Life Enrichment Assistant

Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Center; Hudsonville (MI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in elder care is seeking a compassionate Life Enrichment Assistant to enhance the quality of life for residents. This role involves leading engaging activities tailored for individuals with dementia, ensuring their dignity and respect while fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. The ideal candidate will possess a positive attitude, creativity, and a genuine desire to serve the elderly, particularly those facing cognitive challenges. Join a supportive team where your contributions will make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents, while also enjoying opportunities for advancement and a flexible work environment.

Benefits

Opportunity for advancement

Perfect attendance bonus

Flexible spending account

Optional health, dental, and vision insurance

90-day potential pay raise

PTO based on hours worked

401K with company match

Annual pay raise

Paid orientation and training

Qualifications

• Experience with frail elderly, especially those with dementia, is required.
• Must pass state-mandated background screening and drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead activities for residents, including exercise, music, and crafts.
• Coordinate special events and assist with resident engagement.

Skills

Compassion for elderly care

Effective communication

Innovative thinking

Ability to follow directions

Education

Experience with dementia care

Coursework in gerontology

Tools

GEMS: Positive Approach to Dementia Care

Job description

Full time 8:30-4:30

Pay: Hourly range $14-$16

Purpose of This Position

The Life Enrichment Assistant is primarily involved in supporting the life enrichment program in the Terrace and Courtyard. The Life Enrichment Assistant works under the direction of the Life Enrichment Coordinator, yet independently leads activities in the Terrace and Courtyard. Life Enrichment Assistant position availability and hours are occupancy-based and must be approved by the Controller for Heritage Property Management.

Qualifications

The Life Enrichment Assistant is selected based on a positive and respectful attitude toward persons with dementia, maturity, and the ability to deal effectively with the demands of the job. Education and experience relevant to working with frail elderly, particularly those with dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), is required. Coursework or experience in gerontology is preferred. Compassion for serving the frail elderly population, innovative and creative thinking, and the ability to read, write, and carry out directions are essential. Must be able to pass the state-mandated criminal background screening and random drug testing.

Essential Functions

• Familiarity with the GEMS: Positive Approach to Dementia Care.
• Establish GEM boxes for resident active engagement for persons with dementia.
• Direct interaction with individuals, small and large groups of residents in the Terrace and Courtyard. Develop and lead activities for residents including group activities such as exercise, music, reminisce, crafts, manicures, and engagement in household activities like folding laundry, setting the table, washing dishes, sorting silverware, dusting, etc.
• Coordinate with the LEC for special event planning including musical programs, outings, and family events.
• Assist Resident Service Assistants with GEM concepts.
• Prepare activity materials for residents including craft projects, games, puzzles, and manicures.
• Ensure compliance with all Resident Rights including confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned or as may be necessary to meet the goals and objectives of this living center.

General Responsibilities

• Act as a goodwill ambassador for this living center.
• Comply with Life Safety policies and participate in periodic drills.
• Participate in training opportunities.
• Report safety and health hazards to the Maintenance Supervisor.
• Work cooperatively with others on the same shift and across shifts.
• Report to work as scheduled.
• Treat all residents with dignity and respect.
• Observe residents for any change in condition (physical, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral).
• Communicate any change in condition to the Shift Supervisor.
• Comply with infection control protocols.
• Adhere to the guidelines stated in the Employee Handbook.
• Follow the code of conduct included in the Employee Handbook.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Able to lift 20 lbs.
• Able to stand, bend, twist, turn, stoop, squat, sit, kneel, pull, push, and walk long distances on hard surfaces for extended periods.
• Able to perform physically repetitive work and tolerate exposure to cold and hot temperatures.
• Able to work with strong smells and chemicals (such as for manicures).
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with residents, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions in English.
• Emotional stability to handle resident care needs, including chronic illness, challenging behaviors, dementia-related issues, and the death of residents.

What We Offer:

• No wage cap.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Fun staff calendar.
• Perfect attendance bonus.
• Flexible spending account (wage works account).
• Optional health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 90-day potential pay raise (dependent on performance).
• PTO based on hours worked and years of service.
• 401K with company match up to 50% of your contribution of up to 6%.
• Annual pay raise (dependent on performance).
• Paid orientation and training.

Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Centers is licensed by the Michigan Department of Human Services, Office of Child and Adult Licensing as a Home for the Aged. Our staff is carefully selected and trained to unobtrusively monitor each resident and their health - both physical and mental - watching for signs of pain, confusion, inattentiveness to personal hygiene, missed meals, or changes in normal routine.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
Fred Rogers

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