Recreation & Adult Day Program Assistant (FT 40 hrs/wk)

Description

Welcome to Longview, where legacy meets innovation and where staff work together to create a team environment while assisting older adults in our community. As a vital nonprofit organization serving older adults in the Ithaca community, Longview has been enriching lives for over 50 years. Our commitment to engaged living through adult day facilities and independent, assisted, and enhanced assisted living uniquely positions us to offer an unparalleled solution to the evolving needs of our community. We foster belonging and connections while addressing practical and emotional needs through a comprehensive continuum of care. Longview is committed to living well together and the well-being of mind, body, and spirit, including the values of kindness, dependability, integrity, inclusion, and accountability.

Job Summary: The Recreation and Adult Day Program Assistant reports to the Recreation & Community Partnerships Director and the Adult Day Program Coordinator. This role performs a wide variety of duties associated with meeting the needs of Longview Residents and Adult Day Program participants to enhance and/or maintain an overall quality of life through cognitive, social, and physical programming. 

Successful candidates will be friendly, kind, person-centered, focused on a high quality of life for all residents, and possess knowledge of changing interests, health challenges, abilities, motivations, attitudes, and needs of individuals who are aging.

Schedule Considerations: Weekends and evenings, as scheduled.

Compensation: $19.00-21.00/hour

Benefits:

ALL employees eligible to participate in EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tax-Deferred Annuity Retirement Plan, and SEP IRA Pension plan (after 3 years of employment).

Employees regularly scheduled to work 20+ hrs/wk are eligible for Leave Sharing and employer-paid Group Life and AD&D.

FT & PT employees regularly scheduled to work 30+ hrs/wk are eligible for paid time off accruals (Sick, Personal, and Vacation), Paid holidays (after 3 months of employment), Tuition Assistance, Ithaca College Courses for Credit, Medical insurance, Health Savings Account, Dental insurance, and Vision Insurance.

Requirements

Typical job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop, prepare for, and implement recreational programming and special events at Longview;
• Assist with managerial needs of the department including training and supervision of volunteers, work study participants, and interns;
• Ensure that residents are informed of recreation programs and assist residents with getting to and from programs;
• Conduct inventory of supplies and submit purchase requisitions, as appropriate;
• Assist with preparation, printing, and distribution of monthly calendar, recreation schedules, and memos to residents;
• Develop and maintain familiarity with audio/visual equipment necessary to run programming (e.g. video media, projector, laptop, amplifiers, microphones, sound systems, etc.);
• Organize groups and keep areas in clean, orderly condition;
• Assist in coordinating entertainment and supplies for special events;
• Participate in continuing education in topics related to older adults, recreation, etc.;
• Adhere to Ithacare risk management practices and implement practices to minimize risk of personal injury, loss of life, damage to buildings/grounds, furnishings, and equipment;
• Report any/all accidents to the Director and/or the ADP Coordinator, as appropriate;
• Perform duties in a timely manner and within approved time frames;
• Deliver exemplary customer service, exhibiting professionalism, honesty, and respect;
• Maintain a positive attitude;
• Maintain a professional relationship with all coworkers, supervisors, residents, and other stakeholders;
• Complete mandatory training and/or routine training per Longview policy and applicable law (e.g. HIPAA, Abuse Prevention and Intervention, Residents' Rights, Ethics, Dementia, Emergency Preparedness, etc.);
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor, coordinator, and/or manager.

Specific to Adult Day Program:

• Lead games, discussions, and exercise classes;
• Frequently engage in one-to-one interactions with program participants;
• Assist with serving meals and snacks;
• Monitor and immediately convey changes in participant physical or mental status to Coordinator and family members, including emergency responders, if necessary;
• Assist ADP Coordinator with processing admissions and discharges;
• Collaborate with the ADP Coordinator to develop/update plans of care and carry out daily scheduled programs, updating plans as participant needs change;
• Assist ADP Coordinator with maintaining records system in accordance with NYS DOH regulations and Longview policies and procedures;
• Ensure ADP programming is in compliance with New York State Department of Health Regulations for Adult Care Facility Program for Non-Residents.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• At least 2 years direct experience working with aging individuals preferred;
• Associate's Degree in recreation, human services, gerontology, or related healthcare field desired;
• Knowledge of leadership, group dynamics, and recreation skills;
• Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and with empathy to build rapport and achieve high quality of service;
• Strong multi-tasking ability with excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
• Ability to establish priorities and work independently or in a group;
• Satisfactory completion of post-offer, pre-employment physical required.