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Cole Place is seeking a full-time Activities Assistant to join their skilled nursing facility. The position requires working 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with some evening shifts. Every other weekend and holiday required. Ideal candidates should have experience in nursing homes.

Responsibilities:

+ Exhibit a spirit of flexibility and cooperation and has a pleasant, friendly and compassionate personality treating both residents and coworkers with dignity and respect; represent the facility in a professional manner.

+ Follow the chain of command guidelines for inter-facility problem solving.

+ Demonstrate/teach residents various procedures to promote their social, physical and emotional well-being.

+ Interview residents frequently to assess activity interests, participation, needs or suggestions for the activity program.

+ Conduct small and large group activities as well as one-on-one visits with residents providing sensory stimulation, reality orientation or solace.

+ Accept responsibility and accountability for all assignments.

+ Assist with scheduling, implementing, preparation and clean-up of activity programs; returning all materials and supplies to storage area; properly care for equipment and supplies.

+ Assist in scheduling movies, planning parties and providing games/materials to the residents.

+ Recognize significant changes in resident condition or incidents which would require nursing intervention and reports immediately to Charge Nurse or House Manager.

+ Assist in the suggestion and development of new activities, assuming responsibility for one major facility wide activity per year.

+ Attend training, meetings and in-services as required.

+ Interact with residents regarding the importance of activities, encouraging them to participate in recreational, therapeutic and religious activities and become involved in various events.

+ Transport residents to community outing events and/or assists them during these community-based activities.

+ Maintain confidentiality in regards to resident and employee information and records. (HIPAA).

+ Assist in supervising volunteers.

+ Perform routine visits to residents, including bed bound residents, to assist in crafts, reading projects, writing letters, etc., as necessary.

+ Provide for the comfort and safety of residents during activities; is alert to conditions in the facility that may present a hazard and reports to Activities Coordinator.

+ Escort wheelchair and ambulatory residents to and from activities as needed.

+ Assist with feeding residents as requested.

+ Maintain a working knowledge of current federal, state and local regulations and internal policies and procedures as they pertain to the Activity Department.

+ Observe and follow appropriate procedures concerning the facility's corporate compliance program.

+ Maintain reality boards and posts calendar of events.

+ Collects and documents meal ticket purchases and communicates the information to other departments as necessary.

+ Complete required paperwork for residents' charts, department records, etc. in compliance with established procedures.

+ Know role in disaster and fire plan.

High School diploma or equivalent preferred. 2 years experience working in a health care setting preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills; effective organizational, problem solving and leadership skills. Must possess willingness to work flexible hours. Must possess some knowledge, training and interest in arts, crafts and recreational activities. Must possess some knowledge of social, emotional and recreational needs of the geriatric population and ability to apply same to essential job functions.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran