Life Enrichment Associate Bargaining

General Summary:

The Life Enrichment Associate strives to ensure that each resident is provided an activity program that meets their individual needs. They consider the physical, cognitive, emotional and recreational needs of each and strive to ultimately secure psychosocial well-being and a higher quality of life. The Life Enrichment (LE) Associates may offer direction to Volunteers and follow the leadership of the Life Enrichment Supervisor and Director.

Primary Duties of a Life Enrichment Associate:

1. Evaluate resident's activity interests, choice, physical and cognitive abilities, life experiences, emotions and religion to consider how to best insure participation. Assess level of support, encouragement, cuing, adaptive equipment, demonstration and assistance each resident requires for participation.
2. Using this information, plan, facilitate, and document a variety of scheduled and spontaneous independent, one on one, small and large group activities that meet the individual resident’s needs.
3. LE Associates are the Residents #1 Advocate. They ensure that resident’s wishes are granted to the greatest extent.
4. Takes initiative, problem solves and offer suggestions to their Supervisor.
5. Completes assigned documentation including POC and the MDS reports with accuracy in a timely manner.
6. Observes residents for health, fatigue, decreased participation or cognition and report all concerns to the LE Supervisor and/or Nursing.

1. May assist to plan outings, secure residents in the van and accompany (or drive) them to and from their destination.
2. They will complete all tasks as assigned by the Life Enrichment Director or Supervisor including those not listed.

Only duties and responsibilities necessary for proper job evaluation have been included. This list is not all inclusive of the total scope of the job duties and responsibilities.  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Position Specific Competencies:

1. Must complete all mandatory and 2 additional hours of in-service time required by HCMCF annually.
2. Will be a high school graduate (or GED General Education Degree).
3. Presents self with a professional, upbeat, confident, compassionate, and outgoing personality needed for resident’s Life Enrichment and Quality of Life.
4. Has experience or knowledge of the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, religious and recreational activity needs and desires of the nursing home resident. Has experience in planning and facilitating meaningful activities and Is able to determine how to best meet the individual’s needs.
5. Has at least basic computer knowledge. More experience is preferred.
6. Is able to work with minimal supervision and report concerns to the appropriate person. Takes initiative, can multi-task and is able to work from written and verbal instructions.
7. Demonstrates exceptional communication skills. Listens, evaluates then speaks to individuals, large or small groups of residents, families, staff and the public in an effective manner that produces positive outcomes.
8. Sees activities as an opportunity to create meaningful time spent together, not merely an effort to fill time and keep

residents occupied. Seeks resident input into activity planning and is creative in choice of activities.

1. Shows instinct to know when and how to offer support, touch (hold hands or hugs) and even prayer. Understands the particular challenges that persons with dementia may face in being able to participate in and enjoy activities.
2. Has experience or knowledge of the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, religious and recreational activity needs and desires of the nursing home resident. Has experience in planning and facilitating meaningful activities and Is able to determine how to best meet the individual’s needs.

1. Understands and able to attempt to defuse resident behaviors through determining needs, redirection or activity.
2. Has experience or knowledge of completing resident evaluations and documenting information including the MDS and other assessment tools.
3. Should have a valid driver’s license, good driving record and may be expected to obtain a chauffeur’s license.
4. Physical Abilities for completing duties including outings and Eden (cleaning bird cages and aviaries, plant care lifting/organizing supplies),

Must be able to Lift at least 30 pounds. Carry objects lighter weight for short distances (30-50 feet).

Must have ability to push residents in wheelchairs on a variety of surfaces indoors and outdoors (gravel and hills). 

Ability to secure residents into the bus and other duties that require bending, stooping, climbing and exercise.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Position Specific Competencies:

1. Working Conditions: Works in all resident areas, including Dining, Activity/Day, Off Unit and Individual rooms. At

times works away from the facility while on outings. Has exposure to noise, much activity and resident behaviors.

May work indoors or outdoors as weather permits.