Activities Assistant

Optalis Healthcare (Health & Rehabilitation Centers); Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Optalis Healthcare (Health & Rehabilitation Centers) seeks an Activities Assistant to support the Activities Department in delivering engaging, therapeutic, and recreational programs for residents in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. You will help promote residents’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being through meaningful activities and social interaction.

You will plan and run group activities, lead one-on-one visits, and assist with events, while ensuring safety, infection

Qualifications

• Experience in activities, recreation, healthcare, senior living, or customer service preferred.
• Experience with geriatric residents or memory care needs preferred.
• CTRS or MEPAP training is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative, energetic, compassionate, and dependable personality.
• Basic computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement daily activity programs for residents.
• Lead group activities, one-on-one visits, games, crafts, music, exercise, and events.
• Encourage participation while respecting interests and care plans.
• Prepare activity areas, distribute supplies, and clean up after programs.
• Document resident participation and attendance according to facility procedures.
• Support residents with mobility and transportation to activities as needed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment during activities.
• Communicate resident needs to the Activities Director and interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Creative

Dependable

Education

High school diploma or GED

CTRS or MEPAP training

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

The Activities Assistant supports the Activities Department in providing engaging, therapeutic, and recreational programs for residents within the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. This role helps promote residents’ physical, mental, emotional, and psychosocial well-being through meaningful activities and positive social interaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing daily activity programs for residents.
• Lead and support group activities, one-on-one visits, games, crafts, music, exercise programs, and special events.
• Encourage resident participation while respecting individual interests, abilities, and care plans.
• Assist with community outings, holiday events, and entertainment programs as assigned.
• Prepare activity areas, distribute supplies, and assist with cleanup after programs.
• Document resident participation and attendance according to facility procedures.
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, visitors, and team members.
• Support residents with mobility and transportation to and from activities when needed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment during all activities.
• Follow infection control guidelines, resident rights, and facility safety policies.
• Assist with decorating for seasonal events and facility celebrations.
• Communicate resident needs and concerns to the Activities Director and interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in activities, recreation, healthcare, senior living, or customer service preferred.
• Experience working with geriatric residents or individuals with memory care needs preferred.
• CTRS or MEPAP training is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative, energetic, compassionate, and dependable personality.
• Basic computer skills required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist residents throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift and move activity supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to push wheelchairs and transport residents safely.
• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

Schedule

• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability may be required based on resident programming needs.

Working Conditions

• Skilled nursing and rehabilitation healthcare environment.
• Frequent interaction with elderly residents, including residents with dementia or cognitive impairments.
• Possible exposure to infectious diseases with appropriate PPE and infection control procedures.