Activity Assistant / DSP

Company Overview
The Arc of St. Charles is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the elderly community. Located in Boutte, Louisiana, we focus on enhancing quality of life through compassionate care and engaging programs that foster independence and well-being.

Overview
We are seeking an energetic and compassionate Activity Assistant / DSP (Direct Support Professional) to join our team! In this vital role, you will plan and facilitate engaging activities tailored to residents’ interests and needs, promote social interaction, and support their daily living activities. Your enthusiasm will help create a vibrant, supportive environment where seniors and individuals with disabilities can thrive. This paid position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while developing your skills in senior care, recreational therapy, and program development.

The DSP / Activity Assistant is responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centered support while designing and implementing interactive activity programs. This role is highly dynamic and split between providing essential direct care (activities of daily living, medication administration, and safety tracking) and recreational leadership (planning outings, leading group exercises, crafting, and building community partnerships). The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, discover new hobbies, and become fully included in their local communities.

Duties

• Plan, coordinate, and lead resident-centered activities and events that promote socialization, cognitive engagement, and physical activity
• Assist residents with daily living activities (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility support
• Build strong rapport with residents through meaningful communication and personalized engagement strategies
• Support memory care initiatives by implementing specialized activities for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Collaborate with team members to develop individualized activity plans that meet residents’ unique needs and preferences
• Help organize community outings or special events that enhance residents’ quality of life
• Maintain accurate documentation of resident participation, progress notes, and activity schedules

Activity Planning & Execution

• Program Development: Assist the Activity Director in creating, scheduling, and executing a diverse monthly calendar of therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities.
• Group Coordination: Lead small and large group activities, including arts and crafts, music, sports, cooking classes, and holiday events.
• Community Integration: Identify, coordinate, and lead community outings such as volunteer opportunities, museum trips, movies, and shopping to promote local social connections.
• Individualized Adaptations: Modify activities and utilize creative accommodations to ensure individuals of all ability levels—including isolated or bed-bound residents—can actively participate.

Direct Support & Caregiving

• Person-Centered Plans: Implement individualized care plans, behavioral interventions, and personal goals developed by the interdisciplinary team.
• Daily Living Support (ADLs): Assist individuals with personal care tasks, including hygiene, bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance as needed.
• Medication Administration: Safely administer prescribed medications and treatments in strict compliance with state regulations and agency policies.
• Transportation: Drive company vehicles or personal reliable transportation to escort individuals safely to community activities, grocery stores, and medical appointments.

Documentation & Compliance

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, timely electronic documentation of daily interactions, goal progress, behavioral observations, and attendance logs.
• Safety & Incident Reporting: Monitor health and environment for safety hazards, and immediately document and report any accidents, incidents, or changes in behavior.

Skills

• Proven experience in assisted living, nursing home settings, or long-term care environments
• Strong background in event planning, recreational therapy, or program development for seniors or individuals with disabilities
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to connect effectively with geriatric patients and their families
• Knowledge of dementia care, memory care techniques, and aging issues counseling
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for scheduling, documentation, and communication purposes
• Ability to coordinate resident events and manage schedules efficiently
• Compassionate caregiving approach with experience working with seniors or individuals with disabilities
• Leadership skills to work collaboratively within a team while supporting resident independence

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or Recreation Therapy is highly preferred.
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Licensure: Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record and proof of reliable auto insurance.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in caregiving, direct support, special education, or event planning preferred.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional patience, empathy, active listening, crisis intervention composure, and strong communication skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds to assist individuals with transfers and mobility.
• Stamina to stand, walk, bend, and actively engage in physical activities or sports for extended periods.
• Comfort working in various environments, including indoor facility settings, outdoor recreational areas, and intensive driving out in the field.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, which may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on program needs.

Join us in creating joyful experiences for our residents! We value passionate individuals eager to bring energy, creativity, and compassion into every interaction. This is a paid opportunity designed to empower you to grow professionally while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Pay: From $10.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• supporting individuals: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Boutte, LA 70039 (Required)

Work Location: In person