An initiative of Pennsylvania Health Care Association
An Activity Assistant coordinates the activity program to meet the needs, interests and capabilities of the residents.
The Activity Director is responsible for directing the development, implementation, supervision and ongoing evaluation of the activities program
An Activity Assistant helps plan and lead daily programs—like games, music, crafts, and exercise—that promote engagement and well-being. They tailor activities to match residents’ interests and abilities, creating meaningful opportunities to connect and participate.
No previous experience or formal education is required for this position, just a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a heart for serving others.
This position does not require formal certifications, though relevant experience and skills are valued.
Activities Director
The Activity Director is responsible for directing the development, implementation, supervision and ongoing evaluation of the activities program. This includes scheduling activities, both individual and groups, implementing and/or delegating implementation of these programs, monitoring and evaluating the response to the programs to determine if the activities meet the assessed needs of the resident.
An Activities Director must be a qualified therapeutic recreational specialist or an activities professional who is licensed or registered by the state. They must have two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a healthcare setting, or be a qualified occupational therapist (OT) or occupational therapy assistant (OT).
The Activities Director is required to complete a state-approved activity director course to ensure they understand how to plan, implement, and evaluate programs that meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of residents.