Activity/Recreation Assistant

Benchmark Senior Living; Scotch Plains (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 holidays & 3 floating holidays

Discounted Meal Program

Paid Training & Uniforms

Associate Referral Bonus Program

Physical & Mental Health Wellness

401k Matching

Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO & Wellness Leave

Job summary

Benchmark Senior Living is expanding with a brand‑new community in Scotch Plains, NJ. We seek a compassionate Programming/Activity Assistant to design activities that meet residents’ physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs.

You will support the Activity Director, coordinate seven‑day programs, and foster meaningful connections while upholding a high standard of care in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and knowledge of aging and disability issues.
• Experience or training in recreational activities for elders is required.
• Knowledge of Alzheimer’s and related dementias is expected.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a seven‑day-a‑week activity program that is engaging.
• Lead one‑on‑one, small group and large group activities per the schedule.
• Support independent activities and encourage participation.
• Consider residents’ backgrounds and abilities when planning activities.
• Communicate changes in residents’ condition to the Harbor Care Director.
• Stay with group during excursions and ensure safety at all times.

Skills

Recreational activities

Alzheimer's & dementias knowledge

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Be Part of Something New in Scotch Plains!

We’re growing and we’re excited to bring our next community to Scotch Plains, New Jersey! Building on the strength of our 70 communities, this brand-new location marks an exciting milestone as we trailblaze our expansion into New Jersey and continue growing our presence. This is more than an opportunity to join a growing company, it’s a chance to help build something from the ground up. As one of the founding team members at our Scotch Plains community, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape the culture, create meaningful connections, and set the standard for an exceptional experience from day one. If you’re energized by growth, excited by new beginnings, and ready to make your mark as we expand our family of communities, we’d love for you to be part of what’s next.

Benchmark at Scotch Plains is looking for a compassionate Programming/Activity Assistants 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.