Activities Aide

Whitney Rehabilitation Care Center; New Britain (CT); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Grandview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is seeking an Activities Aide to support the Activities Director in planning and delivering a comprehensive program of recreational, social, cognitive, spiritual, and therapeutic activities. You will promote resident-centered care, encourage participation, and ensure compliance with CMS, CT DPH, and facility policies.

The role involves assisting with the monthly activities calendar, leading group activities, providing individualized activities, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience with older adults or individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of dementia-friendly programming preferred.
• Understanding of resident rights and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating activities.
• Lead or assist group activities (games, crafts, music, exercise, movies, and events).
• Provide individualized activities for residents who cannot attend group programs.
• Document attendance and participation accurately.
• Maintain activity areas and prepare supplies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Compassionate

Motivate residents

Creativity

Teamwork

Organization

Documentation

Communication

Flexibility

Resident-centered care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The Activities Aide assists the Activities Director in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive program of meaningful recreational, social, cognitive, spiritual, and therapeutic activities that promote the physical, mental, emotional, and psychosocial well-being of residents. The Activities Aide supports resident-centered care by encouraging participation in individualized and group activities while maintaining compliance with CMS, Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH), and facility policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident Activities

• Assist in implementing the monthly activities calendar.

• Lead or assist with group activities including games, crafts, music, exercise, discussion groups, movies, bingo, holiday celebrations, educational programs, and special events.

• Provide individualized activities for residents unable or unwilling to attend group programs.

• Encourage resident participation while respecting each resident's preferences, rights, and choices.

• Assist residents to and from activity programs as appropriate.

• Promote an atmosphere that is welcoming, engaging, and enjoyable.

Resident Engagement

• Develop positive relationships with residents and families.

• Observe residents during activities and report changes in mood, participation, behavior, or functional status to the Activities Director and nursing staff.

• Encourage socialization and community involvement.

• Assist with outings and special events when scheduled.

Documentation

• Document resident attendance and participation accurately and timely.

• Report resident preferences and activity interests.

• Assist with maintaining activity records as assigned.

• Report concerns regarding residents to the appropriate licensed staff.

Activity Preparation

• Set up and clean activity areas before and after programs.

• Prepare activity supplies and equipment.

• Assist in decorating the facility for holidays and special occasions.

• Maintain activity storage areas in a clean and organized manner.

Safety

• Follow all infection prevention and control practices.

• Observe resident safety during activities.

• Utilize safe transfer techniques consistent with facility policy.

• Immediately report accidents, incidents, hazards, or equipment concerns.

• Maintain a safe and clean activity environment.

Customer Service

• Treat residents, families, visitors, and coworkers with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

• Support resident rights and person-centered care.

• Promote Grandview's mission and values through positive interactions.

Teamwork

• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning as requested.

• Communicate effectively with nursing, therapy, social services, dietary, and other departments.

• Attend required meetings and in-service education.

• Assist with additional activity-related duties as assigned by the Activities Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Experience working with older adults or individuals with disabilities preferred.

• Long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, or recreation experience preferred but not required.

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of resident-centered care.

• Knowledge of dementia-friendly programming is preferred.

• Understanding of resident rights and confidentiality.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Compassionate and patient demeanor.

• Ability to motivate and engage residents with varying physical and cognitive abilities.

• Creativity and enthusiasm.

• Ability to work independent and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Basic computer and documentation skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to assist residents with mobility as permitted by facility policy.

• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and kneel.

• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

Working Conditions

• Works throughout the facility, including resident units, activity rooms, dining areas, outdoor spaces, and community outing locations.

• Exposure to residents with cognitive impairment, dementia, and various medical conditions.

• May be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.

Core Competencies

The Activities Aide is expected to demonstrate:

• Compassion and empathy

• Professionalism

• Reliability and punctuality

• Teamwork

• Effective communication

• Creativity

• Flexibility

• Respect for resident dignity and choice

• Positive attitude

• Commitment to resident-centered care

Performance Expectations

Successful performance will be measured by:

• Consistent attendance and punctuality.

• Positive resident engagement and participation.

• Accurate and timely documentation.

• Compliance with CMS, CT DPH, infection prevention, and facility policies.

• Professional interactions with residents, families, visitors, and staff.

• Maintenance of a safe and organized activity environment.

• Active participation in facility events and quality improvement initiatives.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general duties and responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Grandview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center reserves the right to modify this job description as necessary to meet operational, resident care, and regulatory needs. Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned by the Activities Director or Administrator.