Long Term Care Activities Assistant

CALVIN COMMUNITY; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Discounted employee meals

Comprehensive benefits package, including vacation and sick pay

Professional growth and advancement opportunities

Job summary

CALVIN COMMUNITY in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking a compassionate Activities Assistant to enhance the quality of life for older adults. The role involves planning and facilitating recreational activities that promote resident engagement and wellness.

Qualified candidates should have experience working with the elderly, preferably with a background in Recreational Therapy. The position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six (6) months of related experience working with older adults.
• Dependable with the ability to maintain a regular work schedule.
• Demonstrates patience, enthusiasm, creativity, and tact when interacting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Activity Director to plan and organize resident activities.
• Lead and facilitate activities as assigned including group programs.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation of resident participation.

Skills

Experience working with an elderly population

Basic computer proficiency

Strong customer service skills

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment

Fluent in written and spoken English

Education

Preferred degree in Recreational Therapy or a related field

Job description

Long Term Care Activities Assistant

Location: Calvin Community – Des Moines, Iowa

Schedule: Monday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday–Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; one weekend per month required

Position Summary

Calvin Community, a not-for-profit senior living community located in the heart of Des Moines' Beaverdale neighborhood, is seeking a compassionate and energetic Activities Assistant to join our team. Our mission is to serve older adults in a caring faith‑based community that supports their physical, social, spiritual, and psychological well‑being.

The Activities Assistant plays a vital role in enhancing residents' quality of life by helping plan, coordinate, implement, and document recreational and therapeutic activities. This position promotes resident engagement, reduces social isolation, and supports cognitive, emotional, and physical wellness through meaningful programming and personal interactions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Activity Director to plan and organize resident activities and special events.
• Lead and facilitate activities as assigned, including group programs and individual resident engagement opportunities.
• Assist with creating and displaying seasonal, holiday, and themed decorations throughout the community.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation of resident participation and activity records.
• Encourage resident involvement and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, volunteers, and team members.
• Support activities for residents across various levels of care, including long‑term care and memory support.

Qualifications

Education

• Preferred degree in Recreational Therapy or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum of six (6) months of related experience working with older adults.

Skills and Competencies

• Experience working with an elderly population.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Experience using iPads and tablets.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Dependable with the ability to maintain a regular work schedule.
• Demonstrates patience, enthusiasm, creativity, tact, and a cheerful disposition when interacting with residents, families, and coworkers.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Discounted employee meals.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including vacation and sick pay.
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities.

About Calvin Community

Calvin Community proudly provides high-quality, compassionate services in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, long‑term care, and memory support. We are dedicated to helping residents experience health, security, happiness, and a strong sense of community.