Life Enrichment Aide

North Central Health Care; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

On-site bistro/cafeteria

Pharmacy on-site

Life insurance

Accident insurance

Hospital insurance

Employee assistance program

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

Job summary

North Central Health Care is seeking a Life Enrichment Aide to develop and lead engaging activities for residents. The role supports social, emotional, and cognitive well-being through organized and spontaneous programs, in group and one-on-one settings.

The position is full-time, in person, with benefits including PTO, insurance, and a Wisconsin retirement plan. The work hours are 11:30am–8:00pm, with every 3rd weekend and 32 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in activities, recreation, or social programming.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges.
• Must meet insurability requirements for vehicle insurance.
• Must be authorized to operate a vehicle and transport clients as required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead group, small group, sensory, and one-on-one activity programs to encourage socialization and enjoyment.
• Tailor programming to varying cognitive and functional levels, including dementia care.
• Motivate and engage residents with creative, therapeutic approaches.
• Support spiritual, recreational, intellectual, and emotional activities aligned with person-centered care.
• Coordinate events, outings, and special days to foster connection and enjoyment.
• Prepare and sanitize materials and ensure setup and cleanup for activities.

Job description

The Life Enrichment Aide assists in developing and implementing engaging, person-centered activity programs to meet the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs of residents. This position supports meaningful engagement and improved quality of life through structured and spontaneous activities, both in group settings and one-on-one interactions. Duties may also include limited CNA support tasks, transportation for outings, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team members to promote holistic resident well-being.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The starting pay range for this role is $19.40 - $21.13, based on education and experience, plus $1.50 shift differential for all hours worked between 2:00pm and 6:00am.
• The hours for this role are 11:30am – 8:00pm, including every 3 rd weekend and working 32 hours per week.
• This position is full-time and in person.
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on-site bistro and cafeteria, pharmacy, newly updated facility, life insurance, accident insurance, hospital insurance, employee assistance program, and more.
• As a full-time employee of NCHC, you would be eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What Qualifies You:

Required:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in activities, recreation, or social programming.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment and have use of a personal vehicle.
• Must meet and continue to meet all requirements for insurability under the organization's vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be authorized to operate any vehicle and transport clients, patients, or staff as required by the position.

Preferred:

• Current BLS certification
• Minimum of 1 year experience planning and executing activities with geriatric residents in a care setting.

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

What a Life Enrichment Aide Does at NCHC:

• Plan, prepare, and lead group, small group, sensory, and one-on-one activity programs that encourage socialization, self-expression, and enjoyment.
• Tailor programming to meet residents’ varying functional and cognitive levels, particularly within the dementia program.
• Motivate and engage residents using creative, therapeutic, and individualized approaches.
• Support spiritual, recreational, intellectual, and emotional activities consistent with person-centered care.
• Coordinate and lead special events, theme days, and community outings to foster connection and enjoyment.
• Prepare materials and ensure proper setup and cleanup for activities.
• Encourage independent leisure by providing individualized materials or adaptive tools.
• Assist residents with meals, mobility, transfers, and toileting needs as appropriate.
• Maintain required CNA documentation and comply with care standards and privacy regulations.
• Provide support and supervision during community events and offsite programs.
• Accurately document resident attendance, engagement levels, and observations in Matrix or other approved systems.
• Report behavioral or condition changes promptly to nursing or supervisory staff.
• Participate in care planning discussions as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and facility privacy standards.
• Assist with housekeeping related to programming areas (cleaning tables, sanitizing materials, tidying rooms).
• Maintain safe and organized program environments.
• Assist with facility decorations, event setups, and seasonal displays.
• All other duties as assigned.

About North Central Health Care:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments.We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers to learn more.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.