Social Day Programs - PRN Activity Leader

Under the direction of the Director/Manager/Program Coordinator, and the Activity Leader, the PRN Activity Leader is responsible for closely assisting the staff in carrying out the specialized activity program of the Social Adult Day Club (the Gorlitz Kensington Clubs) for club members with a diagnosis of early-stage memory loss.

The PRN Activity Leader can also facilitate the transition of new members into the club and make every effort to understand and meet the comprehensive intellectual, physical, social/emotional needs, and leisure interests of all members.

DUTIES:

Under the direction of the Director/Manager/Program Coordinator, the PRN Activity Leader is responsible for assisting with implementing the activity programming for the club day, in-person, and virtually, if needed, filling in for a regularly scheduled Activity Leader. Substitute plans for the day would be provided by the regularly scheduled Activity Leader whenever possible, for guidance.

Co-leads daily programs with an experienced Activity Leader up to 4 hours, providing necessary supervision and ensuring the safety of members, and demonstrating expertise in working with individuals with early-stage dementia.

Demonstrates that he/she is in acceptable physical condition and possesses the knowledge and stamina to help co-lead small group adapted seated exercise for at least 30 minutes.

Communicates any changes in members' behavior, incidents, safety hazards, or procedural difficulties to the Activity Leader.

Carries out all duties and responsibilities in a manner that respects the rights and privileges of the members of the social day club for older adults with dementia.

Work habits should include good organizational skills, initiation, dependability, punctual attendance, creativity, flexibility, ability to function as an effective on-call team member, patience, and sensitivity to the changing needs of the person in the early stages of dementia.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND EDUCATION:

• Bachelors or associate degree in human services, education, health care, or a related field, plus at least 1 year of experience in providing care for someone living with dementia.
• Knowledge of the 55+ adult population specifically with the social and activity needs of the person in the early stages of dementia.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Computer skills preferred (Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, Google Docs, PowerPoint, Email Communication, Spreadsheets, Newsletters, Social Media ability to use a smartphone and apps.
• Or any equivalent mix of skills, abilities, experience, and education that would render a candidate suitable for this position.
• CPR/First Aid certified.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to travel and work to varied locations of the Kensington Clubs if requested.
• Ability to physically respond to 55+ adults with dementia in crisis, demonstrated by helping to lift or support a senior with dementia who is in crisis. Must show the ability to lift/support at least 40 lbs. as needed and an ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, and bend frequently during a 6-hour workday.
• Must be able to stoop and kneel at floor level to assist with administering first aid/CPR to Club members if needed.
• Must have the ability to help co-workers push, pull loads (30 lbs), and lift supplies and deliveries (up to 25 lbs.) from one room to another.
• Must be able to occasionally use safe lifting techniques up to 80 lbs. with the assistance of another staff person.
• Background Checks: The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting and required medical clearance if requested.

Hourly rate: $18/hour

The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) has been helping people across the Washington metropolitan area meet emotional, social, and physical challenges for more than 120 years. A nonsectarian provider, we serve people of all religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, helping the youngest child to the most fragile senior, from individuals to entire families. JSSA provides services and support to nearly 31,000 individuals a year through our wide range of counseling, educational, specialized employment, in-home support, hospice and nursing care, and social services. We are a growing Agency and strive to be an Employer of Choice. As such we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a healthy work-life balance, collaborative team environment and many opportunities for personal growth and professional development. We pride ourselves on our mission to be the first place for the Jewish community, as well as the community at large, to turn for clinical and social services of the highest quality that sustain and nurture all who seek assistance. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. AA/M/F/D