Activity Assistant (CNA) - Aurora, IL

High-Point-Residence; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

High Point Residence Fox Valley is seeking a compassionate, energetic Activity Assistant to support our Resident Engagement team. This CNA role offers leadership growth and senior living career development as you plan and lead meaningful programs for residents.

Primary duties include coordinating daily activities, transporting residents via the community bus, and collaborating with nursing, dietary, and other departments to ensure a positive resident experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and ability to operate community bus.
• Experience with older adults in supportive living, assisted living, long-term care, healthcare, or recreation programming.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to lift, bend, stand, and assist residents as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and lead daily recreational, educational, social, and wellness activities.
• Drive the community bus for shopping trips, outings, appointments, and events while ensuring safety.
• Escort residents during outings and provide assistance as needed.
• Support community outings, holidays, events, and resident engagement programs.
• Encourage participation and foster dignity, independence, and meaningful connections.
• Collaborate with nursing, dietary, social services and other departments.
• Maintain activity calendars, attendance, inventories, and program documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

High Point Residence Fox Valley is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and organized Activity Assistant to support our Resident Engagement team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who is looking to expand their skills, take on additional leadership responsibilities, and grow their career in senior living.

Working alongside the Resident Engagement Director and community leadership, the Activity Assistant will help plan, coordinate, and lead meaningful programs that promote social engagement, physical wellness, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being.

A significant portion of this role includes transporting residents in the community bus for shopping trips, community outings, appointments, and special events. The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with residents, is comfortable driving a passenger bus, and is committed to ensuring every outing is safe, engaging, and enjoyable.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist with planning, organizing, and leading daily recreational, educational, social, and wellness activities.

Drive the community bus to transport residents for shopping trips, community outings, appointments, and special events while ensuring resident safety at all times.

Escort residents during outings and provide assistance as needed.

Support community outings, holiday celebrations, special events, and resident engagement programs.

Encourage resident participation while promoting dignity, independence, and meaningful connections.

Build positive relationships with residents, families, volunteers, and team members.

Assist with decorating community spaces for holidays, events, and seasonal celebrations.

Help maintain activity calendars, attendance records, supply inventories, and program documentation.

Observe resident interests and provide feedback to enhance programming.

Assist with volunteer coordination and community partnerships.

Work collaboratively with nursing, dietary, social services, and other departments to provide a positive resident experience.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of resident engagement and community operations.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to safely operate the community bus.

Previous experience working with older adults in supportive living, assisted living, long-term care, healthcare, or recreational programming.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to lift, bend, stand, and assist residents throughout the day as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience assisting with activity programming, therapeutic recreation, or event planning.

Previous experience driving a passenger van or community bus is preferred.

Knowledge of dementia-friendly and person-centered engagement techniques.

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, creative, compassionate, and dependable with a passion for enriching the lives of older adults. This is an outstanding opportunity for a CNA looking to transition into a leadership-focused role while continuing to make a meaningful impact on residents' daily lives through engagement, relationship-building, and purposeful programming. If you enjoy spending time with residents, getting out into the community, and helping create memorable experiences, we'd love to meet you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

High Point Residence Fox Valley is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.