ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT - ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Vallejo, CA 94589Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $18.00 - $18.00 HourlyJob Shift: AMJob Category: Health CareAbout the Community We are a 68-bed assisted living community in Vallejo dedicated to providing residents with compassionate, respectful, and person-centered care. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where residents can remain socially connected, mentally engaged, physically active, and involved in meaningful daily experiences. We are seeking an energetic, creative, and compassionate Activities Assistant/Life Enrichment Assistant to help plan and conduct engaging programs for our residents. Position Summary The Activities Assistant supports the development and delivery of recreational, social, physical, educational, cultural, and spiritual programs based on residents’ interests, preferences, abilities, and care needs. This position works closely with the Activities Director, Administrator, care team, residents, families, volunteers, and community partners to provide a balanced and engaging activity program. The ideal candidate is dependable, patient, enthusiastic, organized, and comfortable encouraging resident participation while respecting each resident’s choices, limitations, and independence. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist with planning, preparing, organizing, and conducting scheduled resident activities. Lead group and individual activities that support residents’ social, emotional, physical, cognitive, creative, and spiritual well-being. Provide a variety of programming, which may include: Arts and crafts Music and sing-alongs Exercise and movement programs Games, trivia, and cognitive activities Holiday and birthday celebrations Gardening and outdoor activities Movies and entertainment Cultural and spiritual programs Resident outings and community events One-on-one resident visits Encourage residents to participate while respecting their individual preferences and right to decline. Adapt activities to accommodate residents with physical, cognitive, sensory, or communication limitations. Provide individual activities and companionship to residents who are unable or prefer not to participate in group programs. Assist residents with safely entering and leaving activity areas. Escort residents to and from activities, meals, outings, and special events as assigned. Monitor residents during activities and promptly report changes in condition, unusual behaviors, injuries, falls, or safety concerns. Maintain an accurate and current monthly activity calendar. Post and distribute activity calendars and announcements in designated areas. Prepare rooms, equipment, decorations, refreshments, and supplies before activities. Clean and organize activity areas and properly store supplies after programs. Track resident attendance and participation according to facility procedures. Document resident engagement, preferences, responses, and activity-related observations as assigned. Gather resident feedback and recommend new programs based on resident interests. Assist with resident council meetings and document resident suggestions when assigned. Help coordinate entertainers, volunteers, religious organizations, schools, community groups, and other outside visitors. Assist with planning and decorating for holidays, birthdays, themed events, and community celebrations. Take appropriate photographs of activities when authorized and maintain resident privacy and confidentiality. Assist with newsletters, bulletin boards, flyers, calendars, and other resident-engagement materials. Maintain an appropriate inventory of activity supplies and notify the supervisor when additional materials are needed. Follow facility procedures for resident outings, transportation, emergency information, supervision, and attendance counts. Follow infection-control, safety, emergency-response, and resident-rights requirements. Protect residents’ dignity, confidentiality, personal rights, and property. Communicate professionally with residents, families, visitors, coworkers, volunteers, and outside providers. Participate in required orientation, staff meetings, in-service education, and ongoing training. Provide assistance in other departments during emergencies or when reasonably assigned. Perform other related duties assigned by the Activities Director, Administrator, or supervisor. QualificationsMinimum Job Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be able to obtain and maintain a California Department of Social Services criminal record clearance or approved exemption. Must complete a health screening and provide TB clearance as required by California RCFE regulations and facility policy. Must have current CPR and First Aid certification or be willing to obtain and maintain certification as required. Must have a genuine interest in working with older adults. Must demonstrate patience, compassion, enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism. Must be able to communicate clearly and respectfully with residents, families, coworkers, and visitors. Must be able to read activity instructions, resident information, safety procedures, calendars, and facility policies. Must be able to complete clear and accurate written or electronic documentation. Must be able to plan and conduct activities with both small and large groups. Must be comfortable interacting with residents who have different physical, cognitive, emotional, and communication abilities. Must be able to manage multiple tasks and organize supplies, schedules, and activity spaces. Must work cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Must maintain reliable and regular attendance. Must be available to work assigned weekends, evenings, and holidays based on the activity calendar and facility needs. Preferred Qualifications High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. At least six months of experience in assisted living, senior living, memory care, adult day care, recreation, education, childcare, hospitality, or a related environment. Previous experience planning or leading group activities. Experience working with older adults or individuals with dementia or cognitive impairment. Knowledge of arts and crafts, music, exercise, games, gardening, or other recreational programs. Experience using Microsoft Office, Canva, calendars, or other basic computer programs. Current CPR and First Aid certification. Bilingual communication skills are helpful but not required. Valid California driver’s license and acceptable driving record if transporting residents or driving a facility vehicle is part of the assignment. Entry-level applicants with creativity, compassion, and a strong interest in working with older adults are encouraged to apply. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The successful candidate should be able to: Create a welcoming and positive environment for residents. Motivate and engage residents without pressuring them to participate. Adjust activities based on residents’ abilities and responses. Speak comfortably in front of groups. Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness when planning activities. Recognize and report resident safety or health concerns. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Handle confidential resident information appropriately. Remain patient and calm when residents are confused, frustrated, or reluctant to participate. Follow verbal and written instructions. Work independently while communicating effectively with the care team. Use good judgment and respond appropriately during emergencies. Physical and Functional Requirements The employee must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including: Frequently standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Setting up, moving, and storing activity supplies, tables, chairs, decorations, and equipment. Assisting residents who use walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility equipment within the employee’s training and assigned duties. Accompanying residents indoors and outdoors during activities and outings. Speaking clearly and hearing resident requests, alarms, and emergency instructions. Reading calendars, resident information, activity instructions, and documentation. Remaining alert and able to respond promptly to resident needs and emergencies. Working in an environment where exposure to bodily fluids, infectious conditions, cleaning products, and behavioral situations may occur. Wearing required personal protective equipment. Schedule Requirements This is a 24-hour residential care community. Activities are offered throughout the week and may include: Weekday programs Weekend activities Evening events Holiday celebrations Resident outings Special community events The Activities Assistant must be flexible and available to work according to the facility’s activity calendar. Specific schedules and employment status will be discussed during the interview process.