Residential Activity Coach

Job Title: Activity Coach
Department:  Residential
Reports To: Life Enrichment Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary

The Activity Coach assists with implementing an innovative activity program to enhance the quality of life for each resident living in the Community Care Facilities. He/she will lead and encourage residents to join in meaningful activities while maintaining their independence, choice and dignity, and enabling them to lead as full and active a life as possible. The Activity Coach will also assist and teach residents to develop desired social and recreational skills.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Obtains knowledge as an active team member of the resident’s likes, dislikes, interests, personal preferences, physical and cognitive abilities.
2. Demonstrates a respectful attitude toward the residents and allows them to have as much independence as their potential allows. Activity Coaches will provide a safe environment free from disparaging comments about resident’s preferred activities.
3. Assists in engaging local community resources to identify social and recreational opportunities enabling residents to become active members of the wider community.
4. Assists with organizing activities and/or outings within the home, virtual media and/or in the community with consideration for safety and preferences.
5. Trains and assists in navigating the use of a tablet for virtual activities.
6. Provides supervision during assigned community outings.
7. Assists with the creation of a portfolio of resources, including the range of activities available within the home and the local community.
8. Plans and gathers needed supplies and/or materials to teach/lead a class or activity. This may require dropping supplies off at various houses. (Example: drawing supplies for a class on Zoom, Starbucks coffee hour on the phone, Projector and movie for drive-in night in the parking lot).
9. Transports and accompanies residents to recreational outings (i.e. movies, musicals, parks) and activities using the agency van. Meets all expectations for completing van paperwork, re-fueling and van upkeep. May also utilize other avenues of transportation such as public transportation as deemed safe.
10. Ensures any space used for social and recreational activities within the home is clean, sanitized and free of debris after an activity is completed.
11. May supervise, assist, teach and/or communicate changes in instrumental activities of daily living skills (IADL’s) and activities of daily living (ADL’s) of the resident(s). This may include the supervision and/or assistance of cooking, using a phone, food preparation, money management, etc.
12. Handles program funds as instructed by the coordinator for each activity and/or resident and in accordance with the agency policy and procedures. This may include purchasing supplies and equipment, paying for admission at recreational venues, etc.
13. Completes subjective and objective data collection including any progress made towards individual goals each shift.
14. Ensures that all medical and/or behavioral problems are immediately brought to the attention of the House staff and the Life Enrichment Coordinator.
15. Works effectively with house staff, co-workers, residents and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical solutions; addressing others by name, title or other respectful identifiers; and respecting the diversity of the New Horizons workforce in actions, words and deeds.
16. Responsible for other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

1. Attends meetings as directed. Participates in initial and ongoing monthly trainings required by New Horizons, including weekly staff meeting.
2. Supports the Agency’s mission and partners with others to accomplish the
   mission.
3. Maintains the highest professional and ethical standards at all times.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must pass a criminal background check approved by the CA Dept. of Social Services. Must have valid California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the agency’s insurance carrier. Must be willing to drive agency’s 8-passenger van. Must obtain agency driving certification within 90 days of employment and maintain certification in good standing while employed. Must have current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Education and/or Experience

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Strong preference is given to applicants who have had some experience working with the developmentally disabled in a community setting. Has a passion to enrich and make a difference in someone’s life.

Language Skills

Ability to read, speak, write and comprehend in English. Ability to effectively present information in English in one-on-one and small group situations to residents, and other employees of the organization. Preference given to staff that are bilingual and/or staff that are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.