Just getting started and have some questions

[MarieB 0]

I am currently about 3/4 of the way thru an Activity Director Course and am hoping to finish it up by the end of January. I have a few questions. Some may sound silly, but if I don't ask I won't know.

 

1. What are the possibilities of finding a part time job for week ends only as an Activity Assistant. Because of my families work situation, I can not give up my ft job now, but would like to start working as an Activities Assistant on a part time basis on the weekends, preferably every other weekend, and feel this would be a good way to enter the field.

 

2. Because I am just starting out in the career, do I need to have a portfolio together of activities, such as ideas for one on ones, small group, large group, etc. What do I need to have available to present to a possible employer if I get an interview.

 

3. Do I need to have already made up sensory boxes, comfort kits, games and the supplies needed for these games? Or are all these things items that should already be available for use at the facility. I just would like to know what all I am going to need to get me started somewhere.

 

4. Do you typically wear scrubs or regular clothes.

 

5. What is the average starting wages for an Activities Assistant. I live in NW Ohio, and am 50 miles from Fort Wayne, IN.

 

6. I will continue to volunteer on Sat. mornings at the facility that is sponsoring me for the Activity Directors course. I am hoping this will give me enough experience to get me started somewhere. I eventually want to go into it full time, but with the job situation as it is, I can not afford to quit my current job.

 

Does anyone have any advice for me as I attempt to get started in this career. Thanks so much for your help in my questions.

[iloveoldies 1]

I am currently about 3/4 of the way thru an Activity Director Course and am hoping to finish it up by the end of January. I have a few questions. Some may sound silly, but if I don't ask I won't know.

 

1. What are the possibilities of finding a part time job for week ends only as an Activity Assistant. Because of my families work situation, I can not give up my ft job now, but would like to start working as an Activities Assistant on a part time basis on the weekends, preferably every other weekend, and feel this would be a good way to enter the field.

 

2. Because I am just starting out in the career, do I need to have a portfolio together of activities, such as ideas for one on ones, small group, large group, etc. What do I need to have available to present to a possible employer if I get an interview.

 

3. Do I need to have already made up sensory boxes, comfort kits, games and the supplies needed for these games? Or are all these things items that should already be available for use at the facility. I just would like to know what all I am going to need to get me started somewhere.

 

4. Do you typically wear scrubs or regular clothes.

 

5. What is the average starting wages for an Activities Assistant. I live in NW Ohio, and am 50 miles from Fort Wayne, IN.

 

6. I will continue to volunteer on Sat. mornings at the facility that is sponsoring me for the Activity Directors course. I am hoping this will give me enough experience to get me started somewhere. I eventually want to go into it full time, but with the job situation as it is, I can not afford to quit my current job.

 

Does anyone have any advice for me as I attempt to get started in this career. Thanks so much for your help in my questions.

 

 

[iloveoldies 1]

Hi, I work at an ALF in S.W. Florida. We do hire an activities assistant for every weekend, so our AD can have the weekends off. You will have to check with the facility to see what their needs are , but it's a good way to get your foot in the door and get to know the residents.

I think it would be good to have a list of activity ideas to show your future employer your creativity and passion for the job, you can get a lot of good ideas on this forum and tweek them a little to suit your style.

Usually he sensory boxes and kits are already available at the facilites.

Our activity workers wear civilian clothes and are not required to wear uniforms ( you'd have to check with each individual facility )

Here in Florida, the pay is less than other states. Our AD makes about $12.50/ hr

Good luck in your new career, it can be challenging, but rewarding as well.

When you get started...send me your fax # I will send you some free worksheets ( question and answers ) designed for seniors created by me, a nurse, working in an ALF, who feels activities are essential to the well being of our seniors. This will help you break the ice with the residents. kimandjim9@comcast.net Just put in the subject sample Q&A for seniors...so I will know who you are. Good Luck!

[MarieB 0]

Thank you for your reply.