Engagement Assistant - Adult Day Program

About the role

Institute on Aging's Enrichment Center in the Presidio, which runs its Adult Day Program, is looking for a compassionate Engagement Assistant to support a diverse group of participants living with dementia or other cognitive or physical impairments. The role provides direct support and supervision to clients, following the principles of choice, dignity, privacy and independence.

Key responsibilities

• Facilitate large and small group activities and present dynamic, hands-on sessions that match clients' interests and abilities
• Provide behavioral and emotional support through companionship, conversation, distraction and redirection
• Assist with safe boarding and exiting of program vehicles with the assigned driver
• Help develop and carry out individualized service plans with the Program Manager
• Complete required training, including the Best Friends approach and other person-centered dementia care practices
• Support clients with anxiety, distress or responsive behaviors, and respond to responsive behaviors with non-pharmacological, person-centered strategies
• Report changes in mood, behavior or function to the Program Manager and the interdisciplinary team
• Build respectful relationships with clients and their families, and collaborate with colleagues to improve the member experience
• Assist with ambulation, transfers and toileting, and monitor client safety
• Serve clients during meals and snacks, and maintain cleanliness and organization of the program
• Greet family members, prospects, volunteers and visitors, and maintain client confidentiality
• Follow standard precautions, infection control and safety check schedules, and attend staff meetings and trainings

Required profile

• At least one year of experience working with persons with dementia and/or other special needs, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience serving older adults with dementia, including those who may show responsive or complex behaviors
• Completion of dementia-specific training such as the David Troxel Best Friends approach or other recognized dementia care education preferred
• College degree (BA) preferred, with coursework in psychology, social services, gerontology or a related field
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs and transfer up to 50 lbs, and to reach, bend and walk

Required skills

• Strong interpersonal, observational and communication skills, able to read verbal and non-verbal cues
• Strong presentation skills for engaging group activities
• High degree of empathy, professionalism and sound judgment