Primary Function   

The Life Enrichment Assistant, under the direction of the Recreation Coordinator, is responsible for the provision of life enrichment activities and services to residents/participants by assisting the Recreation Coordinator in implementing a person-centered activity program specifically designed to meet the social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental needs of the people who live at Tsali Care Center, following established standards, policies and federal regulations.

Job Description   

• Participates in the establishment, interpretation and implementation of life enrichment philosophies, objectives and policies.
• Plans and conducts individualized activities for residents/participants as assigned.
• Prepares and conducts one-to-one activities when required and as assigned.
• Prepares and conducts one-to-one and/or bedside activities in support of residents’ activity-related care plan goals.
• Plans and conducts group activities for residents/participants as assigned.
• Prepares and conducts large and small group activities to include, but not limited to, music, church groups, Bingo, exercise, food-related socials/parties, reminiscing, Wii programs, educational programs, computer applications (including e-mail and SKYPE), planned outings, special programs, events, pet visits, garden groups and other evening and/or weekend groups or programs in support of residents’ activity related care plans.
• Prepares and performs holiday celebrations for religious and non-religious occasions.  
• Assists in the transport of residents/participants on special outings as assigned.
• Invites and motivates residents to participate in activities, assisting residents to and from activities as needed.
• Assists in keeping bulletin boards up-to-date by posting and removing notices.
• Maintains confidentiality and safeguards residents’ rights, including the right to refuse to participate in activities.
• Adheres/reflects CIH’s mission, vision, values and customer service standards in daily interactions and behaviors.
• Interact with internal and external customers / clients in a polite and professional manner.
• Transports and accompanies residents to, from and during activities.
• Distribute and/or assist with the distribution of resident’s mail as needed.
• Makes announcements to residents over the PA system and distributes activity calendars when appropriate.
• Considers resident’s needs and ensures the room is comfortable based on temperature, set up, seating arrangements, and sounds. Makes adjustments as necessary to ensure resident satisfaction.
• Completes room set up and clean up for each activity to include moving furniture into specific design layout, setting up and testing sound and visual equipment, etc. Sets out all necessary supplies for the activity.
• Introduces the beginning of the activity and uses creative means to adapt the activity and interact with residents during planned activity to create rapport and successful engagement in meaningful participation for the resident.
• Offers feedback to the Recreation Coordinator to conduct resident assessments in a timely manner.  
• Understands the importance of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Care Plans in conjunction with the care plan schedule. Assist with interviewing residents for Section F of the MDS.
• Interviews residents to collect information for the Activity Admission Interview form and the Activity Assessment.
• Assist with an evaluation of each resident according to their backgrounds, strengths, interests and needs, abilities and limitations for developing meaningful and appropriate activity programs.
• Maintains and updates daily participation records on each resident in healthcare record.
• Develops and displays thematic/holiday decorations throughout the facility.
• Assists with training and supervision of volunteers.
• Attends and participates at staff meetings, care plan meetings, in-service training programs and other meetings as assigned. Assists in maintaining equipment and supplies in a neat and safe manner.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of work assignments and performs in a manner to meet high quality standards.  
• Maintains knowledge of applicable federal regulations as they relate to activity programming within a skilled nursing facility.   
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures; seeks clarification or interpretation from appropriate supervisor when needed.
• Complies with applicable safety policies and procedures as prescribed by the organization, as well as government regulations.
• Focuses on continuous development to enhance self and in promotion of organizational excellence. Completes all required trainings and in-service trainings on or before due dates.
• Complies with attendance and call-out policies.
• Completes required training as assigned.
• Completes/performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of 3 months activity-related experience, preferred.
• Valid NC driver’s license required.
• Minimum requirement of computer skills for navigating Microsoft Office applications, using spreadsheets and performing word processing duties through Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledgeable of audio-visual and van equipment.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written and oral form.
• Ability to accept and utilize constructive criticism and display initiative to complete activity-related tasks and program.
• Good verbal and written English communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic activity programming and working with people with physical and mental challenges.

Complexity of Duties

Complexity of duties requires good interpersonal, organizational, planning and time management skills.

Contact with Others

Maintains professional presence when representing the organization; exhibits degree of professionalism consistent with standards in performance behavior and appearance.  

• Demonstrates tactful, courteous and cooperative behavior with residents, families, coworkers, supervisors and other department staff.
• Maintains positive working relationships with management and coworkers; willingly follows directions and requests as appropriate; accepts and advice and consultation.
• Exhibits professional standards through appearance and demeanor consistent with personnel standards.
• Uses tactful, diplomatic communication techniques in all relations with others.

Confidential Data

Maintains resident, employee and company confidentiality and privacy at all times according to policies and procedures; uses discretion when discussing confidential matters.

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment

Must be able to solve moderately complex problems, have excellent safety judgement, short- and long-term memory. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds with or without assistance and push/pull a wheelchair with residents weighing up to 300 pounds independently. Demonstrate physical dexterity in moving, bending, stooping, climbing, stretching, crawling, pushing and pulling and using a step-stool ladder. Ability to reach above head, grasp with both hands, and demonstrate fine manipulation skills with both hands.  Ability to withstand walking or standing for long periods of time, approximately 60% of work shift. Must physically assist residents, including those using wheelchairs or walkers in boarding buses, sitting, standing, walking or negotiating challenging areas. Must have good visual and hearing acuity. Must be discerning in communicating with residents with various impairments.    

Work Environment

Most of the work is conducted within a normal (inside) environment with some time spent outside. Work could expose the employee to contagious or infectious diseases or hazardous chemicals, requiring the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles and gloves if deemed appropriate.  May occasionally be exposed to marked changes in temperature, dust, mists, gases, fumes, noxious odors, water, etc. May also be occasionally exposed to biological, mechanical, electrical and/or chemical hazards.

Supervision Received

Works under the supervision of the Recreation Coordinator. Will perform many tasks with minimal, if any supervision, after receive appropriate training.

Scope of Supervision

Required to supervise the safety of residents during activities, both in groups and one-to-one settings. Also, may supervise volunteers and other staff engaged in activity programming, delegating responsibilities.

Resourcefulness and Initiative

Takes initiative to seek out creative ideas for activity programming consistent with person centered programming, the strengths, interests, needs and cultural diversity of the residents. Shares these ideas with the Recreation Coordinator.

Responsibility for Accuracy

Assumes accuracy for all resident information entered on activity-related forms and shared with the Recreation Coordinator and other staff. Follows the organization’s guidelines for accurately reporting time worked and duties performed.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.