Activity Aide / Food Aide

We Love What We Do!

Chicago Commons’ mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty and systemic barriers, embrace opportunities, and thrive across generations.  To fulfill that mission, we provide high-quality early childhood education, family-centered adult education, and community based senior services.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH CHICAGO COMMONS:

• 3 Medical Plan Options provided by BlueCross BlueShield IL.
• Employer-Paid Life, STD, and LTD Insurance.
• Critical Illness Insurance.
• Pet Benefits.
• Generous Paid Time Off, Flexible Spending Accounts and support for the entire family through our Family Hub Division. 

To learn more about Chicago Commons' benefits package click on the following link:  Chicago Commons Benefit Summary 2026-2027

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED. 
• Two years’ experience in Geriatrics care 
• CNA certification preferred. 
• Food handling certification preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to read and write English proficiently.  
• Computer knowledge. 
• Thirty-hours of Adult Day Services training preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• First Aid CPR certification preferred.
• Attention to detail.
• At least one year of recreational experience for seniors.
• Great communication skills.
• Great Customer Service skills.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Successfully complete and pass fingerprinting.
• Successfully complete and pass any required local, state, and federal background check.
• Provide proof of required education or credentials.
• Verify previous employment and work history.

Applicants may review information regarding disqualifying criminal offenses by clicking on the following link:  IDPH Disqualifying Offenses for Health Care Workers

DESIRED OUTCOMES:

• At least 80% of participants engaged/participating in activities facilitated by the Activity Aide.
• Regularly observe processes for areas of improvement.
• Understand participant needs and deliver expected outcomes.
• High energy of employee engagement.
• Consistently complete documentation of Activities of Daily Living, complete a min of a 15% of the files per week, semester, quarter.
• Compliance with food and safety standards
• Nutritionally balanced meals provided

POSITION SUMMARY:

Activity Aide will be responsible for the direct personal care of the clients attending the Adult Day Services Program.  This role will be under the direction of the Program Manager, working along with the Senior Services Coordinator and the Lead Activity Aide. Activity Aide is responsible for providing help with the physical, educational, or social activities of the clients. Activity Aide will monitor, support, assist, and ensure the safety, well-being, and inclusion of clients.  Activity Aide tasks contribute to the clients' emotional, daily function, and cognitive needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

(These include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time).

• Program Aide assists with providing personal care such as toileting, bathing, eating, transfers, and grooming to Adult Day Service clients. 
• Assist bus drivers with loading and unloading clients. 
• Assist clients with removing coats upon arrival and properly identifying coats (with tags), hats, gloves, and other personal items before hanging them up. 
• Assist the lead staff in carrying out daily activity programs. 
• Attending assigned field trips with the participants, supporting and always monitoring them.
• Always ensure client safety.
• Always follow the daily calendar of activities.
• Work and communicate with the Lead Activity Aide and Senior Services Coordinator to ensure coverage and ratio with clients are met at all times.
• Gathers, prepares, and maintains all equipment, materials, and supplies for activities.
• Keep the program area in an organized and clean manner. 
• Assist with serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. 
• Assist in kitchen duties and menu planning. Assist in food inventory control and food preparation. 
• Assist with food temperatures upon delivery from the caterer. 
• Assist in taking daily attendance and recording the BLS for participants, 
• Conduct inventory of all participants lockers to ensure first-needed items are always available for them (2nd set of clothes, diapers, etc.). 
• Always follow the Locker inventory schedule. Report any first need items that need to be restocked immediately.
• Assist in kitchen duties and menu planning. Assist in food inventory control and food preparation. 
• Assist with food temperatures upon delivery from the caterer. 
• Assist with observing clients and reporting activities to appropriate staff.  
• Complete client forms and document information in files.
• Participate in team meetings and in-service educational training.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL & WORKING CONDITION REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands outlined here reflect the requirements necessary for an employee to perform effectively in this role.

Employees will regularly need to communicate in English, both in person and over the telephone. Proficiency in reading English is essential. Frequent operation of a word-processing system is required, including the ability to read, produce, and transmit data effectively.

The role involves frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees should be capable of lifting and/or moving items weighing up to 20 pounds on occasion. Additionally, specific vision requirements include the ability to see close range.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

This job description is designed to outline the essential functions and basic duties associated with the position. It serves as a guideline for job expectations and the skills necessary for employee success.

Please note that this document is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities required. Additional duties and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate for the position. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, and Chicago Commons reserves the right to modify this job description or assign tasks as necessary.

Chicago Commons is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-verify process for U.S. employment authorization.