Activities Worker

Overview

The Activities Worker is responsible for performing basic activity programs for patients.

Responsibilities

• Encourages patients to participate in social and recreational activities and to maintain cleanliness of their area.
• Observes assigned patients as they interact on the ward and with family and friends to detect unusual behavior. Reports observations to team nurse for charting purposes.
• Assists in teaching good grooming and personal hygiene skills.
• Assists in crisis situations through non-violent techniques, restraints or seclusion of the patient.
• Interacts with patients during unstructured periods and assists new patients in their orientation to their surroundings.
• Accompanies patients to activities and therapy sessions, including off hospital grounds.
• Observe patients to insure that they do not leave the grounds unattended.
• Participate in team conferences, ward classes, in-service education programs and committees.
• Maintains work area in a clean, safe and orderly manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma required.
• Successful completion of the State Activities Course required.

Experience

• No prior experience specified.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Good communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with residents, patients, families, and staff.
• Ability to organize and participate in activities programs.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete assigned duties.
• Additional area-specific training may be required and will be provided.

Training

• Three (3) to six (6) months of on-the-job training required to achieve proficiency in assigned duties and responsibilities.