Assisted Living Activities Assistant

Sunnyside Communities

Harrisonburg (VA)

On-site

USD 18,000 - 25,000

Full time

34 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and leave

Medical plan options

Dental and vision coverage

Life insurance and disability

401(k) plan with match

Tuition and license reimbursement

On-site wellness center access

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Sunnyside Communities in Harrisonburg, VA seeks an Assisted Living Activities Assistant to support therapeutic recreation programs for residents. You will lead activities, assist with dining service, and help with transportation and documentation under the Life Enrichment Coordinator.

Ideal candidates show genuine care for older adults, strong hospitality skills, and the ability to work flexible shifts including some weekends. On-site role with emphasis on safety and resident well-being.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required.
Prior experience with older adults or in long-term care preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively with older adults with varying abilities.
Sincere interest in working with the elderly population.
CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain.
Valid Virginia driver’s license with ability to meet driver eligibility requirements.
Proficiency with personal computers; Canva and Microsoft Office familiarity preferred.
Ability to lift, carry, and push up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Responsibilities

Lead a minimum of three well-planned activities per week that encourage social interaction and stimulation.
Prepare rooms, equipment, and supplies for activities and assist with volunteers.
Facilitate weekday, evening, and weekend events as scheduled.
Provide individualized engagement based on resident interests and needs.
Escort residents to and from activities and maintain resident safety.
Maintain accurate daily activity documentation including attendance and 1:1 visits.
Communicate with the Life Enrichment Coordinator about resident needs and changes in health.
Assist with dining and food service, including taking orders and serving meals.
Follow menus and dietary information; ensure safety and sanitation standards.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

Experience with older adults

Effective communication

Hospitality-oriented service

CPR and First Aid certification

Virginia driver’s license

Microsoft Office familiarity

Canva familiarity

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canva

Job description

Assisted Living Activities Assistant

Job Type: Full-time

Community: Sunnyside - Harrisonburg

Department: Activities

Reports To: Life Enrichment Coordinator

Schedule: Shifts are 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Schedule days will vary, and every other weekend is required.

Starting pay will vary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

As an Activities Assistant in Assisted Living, you will help create a vibrant and enriching environment for residents by assisting with a variety of therapeutic recreation programs that promote social, emotional, and physical well-being. Responsibilities include preparing and leading activities, setting up rooms and equipment, facilitating events, transporting and escorting residents to activities, providing one-on-one engagement, and maintaining accurate documentation of resident participation. You will work closely with the Life Enrichment Coordinator and report positive or negative changes in residents’ conditions, health, or behavior.

This position may also assist with resident dining and food service, including meal service, food preparation, sanitation, food storage, and supporting residents with varying dietary needs.

Essential Duties

Lead a minimum of three well-planned activities per week that encourage social interaction and provide social, physical, and emotional stimulation.
Prepare rooms, equipment, and supplies for activities and assist with volunteers.
Facilitate weekday, evening, and weekend events as scheduled.
Provide individualized engagement based on resident interests and needs.
Escort residents to and from activities as needed and help ensure resident safety.
Maintain accurate daily activity documentation, including attendance, participation, and 1:1 visits.
Communicate regularly with the Life Enrichment Coordinator regarding resident needs, concerns, program updates, and changes in health or behavior.
Build professional relationships with residents, families, guests, volunteers, and staff.
Assist with dining and food service, including taking orders, serving food, refilling drinks, bussing tables, and providing hospitality-focused service.
Follow menus, dietary information, allergies, resident preferences, portion sizes, and required food preparation methods.
Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized activity, dining, and food service areas.
Follow food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, confidentiality, and HIPAA requirements.
Operate activity, audiovisual, office, and other equipment as needed.
Assist with purchasing activity supplies and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required.
Prior experience working with older adults or in long-term care, including individuals with dementia, preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively with older adults with varying mental and physical abilities.
Sincere interest in working with the elderly population.
Creative, positive, energetic, organized, and patient.
Strong customer service skills with a hospitality-focused approach.
Ability to maintain confidential information and protect resident privacy.
CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain certification.
Valid Virginia driver's license and ability to meet driver eligibility requirements. May drive a 14-passenger wheelchair bus with appropriate approval and training.
Proficiency with personal computers and general office equipment; familiarity with Microsoft Office and Canva preferred.
Ability to lift, carry, and push equipment, supplies, and materials weighing up to 50 lbs. occasionally.