Assisted Living Activities Assistant

Community: Sunnyside – Harrisonburg
Department: Activities
Reports To: Life Enrichment Coordinator
Schedule: Shifts are 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Schedule days will vary, and every other weekend is required.

Starting pay will vary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

As an Activities Assistant in Assisted Living, you will help create a vibrant and enriching environment for residents by assisting with a variety of therapeutic recreation programs that promote social, emotional, and physical well-being.

Responsibilities include preparing and leading activities, setting up rooms and equipment, facilitating events, transporting and escorting residents to activities, providing one-on-one engagement, and maintaining accurate documentation of resident participation. You will work closely with the Life Enrichment Coordinator and report positive or negative changes in residents’ conditions, health, or behavior.

This position may also assist with resident dining and food service, including meal service, food preparation, sanitation, food storage, and supporting residents with varying dietary needs.

Essential Duties

• Lead a minimum of three well-planned activities per week that encourage social interaction and provide social, physical, and emotional stimulation.
• Prepare rooms, equipment, and supplies for activities and assist with volunteers.
• Facilitate weekday, evening, and weekend events as scheduled.
• Provide individualized engagement based on resident interests and needs.
• Escort residents to and from activities as needed and help ensure resident safety.
• Maintain accurate daily activity documentation, including attendance, participation, and 1:1 visits.
• Communicate regularly with the Life Enrichment Coordinator regarding resident needs, concerns, program updates, and changes in health or behavior.
• Build professional relationships with residents, families, guests, volunteers, and staff.
• Assist with dining and food service, including taking orders, serving food, refilling drinks, bussing tables, and providing hospitality-focused service.
• Follow menus, dietary information, allergies, resident preferences, portion sizes, and required food preparation methods.
• Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized activity, dining, and food service areas.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, confidentiality, and HIPAA requirements.
• Operate activity, audiovisual, office, and other equipment as needed.
• Assist with purchasing activity supplies and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience working with older adults or in long-term care, including individuals with dementia, preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with older adults with varying mental and physical abilities.
• Sincere interest in working with the elderly population.
• Creative, positive, energetic, organized, and patient.
• Strong customer service skills with a hospitality-focused approach.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and protect resident privacy.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain certification.
• Valid Virginia driver's license and ability to meet driver eligibility requirements. May drive a 14-passenger wheelchair bus with appropriate approval and training.
• Proficiency with personal computers and general office equipment; familiarity with Microsoft Office and Canva preferred.
• Ability to lift, carry, and push equipment, supplies, and materials weighing up to 50 lbs. occasionally.

Our Culture

Our mission is Inspiring a Spirit of Community and Well-Being. Sunnyside Communities’ employees are true professionals who SHINE through:

• Service before Self
• Hospitality with Heart
• Inspiring Excellence in Each Other
• Nothing Less than the Best
• Enjoy Your Journey

 Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career opportunity, Sunnyside offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Paid vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Choice of 3 medical plans, including an HSA option
• Prescription, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Supplemental life, accident, and cancer insurance
• Tuition and license reimbursement
• Uniform reimbursement
• MD Ortho – Free Telemedicine & Direct Orthopedic Services
• Garner Health – Expert Doctor Matching & Healthcare Savings
• Free membership to our on-site wellness center
• On-site credit union, hair salon, massage therapy, and esthetician services
• Discounted movie tickets
• Employee Emergency Relief Fund
• Employee Assistance Program