Activities Assistant

High Desert PACE; Victorville (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

High Desert PACE in Victorville, CA is seeking a compassionate Activities Assistant to support an engaging calendar of programs for frail and elderly participants. You will lead group and 1:1 activities, assist with ADLs, prepare materials, and coordinate with the Recreation Therapist.

The role requires a high school diploma and at least one year of relevant experience; bilingual skills are a strong plus.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with frail or elderly population.
• Preferred: experience designing and implementing recreational activities for the elderly.
• Bi-lingual proficiency in Spanish, Russian, Punjabi, or Hmong highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a calendar of recreational activities for participants.
• Lead and/or assist in activity settings (group and 1:1).
• Facilitate activities such as exercise, arts and crafts, games, and discussions.
• Assist Recreation Therapist with events and outings.
• Prepare and clean up after activities and gather supplies.

Skills

Compassion

Communication

Activity planning

Patience

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Description

High Desert PACE (Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly) seeks a compassionate and energetic Activities Assistant to join our team. The Activities Assistant assists with the implementation of a diverse activities program tailored to the needs, interests, and limitations of our frail and elderly participants, enhancing quality of life, well‑being, and social engagement.

Program Implementation & Support

• Assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive calendar of recreational activities that are engaging and meet the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs and capabilities of participants.
• Lead and/or assist in activity settings: large groups, small groups, and individual activities (1:1’s).
• Facilitate activities such as exercise, arts and crafts, games, and current‑events discussions.
• Assist the Recreational Therapist in organizing and executing special events and scheduled outings.
• Prepare and clean up after activities, including gathering supplies and ensuring activity areas are orderly.

Participant Care & Support

• Assist participants with non‑skilled activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed during activities and throughout the day.
• Support Day Center staff by assisting with lunch service and with arriving participants, as approved by the Center Manager.

Administrative & Operational

• Complete assigned charting and reporting accurately and in a timely manner, as directed by the Recreation Therapist.
• Attend meetings regarding participant care as assigned by the Recreation Therapist.
• Order supplies for the department and assist with maintenance of department equipment within the scope of the position.

Qualifications – Required

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of one year of experience working directly with the frail or elderly population.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Experience designing and implementing recreational activities specifically for the elderly.
• Bi‑lingual proficiency in Spanish, Russian, Punjabi, or Hmong is highly desirable.

Working Conditions

The job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to access all areas of the center throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally, 15 pounds frequently, and 7 pounds constantly; assistance required when lifting or transferring objects over 25 pounds.
• Requires constant hand grasp and finger dexterity; frequent sitting, standing, walking, and repetitive leg and arm movements, occasional bending, reaching forward and overhead, squatting, and kneeling.
• Ability to communicate verbally with excellent comprehension of the English language.
• Work is generally performed in an indoor, well‑lit, well‑ventilated, heated, and air‑conditioned environment.