bathroom.

Job Description

Position Summary: Responsible for assisting the Director of Activities in planning, scheduling and coordinating meaningful activities appropriate to the needs and interests of residents and conducive to their physical, mental and social well‑being. Help to ensure the activity programs are appropriately presented by staff.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist the Director of Activities with scheduling and coordinating all resident activities on a monthly basis.
• Assist with preparation and distribution of weekly program contents.
• Assist with gathering information, articles, and photos for newsletter.
• Assist with planning and coordinating special events, including events for seasonal holidays.
• Assist in planning and conducting arts program, entertainment for special events, monthly birthday parties, group games, weekly religious services and individual independent activities.
• Assist the Director in maintaining an adequate supply of books, puzzles, magazines and games.
• Assist the Director in training all staff on activity‑related programs.
• May be responsible for transporting residents to appointments, as well as regular and special recreational outings.
• Assist the Director in communicating information to the Nursing department regarding activity ability changes in status that may require resident Care Plan updates.
• Report all program policy/procedures discrepancies to the Director of Activities.

Community Values:

• We greet residents, employees and guests warmly, by name and with a smile.
• We treat everyone with courteous respect.
• We strive to anticipate resident, employee and guest needs and act accordingly.
• We listen and respond enthusiastically in a timely manner.
• We hold ourselves and one another accountable.
• We embrace and value our differences.
• We make residents, employees and guests feel important.
• We ask "Is there anything else I can do for you?".
• We maintain high levels of professionalism, both in conduct and appearance, at all times.
• We pay attention to details.

Qualifications

Education Required (Preferred):

High school diploma or equivalent in education, trading and experience

Year/Months of Experience:

One year activities/life enrichment experience working with seniors

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of special needs of residents (physical, mental and social)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite products
• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat and/or Adobe Reader

Special Requirements (if applicable):

• Must have strong interpersonal skills working with seniors; ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• Must possess patience and sensitivity to others’ needs.
• Ability to work with community groups.
• Willingness to work beyond normal working hours.
• May be subject to infectious diseases, substances and contaminated articles.
• Doctor’s statement verifying free from communicable disease.
• Must possess current and valid driver’s license consistent with the requirements determined by size of vehicle and laws of the state in which the driver is licensed.
• Must possess personal driving record consistent with the requirements of Avenir Senior Living Fleet policy.

Additional Information

List tools, equipment, machine used on the job:

• Personal Computer
• General office equipment: printer, copier, scanner, fax machine, pager, telephone, digital camera

Physical activities of the position:

• Lifts and carries up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Pushes and pulls up to 100 lbs. occasionally.
• Climbs, reaches, bends and twists occasionally (outside activities).
• Talks and listens frequently.
• Sits 2 hours per day; stands and walks 6 hours per day (combined) – 8 hours day.

Physical requirements of the job:

• Light work – exerts up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

Visual acuity requirements, including color, depth perception, and field of vision:

Clerical/Administrative – including the work of people who do analysis of data, work at a computer terminal, read.

Environmental Factors:

Worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.