Full-Time Activity/Recreation Assistant

Benchmark Senior Living; Newtown (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 holidays & 3 floating holidays

Discounted Meal Program

Paid Training & Company-provided Unif​

Associate Referral Bonus Program

Physical & Mental Health Wellness Pro​

401k Retirement Plan with Company Matc

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid T​

Job summary

Benchmark Senior Living is seeking a compassionate Programming/Activity Assistant at Newtown to organize and implement activities meeting the residents’ physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs. You will support the Activity Director in planning and delivering a seven-day program in a nurturing environment.

The role requires knowledge of aging, experience in recreational activities, and sensitivity to Alzheimer’s/dementia care. A high school diploma or higher is required.

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of aging and disability issues.
• Experience and training to develop programs for elders and disabled individuals.
• Training and knowledge in recreational activities and Alzheimer’s/dementias.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an innovative seven-day-a-week activity program.
• Lead one-on-one, small group, and large group activities according to schedule.
• Encourage and direct independent activity pursuits for residents.
• Support residents’ abilities by viewing care as an activity.
• Demonstrate knowledge of residents’ backgrounds and needs.
• Encourage residents to participate in programming.
• Communicate changes in residents’ condition or behavior to Harbor Care Director.
• Stay with group during excursions.

Skills

Recreational activities

Confidentiality

Task coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree (related field)

Job description

Benchmark at Newtown, 2 The Blvd, Newtown, Connecticut, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 4:00 AM

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

We are 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*
• 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.

Benchmark at Newtown, 2 The Blvd, Newtown, Connecticut, United States of America