Activity Assistant

Waterview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (1); New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in New York, NY is seeking an Activity Assistant to support the Director of Activities by planning, organizing, and implementing engaging recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities for residents in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting.

You will help lead a diverse calendar of daily and weekly programs, encourage participation, coordinate with other departments, and provide meaningful one-on-one engagement while maintaining

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience with seniors in healthcare settings is preferred.
• Patience, compassion, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in working with the elderly.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and conducting a calendar of daily and weekly activities.
• Lead arts, crafts, games, music, and movement programs.
• Encourage resident participation based on individual interests and care plans.
• Support residents one-on-one and help with activity setup and cleanup.
• Maintain activity supplies and coordinate with other departments.

Skills

Patience

Compassion

Creativity

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Resident-centered care

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Activity Assistant

Department: Activities / Recreation
Reports To: Director of Activities
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Location: Waterview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Position Summary

The Activity Assistant supports the Director of Activities in planning, organizing, and implementing engaging recreational, social, educational, cultural, and therapeutic activities for residents in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.

The Activity Assistant plays an important role in enhancing residents’ quality of life by encouraging participation, promoting social interaction, supporting individual interests and abilities, and creating a welcoming and stimulating environment for residents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and conducting a diverse calendar of daily and weekly resident activities.

• Lead or assist with activities including:

  • Arts and crafts

  • Bingo and games

  • Music and entertainment programs

  • Exercise and movement programs

  • Movies and television programs

  • Trivia and educational programs

  • Holiday and cultural celebrations

  • Pet therapy and special events

  • Birthday and resident recognition programs

  • Social gatherings and group discussions

• Encourage residents to participate in activities based on their individual interests, preferences, abilities, and care plans.

• Provide one-on-one activities and meaningful engagement for residents who are unable or prefer not to participate in group programs.

• Assist residents to and from activity programs as appropriate and in accordance with facility safety procedures.

• Set up and clean activity areas before and after programs.

• Maintain activity supplies, equipment, and inventory in an organized manner.

• Assist with decorating common areas and activity spaces for holidays, special events, and seasonal programs.

• Develop positive relationships with residents and encourage socialization and community involvement.

• Observe residents during activities and communicate changes in mood, behavior, participation, or needs to the appropriate staff.

• Document resident participation and activity-related information accurately and timely, as required.

• Assist with maintaining resident activity records and documentation in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.

• Work collaboratively with nursing, social services, rehabilitation, dietary, and other departments to support resident-centered care.

• Assist with special events, entertainment, resident outings, and community programs.

• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and person-centered environment for all residents.

• Ensure activities are conducted in a safe manner and follow infection prevention and facility safety protocols.

• Maintain confidentiality of resident information and comply with HIPAA and facility policies.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Activities or Administrator.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Previous experience working with seniors, particularly in a nursing home, assisted living facility, adult day care, or healthcare setting, preferred.

• Experience in recreational activities, arts and crafts, music, entertainment, or group programming is a plus.

• Must demonstrate patience, compassion, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in working with the elderly.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with residents with varying physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of an interdisciplinary team.

• Must be dependable, organized, energetic, and able to manage multiple activities and responsibilities.

• CPR certification or other applicable certifications may be required according to facility policy.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.

• Ability to assist with setting up and transporting activity supplies and equipment.

• Ability to assist residents with mobility to and from activities within the scope of the position and facility policies.

• Ability to lift and carry activity supplies as required.

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Key Competencies

• Compassion and empathy

• Creativity and enthusiasm

• Patience

• Communication skills

• Teamwork

• Reliability and dependability

• Organization and time management

• Resident-centered approach

• Professionalism

• Ability to motivate and engage residents

Our Commitment

The Activity Assistant is an important member of our interdisciplinary team and contributes directly to creating a positive resident experience. The successful candidate will help ensure that residents have meaningful opportunities for socialization, recreation, personal expression, and enjoyment throughout their stay.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment.