Activity Assistant

**Activity Worker**

**Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society**

The Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) is a non-profit charitable organization, dedicated to providing supportive housing for Japanese seniors. The Society operates two residential facilities: Nikkei Home, a Supportive Housing and Assisted Living residence, and New Sakura-so, a housing complex for independent seniors aged 55 and over.

We offer a person-centered approach to keep seniors safe and connected to community. We value independence, respect, dignity, privacy, and choice.

NSHCHS Activities, Outreach and Volunteer programs support all programs, services and the staff, residents, and families of the organization. These services are being delivered to support the requirements of a licensed healthcare organization to provide a healthy and safe environment to comply with legislated requirements, funding, and contractual agreements.

**Job Summary**

Reporting to the Activity, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator this position is accountable to assist residents in a variety of ways to enable participation in activities of daily living and to participate in activity programs and activities. All responsibilities will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the philosophy of Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society.

**Activities and Outreach Program**
- Identify and plan opportunities to assist the residents in engaging in meaningful activities that contribute to maintaining and meeting their physical, recreational and social needs.
- Participate in assessments of the social needs of residents to support development of individualized socialization plans that incorporates life experiences and current interests.
- Assist the team to develop, plan and provide resident-centered activity programs.
- As assigned, lead activities and special events.
- Maintain photo and medical release forms of participants, and volunteers.
- As required, assist in identifying and purchasing program supplies.
- Escort residents to activities and assist residents to participate in activities depending on their activity level and ability.
- Observe and report changes to residents’ physical condition cognitive/emotional status to Team Leader on duty and Activities Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator.
- Set up furnishings and equipment for activities. Maintains inventory of equipment and materials related to activities.
- Complete and maintain related program records and documentation such as statistics and participation reports.
- Assist the team by performing virtual visits with program participants and families.
- Interact with program participants and families through phone contacts and other forms of visits such as virtual, telephone and in-person.
- Assist by accompanying program participants to Nimi Nikkei Home store for small item purchases, such as toilet paper, paper towels and general home supplies.
- Assist with individual socialization activities such as Iki Iki dementia friendly program, art table, puzzle games, bingo, and exercise classes.
- Assist program participants with meal choices and distribution of meals during programing that has a meal or snack component for residents.
- Assist with basic falls prevention exercises.
- Research and distribute individual art, puzzles and puzzle games to residents.
- Participate in small social activities
- Provide administration support such as referrals too Program Leaders and Coordinator.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

**Customer Service/Communication**
- Demonstrated customer service skills in a community, hospitality, patient care, or residential environment.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively provide quality services for clients in a community setting.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with staff and clients through interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
- Demonstrated skills as team player using clear and professional language.
- Ability to fully participate in departmental activities including on teams.
- Ability to multi-task, handle variety of demands and manage workload priorities in a calm, professional manner.
- Ability to handle confidential matters and information.
- Work collaboratively with all staff, clients, families, and external contacts.
- Participate and support departmental and organizational activities.

**Qualifications, Skills and Experience**
- People person that has a heart for seniors and a positive, can-do attitude.
- Interest and knowledge of Japanese culture an asset. Japanese language skills an asset
- be between 15 and 30 years of age **at the beginning** of the employment period*
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the _Immigration and Refugee Protection Act_ for the duration of the employment** **and**:

- have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada