Activity Assistant

Goodwin Living is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the greater Washington, D.C. region by The Washington Post every year since 2019 — and now nationally by USA Today. Since 2022, we’ve also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the Top Virginia Employers for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered through an annual third-party survey. Here’s what they say makes us stand out:

• Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 70 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice. 
• Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential. 
• Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued. 

Health Care Activity Assistant assists in planning, organizing, and implementing group and one-on-one activities tailored to resident interests and abilities, in conjunction with the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator and Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor. This position will help with programs to develop and maintain cognitive functioning, enhance creativity, promote self-confidence, encourage socialization, and foster community involvement. They will assist the Life Enrichment team by safely transporting Small House and Stonebrook residents to and from activities while ensuring their comfort, engagement, and wellbeing. This role also includes assisting with activity set-up, clean-up, encouraging participation, and providing compassionate support to residents with dementia or cognitive impairments. Position is required to complete documentation of resident’s engagement and program participation.

The pay for this role is $20/hr-$23/hr

• Safely transports residents, including those with mobility challenges, using wheelchairs and other assistive devices as needed.
• Monitors residents for signs of discomfort, confusion, or agitation and report concerns to nursing team members or the Life Enrichment team.
• Leads or supports groups and one-on-one activities that promote social, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
• Engages residents in meaningful conversation and provide emotional support.
• Develops and posts event information via flyers, newsletters, and activities calendar in order to encourage interest and participation from residents.
• Decorates common areas for holidays, seasonal events, and themed programs.
• Documents daily levels of engagement and program participation for all residents in the houses.
• Notifies Life Enrichment team members of individual preference changes and coordinates alternate enrichment activities with Life Enrichment team members.
• Knows each resident individually and reports changes in health status or behaviors to the charge nurse.
• Orients and supervises volunteers by providing direction, instruction, and encouragement.
• Monitors departmental supplies for adequate availability of supplies when needed. Keeps supplies organized in an efficient and accessible manner.
• Solicits and responds to residents’ requests for activities, workshops, and special events. Provides outstanding service to residents and internal customers.

• High school graduate or equivalent/GED required.
• 1–2 years of experience working with older adults preferred.
• Prior memory care and activities support experience would be a differentiator.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Must have computer skills in basic word processing.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with others.

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Northern Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #3 in 2025!