Activities Assistant, Long Term Care - Part time

sanford; Windom (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Sanford Health in Minnesota is seeking a part-time Activities Specialist to coordinate and lead resident activities in a rural health setting. You will schedule and facilitate group and one-on-one activities, including crafts, games, and spiritual programs, to enhance residents' quality of life.

This role requires strong communication, empathy for older adults, and the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. CNA preferred and CPR/BLS as required by location.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in social services or creative activities preferred.
• Experience in geriatrics preferred.
• Knowledge of working with a diverse resident demographic.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required based on location.
• CPR training for new employees within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Administers the monthly activity calendar.
• Regularly solicits input from patients/residents for activity planning.
• Plan and oversee activities to support dignity and identity.
• Assist with transporting patients/residents to and from rooms.
• Document attendance, participation, and observations in EPIC/MDS as required.
• Communicate resident needs and behavioral changes to the interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain supplies, equipment, calendars, and communication materials.
• Follow infection control, safety, confidentiality, and abuse policies.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Creativity

Independence

Dementia knowledge

Education

High school graduate

CNA certification preferred

Healthcare related program enrollment preferred

CPR training within 6 months of hire

Job description

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Work Shift

8 Hours - Varied Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours

24

Compensation

Salary Range: $19.09 - $19.09

Additional pay for weekends!

Union Position

No

Department Details

• Encourage resident participation in activities based on personal interests, abilities, and preferences.
• Lead group activities such as games, crafts, exercise programs, music, discussion groups, bingo, spiritual programs, and special events.
• Provide one-to-one visits and individualized activities for residents unable or unwilling to attend group programs.
• Transport residents to and from activities using appropriate safety procedures.
• Document resident attendance, participation, responses, and activity-related observations in accordance with facility policies.
• Communicate resident preferences, needs, and behavioral changes to the interdisciplinary team.
• Help maintain activity supplies, equipment, bulletin boards, calendars, and resident communication materials.
• Follow infection control, resident rights, safety, confidentiality, and abuse prevention policies.
• Ability to work with elderly individuals, including those with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to motivate and engage residents.
• Understanding of person-centered care principles.
• Ability to maintain resident confidentiality and dignity, creativity and enthusiasm in planning and conducting activities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of dementia-friendly activity approaches preferred.

Summary

Strives to improve the quality of life for the patients/residents by providing appropriate, meaningful activities and interventions on a one-on-one and/or group basis.

Job Description

• Administers the monthly activity calendar.
• Regularly elicits patients/residents input into activity planning and keeps activities well organized and upbeat, following all state required activities such as music, craft and spiritual activities.
• Partakes in activities appropriate for the patient/department and residents in order to support and ensure functioning at an optimal level while also maintaining dignity and identity.
• Assists with simple nursing procedures and transporting patients/residents to and from rooms.
• Assists with Minimum Data Set's (MDS's)/EPIC's documentation.
• Displays creativity and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrates the ability to follow written and verbal instructions while working under close supervision.
• Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities to develop and motivate people.
• Possesses the ability to work with strong willed patients/residents and/or behavioral issues.
• Maintains strong critical thinking skills and problem solving skills.
• Prioritizes responsibilities while working autonomously.
• Plans and oversees the utilization of resources and designs of work processes.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in social services or creative activities are preferred.
• Experience in geriatrics preferred.
• Knowledge of working with a wide variety of resident demographics.
• Preferred current Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) certification or currently enrolled as a student in a healthcare related program preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required based on location.
• Depending on location, all new employees will attend CPR training, and must be certified within six months of hire.
• Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications.
• Depending on location, this role classifies as a Sanford Category I or II Driver requiring a motor vehicle report and proof of valid driver's license.
• Also must be medically qualified to perform the essential driving functions of this position as per our Sanford Driving Policy.

EEO Statement

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.