Activity Assistant

Bickford Senior Living; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Voluntary Life and Disability options

401(k) with employer match

Pay available daily

Job summary

Bickford Senior Living is seeking a Montessori Engagement Assistant to support daily activities and Montessori-inspired environments for residents. You will assist the Montessori Engagement Coordinator with planning engaging events, group and 1:1 sessions, and community outings.

The role emphasizes creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative approach to enhance quality of life for seniors, including those with dementia. Full-time position with comprehensive benefits available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in recreation, social services, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with seniors or individuals with dementia preferred; Montessori experience is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, creativity, organization, and ability to work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily Montessori-inspired activities, including group and one-on-one engagement.
• Support preparation and maintenance of Montessori environments, ensuring materials are accessible, purposeful, and inviting.
• Encourage resident independence, choice, and participation in daily routines and activities.
• Provide individualized activities for residents unable to participate in group programs.
• Assist with community outings, including resident supervision, safety, and engagement.
• Support themed meals, holidays, and special events through activity preparation and environmental setup.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of cognitive ramps, resident job boards, and name badges.
• Observe resident interests and report changes or opportunities for engagement to the Coordinator.
• Encourage peers to embrace Montessori-inspired practices.
• Maintain supplies for activities and assist with inventory management.
• Assist with documentation related to resident participation and engagement.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested.
• Adhere to all safety protocols while driving the branch vehicle for outings when assigned.
• Know the unique interests of residents and encourage/assist them to participate in activities, through the use of their My Lifesong/Getting to Know You/Engagement Platform.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Creativity

Organization

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Join our DYNAMIC team at Bickford Senior Living as a Montessori Engagement Assistant!

The Montessori Engagement Assistant assists the Montessori Engagement Coordinator with all things related to resident activities at the Branch. This includes coordinating and providing engaging and purpose-filled events and activities.

This position offers a full suite of benefits options that vary based on employment status. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Full-time employees are eligible for all benefits (medical, dental, vision, and voluntary products)


• Part-time employees (29 or fewer hours per week) are eligible for Voluntary Life, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Identity Protection, and Cyber Monitoring


• Benefits start the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment!


• Prescription savings plans


• All employees are eligible for 401(k) with employer match


• Pay available daily

\"There is no higher calling, no greater purpose than a caregiver. Somehow, we’ve come to believe that caregiving is just for some of us and not all. Yet, at our core, we are all made to love, connect, to extend ourselves in service to others. The question is… do we have the will to love, do what it takes, and risk ourselves in caring, even when the burden is great? In times of happiness and sadness, we are that caregiver\" - www.bickfordseniorliving.com/caregivers-manifesto

Maintain a valid driver’s license and met insurability requirements.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily Montessori-inspired activities, including group and one-on-one engagement.


• Support preparation and maintenance of Montessori environments, ensuring materials are accessible, purposeful, and inviting.


• Encourage resident independence, choice, and participation in daily routines and activities.


• Provide individualized activities for residents unable to participate in group programs.


• Assist with community outings, including resident supervision, safety, and engagement.


• Support themed meals, holidays, and special events through activity preparation and environmental setup.


• Assist in the creation and maintenance of cognitive ramps, resident job boards, and name badges.


• Observe resident interests and report changes or opportunities for engagement to the Coordinator.


• Encourage peers to embrace Montessori-inspired practices.


• Maintain supplies for activities and assist with inventory management.


• Assist with documentation related to resident participation and engagement.


• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested.


• Adhere to all safety protocols while driving the branch vehicle for outings when assigned.


• Know the unique interests of residents and encourage/assist them to participate in activities, through the use of their My Lifesong/Getting to Know You/Engagement Platform.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in recreation, social services, or related field preferred.


• Experience: Experience working with seniors or individuals with dementia preferred. Montessori experience is a plus.


• Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, patience, creativity, organization, and ability to work collaboratively.


• Certifications: Any certification required by the state.

ABOUT BICKFORD SENIOR LIVING:

Bickford Senior Living is a community of caregivers who are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to enrich our resident’s happiness. Founded in 1991 in Olathe, Kansas, by the Eby Family. Mary Bickford, the matriarch of the family, was the first resident of a Bickford Branch and our namesake. That location became the start of a tradition of caring that has extended to over 50 locations in 7 states. Although Bickford Senior Living has grown in size… we pride ourselves in the family environment that is the foundation on which Bickford has served thousands of residents and employees throughout the years.

www.bickfordseniorliving.com/our-story

At Bickford, you will…

Make a Difference Every Day

We are passionate about our mission — to champion quality of life for all seniors. We deliver high-quality care with a personal touch and encourage our residents to enjoy life to the fullest.

Be Part of a Uniquely Supportive Community

The care-focused environment we create for residents extends to our team members. We offer programs, rewards, and benefits to help you live your best.

Ignite Your Potential

We believe potential has no limits. We offer best‑in‑class leadership development programs designed to grow our leaders. We are committed to helping our team members achieve their career goals.

ABOUT BICKFORD SENIOR LIVING:

Bickford Senior Living is a community of caregivers who are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to enrich our resident’s happiness. Founded in 1991 in Olathe, Kansas, by the Eby Family. Mary Bickford, the matriarch of the family, was the first resident of a Bickford Branch and our namesake. That location became the start of a tradition of caring that has extended to over 50 locations in 7 states. Although Bickford Senior Living has grown in size… we pride ourselves in the family environment that is the foundation on which Bickford has served thousands of residents and employees throughout the years.

www.bickfordseniorliving.com/our-story

#CMA/CNA3