Recreation Assistant / Activities Assistant

Bentley Commons; Hackettstown (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee assistance program

Employee referral program

Supportive and team-oriented work

Opportunities to use creativity and de

Job summary

Bentley Commons in Hackettstown, NJ seeks a Recreation Assistant to plan and lead activities that support the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of residents. This hands-on role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with older adults, bringing people together, and creating meaningful daily experiences.

The position offers opportunities to use creativity, develop new programs, and contribute to a supportive and team-oriented environment while serving an important community

Qualifications

• Friendly, energetic, and patient persona.
• Ability to lead groups and encourage participation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing programs.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to pass background screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead individual and group activities for residents.
• Plan and prepare the community activity calendar.
• Facilitate arts and crafts, games, music, and cognitive activities.
• Encourage participation based on interests and abilities.
• Adapt activities for assisted living and memory care residents.
• Assist with events, entertainment, outings, and holidays.

Skills

Friendly demeanor

Group leadership

Communication

Creativity

Teamwork

Punctuality

Background screening clearance

Job description

Commission - $17-19/hr

About the Community

We are seeking an energetic, compassionate Recreation Assistant to join our team.

In this role, you will help plan and lead engaging activities that support the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of our residents. This is a hands-on position for someone who enjoys working with older adults, bringing people together, and creating meaningful daily experiences.

Benefits

• Employee assistance program
• Employee referral program
• Supportive and team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities to use creativity and develop new programs
• Meaningful work serving older adults

What You'll Do

• Lead individual and group activities for residents
• Assist with planning and preparing the community activity calendar
• Facilitate arts and crafts, games, music, discussion groups, cognitive programs, sensory activities, and social events
• Encourage residents to participate based on their interests and abilities
• Adapt activities to meet the needs of assisted living and memory care residents
• Help residents safely travel to and from programs
• Prepare activity spaces and gather required supplies
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe activity areas
• Assist with special events, entertainment, outings, and holiday programs
• Build positive relationships with residents, families, volunteers, and team members
• Observe resident participation and communicate changes or concerns to the Recreation Director
• Follow community policies, safety procedures, and resident confidentiality requirements
• Complete attendance records and other activity documentation as assigned
• Assist with additional resident engagement and community duties as needed

What We're Looking For

• Friendly, energetic, and patient personality
• Genuine interest in working with older adults
• Ability to lead groups and encourage resident participation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Creativity and enthusiasm when developing or leading programs
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience in recreation, activities, senior living, memory care, education, childcare, or a related setting is preferred
• Dependable attendance and punctuality
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and remain active throughout the workday
• Ability to safely lift, push, or pull up to (lifting requirement) pounds
• Ability to successfully complete required background screening
• Must meet all minimum age requirements established by the community and applicable law

At community, residents come first. We are looking for a Recreation Assistant who brings energy, compassion, and creativity to each interaction.

We are an equal opportunity employer.