Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Activities Assistant
An Activities Assistant is a professional who plays a vital role in supporting recreational and social activities for individuals in various settings such as healthcare facilities, community centers, or senior living communities. They contribute to enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals through engaging and meaningful activities. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Activities Assistants.
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Main Responsibilities of an Activities Assistant
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Activities Assistant:
Adapt
Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and abilities of individuals.
Adhere to
Adhere to all policies and procedures of the recreation department.
Animate
Animate individual and group activities.
Anticipate
Anticipate and handle guest issues and concerns.
Assess
Assess and document resident's ability and needs and records resident's participation.
Assist in
Assist and conducts activity programs to meet the needs and interest of the residents.
Assist in conducting assessments to determine activity needs and capabilities.
Assist in conducting recreation activities for the facility residents.
Assist in coordinating and supervising volunteers or guest speakers.
Assist in delivering mail and packages to residents.
Assist in developing an evening activity schedule.
Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of activities and making improvements.
Assist in other areas as needed.
Assist in planning and implementing campus wide activities.
Assist in promoting and marketing activities to increase participation.
Assist in the coordination of music, art, or other specialized therapy programs.
Assist in the coordination of special events and celebrations.
Assist in the development of activity schedules and programs.
Assist in the implementation of therapeutic and recreational interventions.
Assist Life Enrichment Director with activities as needed.
Assist resident and families with on-site, window and video visits.
Assist residents during activity time.
Assist residents on trips and outings outside of the community.
Assist residents with personal correspondence.
Assist the Activity Director with daily resident activity program.
Assist to develop, organize and ensure delivery of the community's monthly newsletter to residents.
Assist with activity outings.
Assist with calendar activity planning.
Assist with meeting treatment goals.
Assist with planning and leadership of special events.
Assure
Assure that all activity procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
Attend
Attend all-employee and departmental meetings and in-service training as scheduled or as directed.
Attend and participate in scheduled departmental staff meetings.
Attend resident and family council meetings when invited.
Carry out
Carry out planned activity program(s) based on Activity Directors assessment.
Check
Check for safety and preventive maintenance of equipment and facilities (grounds).
Collaborate with
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to meet the holistic needs of individuals.
Collaborate with the activities team to develop and modify activity programs.
Communicate
Communicate needs for supplies / equipment as needed.
Communicate regularly with resident families and entire care team.
Communicate with families and caregivers regarding activity updates and involvement.
Communicate with residents or family members to obtain activity information.
Complete
Complete individual monthly activity log for activities he / she has lead.
Complete monthly in-services.
Complete required documentation as assigned.
Comply
Comply with state, federal, and all other applicable health care and safety standards.
Contribute to
Contribute to resident care planning preparation.
Contribute to Westminster Village North newsletter.
Convey
Convey professionalism and respect for others.
Coordinate
Coordinate events with other departments as necessary.
Coordinate transportation and logistics for outings and trips.
Create
Create a therapeutic environment.
Create strong and active volunteer program.
Decorate
Decorate common areas according to season and or activities.
Develop
Develop, plan and coordinate therapeutic activity programs under social-distancing guidelines.
Distribute
Distribute and read mail to residents as needed.
Distribute weekly newsletter to each resident.
Document
Document and maintain records of individual participation and progress.
Document progress on residents chart.
Drive
Drive and energy and enthusiasm.
Dynamic
Dynamic home-like setting, complete with resident, associate and community pets.
Encourage
Encourage and assist residents to participate in hobbies and crafts.
Encourage and motivate individuals to participate in activities.
Encourage residents to participate in activities of their choice.
Encourage residents to participate in programs.
Encourage volunteer and family member participation in activities.
Engage
Engage and interact with individuals to assess their preferences and interests.
Engage residents one-on-one and in small and large groups.
Ensure
Ensure all required paperwork is completed accurately and timely by state requirements.
Ensure a safe and supportive environment during activities.
Ensure by example that the Belmond Hotels philosophy is known.
Ensure documentation meets compliance with regulatory standards.
Ensure that all items are purchased, prepared and set up for happy-hours.
Ensure that supplies are maintained at adequate levels.
Enter
Enter all guest information into the computer.
Facilitate
Facilitate games, conversations, exercise classes, art and music, trips, and special events.
Facilitate group activities, including games, exercises, crafts, and discussions.
Facilitate group programs as assigned in a timely and efficient manner.
Help
Help load / unload activities bus during outings.
Help make room and set up arrangements for outside groups / associations.
Help throughout our main campus with other duties assigned.
Implement
Implement activities to promote socialization, relaxation and alleviate boredom.
Keep
Keep attendance record of all activities.
Maintain
Maintain a record of residents activities involvement.
Maintain confidentiality and security of all guest and general hotel information.
Maintain inventory and manage supplies for activities.
Maintain knowledge of hotel features / services, outlets, hours of operation, etc..
Maintain recreation department supplies and equipment.
Maintain the resident birthday, veterans, and wedding anniversary list.
Make
Make routine visits to residents and assists with crafts, projects, etc..
Meet
Meet with residents and families for information pertinent to the recreation assessment.
Observe
Observe standards for the department in image, appearance, and grooming.
Offer
Offer emotional support and companionship to individuals.
Offer guidance and support in the use of adaptive equipment during activities.
Order
Order needed supplies (i.e. art and craft supplies, party supplies, etc.) and tracks inventory.
Oversee
Oversee equipment setup / maintenance schedule.
Oversee guest activities as assigned by the Activities Manager.
Participate
Participate in departmental staff meetings.
Participate in in-service training programs.
Participate in the planning, organization, promotion and evaluation of activities.
Perform
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Plan
Plan and implement monthly birthday parties for assigned unit(s).
Plan and implement out-of-facility residential outings.
Plan and organize recreational activities and events.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate stimulating activities programming.
Plan, coordinate, supervise, implements and evaluate resident activities.
Plan special events for residents, such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Post
Post activity calendar in each unit.
Post charges to guest accounts.
Practice
Practice emergency procedures in compliance with hotel / company standards i.e., CPR / First Aid.
Prepare
Prepare and review monthly newsletter and activities calendar.
Prepare areas for activities with large and small groups, as directed.
Prepare materials and supplies needed for daily programs.
Provide
Provide assistance in keeping the activities areas orderly and decorated appropriately.
Provide assistance in organizing and facilitating exercise or movement classes.
Provide assistance in organizing and overseeing recreational outings and field trips.
Provide assistance with personal care needs during activities, if required.
Provide driving assistance when going on outings.
Provide individual programming as assigned.
Provide information regarding activities to residents and families.
Provide leadership and direction with activities such as.
Provide one-on-one assistance to individuals who require additional support.
Provide reading materials in Braille, tapes, and recordings as needed.
Provide transportation and directions to / from activities residents are interested in.
Provide transportation services for residents.
React
React and assist in hotel emergency situations as needed.
Recommend
Recommend equipment and supply needs.
Recommend programming and connections accordingly.
Report
Report and document resident's progress.
Report any issues or problems that may arise to the Activity Director.
Run
Run necessary computer reports.
Serve
Serve on facility committees as appointed by Management.
Set-up
Set-up and prepare activity areas with necessary equipment and supplies.
Set-up, coordinate, and lead groups and one on one activities as scheduled.
Stay informed about
Stay informed about current trends and best practices in activity planning.
Strive to
Strive to continuously improve.
Strive to provide exceptional customer service.
Support
Support individuals in maintaining social connections and fostering friendships.
Support Total Quality Management.
Transfer
Transfer charges / credits.
Transport
Transport residents to and from facility meals, programs and other activities.
Visit
Visit bedridden residents and provide activities for them.
Visit participatory / bedfast residents to offer a variety of activities.
Work with
Work with volunteers as assigned.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Activities Assistant:
Knowledge of recreational therapy principles and techniques.
Proficiency in planning and organizing activities and events.
Familiarity with activity assessment tools and methods.
Understanding of therapeutic interventions for individuals with diverse needs.
Ability to adapt activities for individuals with physical or cognitive limitations.
Knowledge of safety protocols and emergency procedures during activities.
Proficiency in using technology and multimedia tools for activity enhancement.
Basic knowledge of first aid and CPR procedures.
Familiarity with relevant regulations and guidelines in the activity field.
Ability to effectively utilize activity software or documentation systems.
Knowledge of sensory stimulation techniques and sensory-friendly activities.
Understanding of different cultural and religious practices to incorporate into activities.
Proficiency in arts and crafts techniques for creative activities.
Ability to coordinate and manage transportation logistics for outings.
Knowledge of equipment and supplies needed for various activities.
Understanding of therapeutic communication techniques for effective engagement.
Proficiency in facilitating group activities and maintaining group dynamics.
Ability to provide basic assistance with adaptive equipment during activities.
Knowledge of age-specific activities for different populations (e.g., children, seniors).
Understanding of the benefits and limitations of different recreational activities for individuals with specific conditions or disabilities.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Activities Assistant:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with individuals.
Empathy and compassion to understand and respond to the emotional needs of individuals.
Patience and understanding when working with individuals who may have limitations.
Creativity and innovation to develop engaging and diverse activity programs.
Adaptability and flexibility to adjust activities based on individual preferences and abilities.
Strong organizational skills to manage schedules, resources, and documentation.
Collaboration and teamwork to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and volunteers.
Active listening skills to understand individual interests, concerns, and feedback.
Positive and enthusiastic attitude to motivate and inspire individuals to participate.
Problem-solving skills to address challenges and find alternative solutions during activities.
Cultural sensitivity and respect for individual differences and backgrounds.
Time management skills to ensure smooth and timely execution of activities.
Leadership abilities to coordinate and supervise volunteers or assistant staff.
Attention to detail in maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Adaptability to handle unexpected changes or disruptions during activities.
Conflict resolution skills to manage any conflicts or disagreements that may arise.
Organizational skills to maintain inventory and track supplies for activities.
Professionalism and integrity in maintaining confidentiality and privacy.
Self-motivation and initiative to take responsibility for activity planning and execution.
Strong observation skills to monitor individual participation and progress.
Conclusion
An Activities Assistant plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals through engaging and purposeful activities. They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating recreational programs while considering individual needs and preferences. Alongside the required technical skills in activity planning and implementation, possessing essential soft skills such as empathy, creativity, and effective communication is vital to succeed in this role. By combining technical expertise with strong interpersonal and organizational skills, Activities Assistants create meaningful experiences and contribute to the overall happiness and satisfaction of individuals in their care.
