ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

Plan a Tuesday and it means crafts, room visits, and a volunteer briefing before noon. The Activities Assistant manages the daily programming calendar for a senior living or long-term care community, responsible for scheduling individual and group activities that address residents' social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. This role sits within the Activities or Life Enrichment department, operating alongside nursing staff, department heads, and volunteer coordinators. What makes it demanding is the dual accountability to resident care plans and state survey compliance requirements, two standards that must be reconciled in every program delivered.

As the Activities Assistant, you plan, implement, and document resident activity programs that support psychosocial well-being and meet long-term care regulatory standards. You report to the Activities Director or Life Enrichment Coordinator, working daily alongside interdisciplinary care team members, volunteers, and resident families to deliver programming that reflects each resident's individual assessment and care plan.

Career Impact: Hands-on experience with MDS documentation and care plan integration builds a foundation recognized by Activities Directors and Recreational Therapist licensing boards across long-term care settings.

Business Impact: Residents whose psychosocial needs are met through structured programming show measurable improvements in behavioral indicators tracked by the interdisciplinary team during quarterly reviews.

Growth Opportunity: Completing a recognized Activity Professional certification or Recreational Therapist credential while in this role opens a direct path to coordinator and director-level positions within senior living communities.

• Plan and facilitate individual and group activities spanning recreational, cultural, and therapeutic programs for residents across varying cognitive and physical abilities.
• Maintain each resident's activity attendance record and contribute participation notes to care plans and MDS documentation.
• Coordinate a monthly activity calendar, including flyers and room notices, distributed to residents, families, and staff.
• Recruit, assign, and oversee volunteers to expand programming capacity and sustain community partnerships with local organizations.
• Conduct individual resident assessments to identify psychosocial needs, preferences, and goals that inform personalized activity plans.
• Monitor resident behavioral and functional changes during programming and communicate observations to the interdisciplinary care team.
• Secure materials, supplies, and transportation for scheduled activities, maintaining inventory levels and equipment functionality.
• Ensure programming and documentation comply with applicable state, federal, and facility-level regulatory requirements, including QAPI and infection control standards.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of experience working with elderly or geriatric populations in a residential care, social, or recreational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and contribute to resident care plans and activity assessment documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to small groups and interact with residents of varying cognitive abilities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programming needs.
• Physical capability to lift to 30 lbs., assist with resident mobility, and perform room setup and teardown for activities.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; CDL or chauffeur's license eligibility preferred where community transportation is required.

• Licensed or registered Activity Professional credential, or successful completion of a state-recognized activity training course.
• Associate's degree or higher in recreational therapy, gerontology, social work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated competency in programming for residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments, including adaptive modifications.
• CPR certification and familiarity with infection control protocols applicable to long-term care environments.

• Resident activity participation rate per month, measured against the total eligible resident census.
• Percentage of care plans with current, completed activity assessment documentation at time of state survey.
• Volunteer retention rate across the quarter, reflecting consistency of the community partnership program.
• Number of individualized room-visit sessions delivered weekly to residents unable to attend group programming.
• Behavioral change reports submitted to the interdisciplinary team per resident per quarter, tracing to monitoring responsibilities.
• Typical tools: activity scheduling and documentation platforms (commonly MatrixCare or similar EHR); calendar and publishing software (commonly Microsoft Publisher or Word).

• Base Salary Range: $30,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on location and facility size
• Bonus: Infrequent; merit increases more common than structured bonus plans
• Equity: Not typical at this seniority level in this sector
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by facility
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; some facilities offer additional sick leave
• Common Perks: Paid in-service training hours, CDL reimbursement support, tuition assistance for certification programs

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and applicable health screenings as required by state long-term care regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the performance of job duties. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Activities Assistant owns front-office operations for a construction firm, handling phones, mail, meeting setup, and accounts payable support. Working alongside office staff and new hires, this role keeps daily administrative workflows running accurately and enables the broader team to maintain consistent business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer and transfer phone calls, and greet employees and visitors to the office.
• Work with construction documents and forms.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail.
• Assist with meeting and event planning and setup for the office.
• Assist with the new hire and orientation process.
• Assist with the accounts payable and payroll processing as needed.
• Perform routine clerical duties, including front office receptionist tasks, data entry, filing, copying, and overall office administration.

Required Qualifications

• Two or more years of previous administrative experience.
• Previous experience working in the construction industry.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and transcribing abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Flexible, skilled at multitasking, detail-oriented, and organized.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Embedded within a senior living community, the Activities Assistant creates and directs group and one-on-one activities that promote resident engagement and well-being. Working closely with residents, families, and volunteers, the role builds community connections through monthly calendars, newsletters, and locally coordinated volunteer programs.

Core Functions

• Create and direct group and one-on-one activities for residents.
• Maintain attendance records of residents' participation.
• Decorate the house for holidays and activities, and update bulletin boards as needed.
• Create the appropriate environment in designated rooms based upon the activity.
• Market the community through activities.
• Create and distribute a monthly newsletter and activities calendar to residents, families, and prospects.
• Involve residents and families in volunteer work and implement volunteer programs in the local community.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; experience in a work-related environment preferred.
• General understanding of the needs of seniors, with a strong interest in working with the senior population.
• Experience in Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ability to think creatively and act independently; self-motivated with a pleasant, friendly, and engaging manner during resident and peer interactions.
• Ability to work well with others and promote a team environment.
• Flexibility in scheduling to assist with weekend and evening programming.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Reporting to the director, the Activities Assistant shapes resident programming by coordinating event planning, monthly calendars, volunteer recruitment, and administrative support across a senior living community. Partnering with residents, staff, and volunteers, this work ensures that programming offerings are well-organized, consistently communicated, and accessible to all residents.

Primary Duties

• Support programming by assisting with brainstorming, scheduling, creating event planners, ensuring accurate setup, and coordinating meeting space for internal and external functions.
• Participate in the creation of monthly calendar inserts, flyers, and reminder notifications, and communicate programming changes to residents and staff.
• Support the director with special events, including decorating and organization, and complete regular administrative tasks.
• Recruit volunteers to enhance programming offerings, assign tasks according to need, and maintain the volunteer database.
• Assist residents with the promotion and organization of independent clubs or groups as requested.
• Accompany residents on trips when necessary, and fill in for the director during vacations and occasional evenings, weekends, or outings.

Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in writing and publishing.
• Working knowledge of audio-visual equipment.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and publication design software.
• Ability to motivate and encourage older adults; friendly, patient, caring, enthusiastic, empathetic, and tactful, with a welcoming and professional presence.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, including strong writing and verbal skills.
• Comfortable speaking in front of an audience; must be able to read, write, and communicate with proficiency in English.
• Strong organizational skills; proactive, detail-oriented, able to prioritize and multi-task, with excellent time management skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and contribute to successful teamwork across departments.

Sitting at the intersection of recreational programming and resident care, the Activities Assistant plans, supervises, and documents crafts, sports, and cultural activities while maintaining attendance records, care plan documentation, and supply inventories for a long-term care facility. Operating across individual and group settings, this role transports and accompanies residents, supports MDS and interdisciplinary conferences, and performs emergency duties to uphold continuous resident well-being.

Duties

• Plan, organize, instruct, and supervise residents in crafts, games, sports, and recreational and cultural activities.
• Create calendars, flyers, posters, newsletters, or other materials to announce upcoming programs.
• Document resident activity and personal work activity through notes, care plans, or other written documentation.
• Schedule and implement room visits and in-room activities for residents unable to leave their rooms.
• Transport residents to and from activities and accompany residents on outings.
• Assist with the care of animals, and supervise the work and activities of volunteer persons as delegated by the supervisor.
• Assist the supervisor in MDS, care plan, and interdisciplinary team conferences as assigned.
• Maintain an activity attendance record for each resident, prepare and clean supplies and program areas, and arrange and serve appropriate refreshments according to resident diet orders.
• Monitor materials and supplies, order supplies as needed, and stock supplies upon receipt.
• Perform emergency duty as required, including working in Red Cross shelters or responding to threats or disasters, man-made or natural.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of work or volunteer experience demonstrating the ability to perform essential functions required.
• Activity Certification preferred; Certified Nursing Assistant license preferred.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Preference given to candidates holding or willing to obtain a CDL Class B driver's license with a passenger endorsement.

A key member of the interdisciplinary care team, the Activities Assistant leads resident evaluations, schedules leisure activity programs, and manages a volunteer program to serve the full range of residents in a long-term care setting. Collaborating across departments and community resources, this role interprets residents' psychosocial needs and adjusts programming to support engagement, behavioral well-being, and compliance with survey requirements.

Functions

• Schedule and coordinate leisure activity programs to meet the needs of all in-house residents.
• Develop and plan activity programs to allow participation by residents within their capabilities.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team to schedule activities and meet survey requirements.
• Complete a comprehensive evaluation on each resident, and document the individual activity assessment and activity plan using the appropriate process and forms.
• Establish an active Volunteer Program and develop a plan to effectively use community resources, serving as the facility's liaison to those resources.
• Evaluate residents to assist in the development of the individual activity program, and interpret residents' psychosocial needs, strengths, and goals.
• Identify changes in behavior in residents, communicate these changes, and record development to reflect appropriate participation in programs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree preferred.
• Licensed or registered Activity Professional or Recreational Therapist, or successful completion of a recognized training course.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a social or recreational setting in long-term care.
• Ability to work independently and with self-motivation; able to organize and prioritize work, meet deadlines, write reports, and communicate clearly.
• Creative, reliable, and flexible, with the ability to work well with people of all ages and make appropriate decisions.
• Understanding of and experience working with elderly people.
• Must maintain excellent attendance and not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.

Meaningful daily life for residents in a senior care community depends on the Activities Assistant, who assesses individual needs and designs, plans, and facilitates both structured and impromptu programs for individuals and groups in common areas and resident rooms. Based within a collaborative care team alongside management, volunteers, and families, this role monitors changes in residents' abilities, maintains documentation including MDS contributions, and ensures safe participation on group trips.

Accountabilities

• Assess residents' needs and desires related to purposeful engagement and provide therapeutic and recreational activities to meet their daily needs and interests.
• Design, plan, and facilitate structured and impromptu programs for individuals and groups in common areas and resident rooms.
• Monitor changes in residents' needs, abilities, and preferences to provide appropriate programs for individual and group audiences.
• Ensure the safety of residents on group trips and excursions.
• Work with team members, management, volunteers, and families to deliver programs designed to enhance the resident experience.
• Generate program supply lists, maintain supply levels, and ensure safe operation and functionality of equipment.
• Maintain proper documentation, including daily attendance sheets, quarterly progress notes, assessment forms, service plans, and care plans, and contribute to the MDS as needed.
• Participate in team discussions regarding resident programming, monthly calendars, activity and staff scheduling, and resident issues.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; an associate's degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year working with the geriatric population, or related professional experience, including educators, social workers, or rehab professionals, or related experience through college coursework and internship exposure.
• Experience leading groups of people with varying levels of physical and cognitive independence is preferred.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings as appropriate.

As the Activities Assistant, this role delivers a resident-centered activity program in a senior living community, supporting volunteer networking, daily log documentation, and compliance with federal, state, and Sunrise quality standards. The community team relies on this work to maintain regulatory compliance, sustain local business and organizational relationships, and advance a consistent standard of resident-focused programming.

Operational Focus

• Assist in maintaining a balanced, resident-centered activity program following Activity Program Guidelines, Programming Guides, and direction from immediate supervisor.
• Support networking actions for retaining a volunteer base and maintaining relationships with local businesses, organizations, and schools.
• Review, notate, and initialize the Daily Log and Department Log to document pertinent information and any resident's physical and behavioral changes.
• Partner with the community team to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, Sunrise quality standards, OSHA requirements, and Risk Management programs and policies.
• Actively participate as a committed team member working toward team goals.

Position Requirements

• 1 year of job-related experience in senior living communities preferred.
• Maintain a current federal and state license, including CDL and/or chauffeur's license, with an acceptable driving record in accordance with State, Federal DOT regulations, and Sunrise policy.
• Ability to lead activities, motivate volunteers and team members, handle multiple priorities, and work semi-independently by following community procedures and guidelines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to facilitate small group presentations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with good judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Windows, Outlook, Excel) and Sunrise applications, with the ability to learn new applications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the QA (Quality Assurance) process and essential quality service standards for resident-centered activities and programming.

Activities Assistant delivers resident-centered activity programming in a senior care facility, coordinating with department heads, evaluating outcomes, and maintaining records of participation and care plan integration across individual and group settings. The work directly supports resident quality of life by securing materials, transportation, and volunteer resources while contributing to QAPI initiatives and annual in-service education.

Key Deliverables

• Work closely with the Activities Director to assist with organizing and developing a program of activities to meet the social, emotional, physical, and therapeutic needs of residents.
• Follow activity care plans to ensure that all residents are provided with recreational activities consistent with their needs and wishes, and ensure the care plan is integrated into each resident's overall plan of care.
• Assist with creating an ongoing activity calendar that creatively meets multiple needs and is accessible to residents of all ages and abilities; provide a copy to each resident's room and display at least one large calendar in the facility.
• Secure materials, equipment, transportation, entertainment, refreshments, volunteers, and anything else necessary for scheduled activities.
• Communicate and coordinate with other department heads and staff to assure the success of planned activity programs.
• Evaluate activities and programs to determine resident outcomes, and adjust activities as necessary to increase the probability of successful outcomes.
• Assist with providing a minimum of one in-service education program per calendar year regarding the activity program and related topics.
• Actively participate in the QAPI program, taking a proactive approach to quality care with engagement of residents, family members, and staff.
• Report and document resident changes in condition or behavior appropriately, and maintain records of each resident's participation in activity programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalency preferred.
• CPR certification.
• Previous experience working with the elderly population.
• Compassion and understanding for the elderly population.
• Required to complete annual 12-hour in-service training programs as well as supplemental online education.
• Demonstrated high standards of excellence in meeting resident needs, communicating effectively, establishing rapport, maintaining relationships with residents, and following instructions to complete daily assignments proactively.

The Activities Assistant produces compliant, individualized activity programming for a senior care community, planning and implementing large group, small group, and individual activities while maintaining documentation aligned with state and federal regulations. Reporting to the Executive Director and working alongside the RCC and Unit Manager, this role upholds resident rights, monitors regulatory compliance, and composes monthly calendar and menu board contributions that keep residents and staff consistently informed.

Role Responsibilities

Comply with all community personnel, safety, and corporate policies and procedures, and all applicable state and federal regulations, including blood-borne pathogens, infection control, use of hazardous materials, and fire safety.

Report witnessed or reported allegations of resident abuse or neglect immediately to the Executive Director, RCC, or Unit Manager.

Treat residents, family members, visitors, and team members with respect and dignity, and maintain the confidentiality of all resident and family information.

Plan and implement activities to meet residents' specific needs, including large groups, small groups, and individual participation.

Maintain documentation as required by state and federal regulations, and conduct initial assessments, pictures, and front name boards.

Compose monthly contributions, including the monthly activities calendar, post daily contributions on the menu board and date board, and pass out name tags.

Monitor personal and staff compliance with all state and federal regulations and residents' rights.

Professional Experience

• Able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Able to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary, and assist in the evacuation of residents during emergencies.
• Must meet general health requirements as set forth by state regulations and company policy, which may include medical and physical examinations.
• Able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 30 lbs. to a minimum height of 3 feet, and carry such weight a minimum distance of 4 feet.
• Able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting, and perform other common physical movements as needed.
• Able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the community.
• If required to operate a motor vehicle for business purposes, must complete the requirements contained in the company's Motor Vehicles policy.

Embedded within a senior living community's Life Enrichment team, the Activities Assistant advances a varied and innovative resident engagement program spanning physical, social, spiritual, and intellectual well-being, including specialized programming for residents with dementia. Working closely with the Life Enrichment Director, volunteers, and all staff, this role drives consistent programming quality by leading activities with minimal supervision, maintaining engagement tracking, and operating community transportation to extend resident access to enriching experiences.

Areas of Ownership

• Implement a varied and innovative Life Enrichment program to enhance residents' emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and intellectual well-being.
• Lead and assist resident activities with minimal supervision, implementing appropriate modifications for residents with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.
• Encourage resident participation in Life Enrichment programs with an upbeat attitude.
• Assist residents when going to and from activities, and accompany them on special outings as necessary.
• Contribute to activity and event planning by bringing knowledgeable suggestions or community resources to the attention of the Life Enrichment Director and/or Coordinator.
• Assist in advertising and promoting programs by preparing and posting daily notices and posters as required.
• Arrange chairs, tables, and equipment in specified areas for scheduled activities.
• Utilize Resident Engagement Tracking procedures accurately with minimal supervision.
• Actively participate in the Community Ambassador program and present the Oral History to new residents as directed.
• Take photographs during activities and events as directed, ensuring timely transfer without violating HIPAA, and assist with collecting video and photo releases as necessary.
• Maintain all Life Enrichment areas in a clean, functional, and orderly fashion, and help maintain equipment as necessary.
• Drive the community van as needed, attend required in-services and staff meetings, and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a resource and positive example of Life Enrichment Values for all employees, residents, volunteers, and visitors.

Background & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent, with related work experience.
• Fundamental understanding of dementia and related disorders, and demonstrated competency in service delivery to residents with dementia (for Inspiritás only).
• Working knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, follow instructions and directions, interact with residents of varying backgrounds and abilities, remain calm under stressful situations, and work as a team member.
• Ability to identify community resources and bring knowledgeable suggestions to leadership.
• Strong customer service and hospitality skills as they relate to both residents and their families.
• Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and up to 25 lbs. of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Preferably holds, or is eligible for, a Virginia Commercial Driver's License, with a safe driving record; a copy of the Division of Motor Vehicles Driving Record must be provided to the Administrator.