Activity/Recreation Assistant

Benchmark-Senior-Living; Scotch Plains (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 holidays

Discounted meals

Paid training

Uniforms

Referral bonus

Wellness programs

401k with company match

Medical, vision & dental benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Vacation and PTO

Job summary

Benchmark Senior Living in Scotch Plains, NJ seeks a compassionate Programming/Activity Assistant to design and run activities that meet the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of residents. You will support the Activity Director in planning and delivering engaging programs across individuals and groups.

The role requires knowledge of aging, dementia care, and recreational activities, with a focus on confidentiality and a positive, collaborative attitude in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and knowledge of aging and disability issues.
• Possesses training and knowledge in recreational activities.
• Possesses training and knowledge of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a seven day a week activity program that is engaging.
• Lead and implement one-on-one, small group and large group activities according to the schedule.
• Support and direct independent activity pursuits in small groups.
• Support residents’ abilities by viewing care through an activity lens.
• Know residents’ background, participation needs, abilities, and cognitive capacity.
• Encourage residents to attend and participate in programming.
• Communicate changes in residents’ condition or behavior to Harbor Care Director.
• Stay with group during excursions.

Skills

Compassionate care

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Recreational activities knowledge

Alzheimer’s/dementias knowledge

Job description

Be part of something new at Scotch Plains!

Connect with your calling. Join, stay, and grow with Benchmark.

We are looking for a compassionate Programming/Activity Assistant to join our team! The Programming/Activity Assistant organizes and implements programs designed to meet the individual needs of our residents. The program is intended to fulfill basic psychological, intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs while promoting self-esteem in a caring, nurturing environment. The Programming/Activity Assistant supports and assists the Activity Director in all necessary programming.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development and implementation of an innovative seven day a week activity program that is engaging
• Responsible for leading and implementing one-on-one, small group and large group activities according to the programming schedule
• Supports, encourages and directs independent activity pursuits, both individually and in small groups
• Supports the resident’s abilities by understanding that all aspects of care can be viewed as an activity
• Demonstrates knowledge about residents in regard to background, participation needs, physical abilities, interests, cognitive capacity and attention span capability
• Encourages and motivates residents to attend and participate in programming and activities
• Communicates any changes in the residents condition or behavior pattern to Harbor Care Director
• Stays with group at all times when on excursions

Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and knowledge of aging and disability issues. Must be qualified by experience and training to develop programs appropriate for elders and disabled individuals
• Possesses training and knowledge in recreational activities
• Possesses training and knowledge of Alzheimer’s and related dementias
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and the community
• Shows a consistent ability to coordinate multiple tasks, demonstrates a positive attitude, and works well under pressure

As a community associate at Benchmark, you will have access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following:

• 8 holidays & 3 floating holidays
• Discounted Meal Program
• Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms
• Associate Referral Bonus Program
• Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs
• 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match*
• Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits*
• Tuition Reimbursement Program*
• Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off*

*Eligibility may vary by employment status

Benchmark Senior Living is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We embrace and encourage our associates’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our associates unique.