Activity Aide- Senior Living

Description

Cantata Adult Life Services, formerly known as The British Home, is a nonprofit, mission‑driven community with over 100 years of experience, offering a full continuum of care on a beautiful 10‑acre campus in Brookfield, Illinois. We are seeking strong, compassionate leaders to join our team and help us continue enriching the lives of older adults through exceptional care and a vibrant community.

• Support the Life Enrichment Director in providing a balanced, diversified program of physical, intellectual, and creative therapeutic activities for the clients of Cantata and its divisions, operating in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Prepare, conduct, and facilitate various physical, intellectual, and creative activities as scheduled.
• Lead, create, and execute at least one new activity program per week.
• Drive engagement with a goal of increasing resident participation by 10% each month.
• Provide assistance on escorted off‑site trips, special events, and holiday programs.
• Assume full responsibility for the activity program in the absence of the Life Enrichment Director.
• Assist the Life Enrichment Director with program development and calendar creation.

• Accurately maintain required federal, state, and facility documentation.
• Assist with interviewing residents for assessments and obtain necessary written/verbal MDS information for input into the medical database (BHRS Only).
• Perform tasks and utilize forms in accordance with Cantata’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure strict accuracy in documentation; omission or incorrect mandatory reporting can generate regulatory penalties.
• Partner with other departments, including CNAs, to promote resident participation and interaction.
• Supervise, train, and provide direction to volunteers, instructing them on their specific roles within the activity process.
• Encourage family participation in programs and educate them on the importance of life enrichment activities.
• Collaborate harmoniously within a team environment across all departments to foster a successful, resident‑centered environment.
• Maintain clean, tidy, and safe workstations, including resident activity rooms, offices, and storage spaces.
• Ensure all programming is set up and cleared away properly to uphold facility safety and prevent property damage.
• Cross‑train in all areas of the department (BHRS and Assisted Living).
• Demonstrate flexibility to meet the changing needs of clients and the organization, including a willingness to work weekends and evenings as directed.
• Attend in‑services, meetings, and educational training as required.

Education: High School graduate or equivalent.

Certifications: CPR certification preferred (training will be completed within 6 months of hire). C.N.A. or Caregiver training preferred for transferring and occasional toileting during outings (if not certified, training will be completed within 6 months of hire).

Technical

Skills:

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Publisher), electronic medical databases (Matrix), iPads, You Tube Smart TVs, Bluetooth accessories, and TV streaming. Must effectively use communication devices (texting, email, phone). Welcomed but not required 1 year of experience.

Communication: Strong ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. Bilingual is a plus.

Interpersonal

Skills:

Must be able to relate to and work with a diverse group of people, including ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and occasionally aggressive individuals.

Experience: Prior experience in a social or recreation program is helpful. Aptitude for detailed work and a willingness to learn and explore new ideas.

Daily Contact: Requires extensive daily contact with clients (including those in contact isolation), staff, client families, and community contacts.

Confidentiality: Must strictly safeguard sensitive information, including medical, health, and proprietary Cantata data.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift, walk, and climb stairs as needed to conduct activities and escort clients. Requires the physical ability to move small pieces of furniture (e.g., folding tables and chairs).

Working Conditions: Works in client rooms, on transport buses, and in designated activity areas. May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of clients during emergencies.

Exposure: Classified as Category II (no routine contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues). No exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must meet the general health requirements of the facility.