Activities Aide Optalis Leonard

Optalis Healthcare (Health & Rehabilitation Centers); Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Optalis Healthcare (Health & Rehabilitation Centers) in Grand Rapids, MI seeks an Activity Aide to plan and implement engaging recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities for residents. You will collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation, dietary, and social services to promote participation, dignity, and well-being, while complying with safety and infection control policies.

Preference given to those with a high school diploma or GED and experience with seniors or memory care;

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience with seniors or memory care preferred.
• Customer service, hospitality, or activity programming experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement daily activity programs for residents.
• Encourage resident participation in individual and group activities.
• Transport residents to activities using safety procedures.
• Lead or assist with games, crafts, exercise programs, music, and events.
• Document attendance and resident responses to activities.
• Maintain activity supplies, inventory, and equipment.
• Collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation, dietary, and social services to meet resident needs.
• Observe mood/behavior and report concerns promptly to staff.
• Follow infection control, safety, confidentiality, and resident rights policies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Compassionate care

Group facilitation

Creativity

Teamwork

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Activity Aide assists in planning, organizing, and implementing recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities that enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents. This position promotes resident engagement, independence, dignity, and social interaction while supporting the facility's mission and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the development and implementation of daily activity programs for residents.
• Encourage resident participation in individual and group activities.
• Transport residents to and from activities as needed using appropriate safety procedures.
• Set up and clean up activity areas, equipment, and supplies.
• Lead or assist with games, crafts, exercise programs, music, social events, and community outings.
• Visit residents who are unable or unwilling to attend group activities and provide one‑on‑one engagement.
• Document resident attendance, participation, and responses to activities.
• Assist in decorating the facility for holidays, special events, and resident celebrations.
• Maintain activity supplies, inventory, and equipment.
• Work collaboratively with nursing, rehabilitation, dietary, social services, and other departments to meet resident needs.
• Observe residents for changes in mood, behavior, or condition and report concerns promptly to nursing staff.
• Ensure activities are conducted in a safe, respectful, and inclusive manner.
• Follow infection control, safety, confidentiality, and resident rights policies.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Experience working with seniors, long‑term care residents, memory care residents, or individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Previous customer service, hospitality, recreation, or activity programming experience is beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassionate, patient, and resident‑focused approach.
• Ability to lead small groups and motivate participation.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for planning engaging activities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently walk, stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Push wheelchairs and transport residents safely throughout the facility.
• Ability to participate in recreational activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Working Conditions

• Long‑term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or assisted living environment.
• Exposure to residents with varying physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• May include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on activity schedules and special events.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification preferred but not required.
• Dementia training or experience preferred when serving memory care populations.

Job Goal

To enrich residents' lives by providing meaningful activities that support physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive well‑being while fostering a vibrant and engaging community environment.

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