Activity Assistant

The Arbors and The Ivy Assisted Living Communities; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health & Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Short & Long-Term Disability

Health & Dependent Care FSA

Paid Holidays/Floating Holiday

Pet Health Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Retirement Account Assistance

Employee Appreciation Programs

Job summary

Arbors/Ivy Assisted Living Community seeks an Activity Assistant to engage residents in activities, escort them, and create an inviting environment where everyone feels comfortable participating. You will support a range of programs and provide meaningful 1:1 visits to residents preferring quieter engagement.

Role requires compassionate, dependable team members who can drive the community van, follow RMV requirements, and help monitor engagement levels for insights shared with the Activity

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1 year experience working with elders (home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing)
• Dependable, compassionate, and team-oriented
• Must meet Registry of Motor Vehicle requirements

Responsibilities

• Engage, escort, and motivate residents to attend activities
• Create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels safe to participate
• Provide meaningful 1:1 visit for residents who prefer quieter engagement
• Support programs including arts, music, exercise, games, spiritual gatherings, lectures, and outings
• Assist residents respectfully and with dignity during activities
• Drive the community van for trips and excursions (must meet RMV requirements)
• Observe engagement levels and communicate insights to the Activity Director
• Support a culture of teamwork and collective ownership

Skills

Compassionate

Team-oriented

Positive attitude

Flexible

Education

Associate’s degree preferred or equivalent experience

Job description

Full-Time / Part-Time | Arbors/Ivy Assisted Living Community

At Arbors/Ivy, we believe seniors deserve joy, connection, and purpose — especially in their later years. We are family-centered, integrity-driven, and committed to creating a vibrant community where residents feel known, valued, and excited about each day.

We are looking for an Activity Assistant who understands something important:

Sometimes “no” really means “I’m unsure.”

Sometimes “I don’t want to go” really means “I’m nervous.”

Your job is not to push — but to warmly, respectfully coax. To gently encourage. To spark curiosity. To help residents feel safe enough to step into fun.

This Role Is Perfect For Someone Who:

• Stays cheerful even when plans change unexpectedly
• Understands that flexibility is part of the job
• Doesn’t get flustered when things are out of their control
• Follows policies and procedures carefully
• Has a genuine heart for seniors and their final chapters
• Is friendly, upbeat, and naturally encouraging
• Knows how to read the room and respond with compassion

Activities don’t always go as planned. Residents may hesitate. Weather may shift. Schedules may change.

Your steady, positive presence is what keeps the energy moving forward.

What You’ll Do

• Engage, escort, and motivate residents to attend activities
• Create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels safe to participate
• Provide meaningful 1:1 visit for residents who prefer quieter engagement
• Support programs including arts, music, exercise, games, spiritual gatherings, lectures, and outings
• Assist residents respectfully and with dignity during activities
• Drive the community van for trips and excursions (must meet RMV requirements)
• Observe engagement levels and communicate insights to the Activity Director
• Support a culture of teamwork and collective ownership

You are not just filling seats.

You are building confidence.

You are helping someone try something new when they’re unsure.

You are protecting joy in a season of life that deeply matters.

You’ll Thrive Here If You:

• Can pivot quickly without losing your positivity
• Stay calm when the unexpected happens
• Believe rules and structure matter
• Naturally encourage others
• Take pride in doing things the right way
• Want your work to have meaning beyond a paycheck

Requirements

• Associate’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
• Minimum 1 year experience working with elders (home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing)
• Dependable, compassionate, and team-oriented
• Must meet Registry of Motor Vehicle requirements

Benefits

• PTO
• Health & Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Health & Dependent Care FSA
• Paid Holidays/Floating Holiday
• Pet Health Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Retirement Account Assistance
• Employee Appreciation Programs

At Arbors/Ivy, we do whatever it takes to create excellence in resident experience. We work hard, support one another, and share plenty of laughter along the way.

If you are flexible, cheerful, rule-following, compassionate — and ready to help seniors step into joy even when they’re hesitant — we would love to meet you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.