Activities Coordinator

The activity coordinator role is an important one because it plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of life for residents through meaningful engagement and social interaction. An activities coordinator designs and implements a variety of activities that are tailored to the interests and needs of individuals.

1. Planning Activities

The activities coordinator plans activities that are tailored to the abilities, preferences, and interests of residents. Activities can range from physical exercises like yoga, walking groups, or dance sessions to cognitive exercises like board games, memory games, and quizzes. It can also include group games, arts and crafts, music therapy, and film viewings. They will plan special events around holidays, birthdays, or significant cultural dates, such as Christmas celebrations, summer picnics, or Halloween parties. Complete an activity assessment of new residents upon admission.

2. Promoting Social Interaction

Encouraging socialisation is an important part of being an activities coordinator. Residents benefit from spending time with peers and staff, and group activities can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Coordinators might establish clubs based on hobbies like gardening, reading, or knitting, giving residents a sense of belonging. They often collaborate with family members too, involving them in certain events, such as family days or celebrations.

3. Supporting Residents’ Wellbeing

To keep seniors healthy, many activities focus on gentle physical exercise, promoting mobility, coordination, and fitness. Other activities encourage cognitive stimulation and are designed to keep residents mentally engaged. This can be particularly important for those with dementia or cognitive impairments. Activities coordinators also provide emotional support through group sessions or one-on-one interaction. The activities coordinator will assist with the transfer of residents to and from activities and assist residents during dining times.

4. Managing External Visitors and Entertainment

To provide residents with new and exciting experiences, a care home activities coordinator often arranges for external performers, such as musicians, entertainers, or pet visits. They might also work with volunteers who come in to assist with activities or provide companionship to the residents.

5. Reporting

Activity Coordinators must evaluate how residents respond to different activities and make adjustments to ensure that they meet the needs and interests of individuals. To do this, they will gather feedback from residents to understand what activities they enjoy most and what changes they would like. In addition, they have to ensure that all activities are conducted safely and within any health guidelines, particularly for those with specific health concerns.

• To report any change in the residents condition to nursing staff.
• To report absence to the CNM 3
• Request annual leave through the CNM3
• To work Monday to Sunday 39hrs per week

6. Collaborating with Other Caregivers

All care home staff must work together, and so the activities coordinator will liaise closely with nurses and carers, to ensure activities are aligned with the individual care plans of residents; for example, understanding if a resident has physical limitations or challenges with eating.

The activities coordinator will support trainees and students in learning opportunities and developing new skills.

The overall goal in in the RCNU is to provide holistic care that addresses not only the physical health of residents, but also their social and emotional wellbeing.

7. Special Considerations for Residents with Dementia or Alzheimer’s

For activities coordinators in a dementia care home setting, there may be some extra considerations or specific activities to take into account, such as: 

• Adapting activities to fit cognitive abilities and memory recall
• Offering reminiscence therapy, such as using music, objects, or photos from the past
• Creating sensory-stimulating experiences like aromatherapy, magic tables, or soothing sounds

8. MANDATORY TRAINING

Ensure that all mandatory training in up to date.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION INDICATES THE PRINCIPAL DUTIES OF THE POST AND IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

1

Possess a relevant* Health Skills qualification as outlined in the Quality and Qualifications

Ireland (QQI) formerly FETAC on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) of not

less than QQI Level 5.

2

Possess a relevant Healthcare qualification at not less than QQI Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

3

Be currently undertaking a relevant Health Skills QQI Level 5 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) with a commitment to complete the appropriate health skills QQI Level 5 qualification within 2 years of taking up post.

4

Be currently employed as a Healthcare Assistant, Care Assistant, Attendant, Multi-Task

Attendant or in a comparable role for at least 2 years and give an undertaking to acquire

an appropriate Health Skills qualification at not less than QQI Level 5 programme on the

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) within 2 years of taking up post.

AND

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of

suitability, for the proper discharge of the role

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Note:

With regard to Criterion (i), the listing below is considered relevant health skills QQI (formerly FETAC) Level 5* qualifications

QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support

QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies

QQI Level 5 Community Care

QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills

QQI Level 5 Community Health Services

QQI Level 5 Activities of Daily Living

*(A full QQI/FETAC 5 Major award requires a minimum of 120 credits/8 Modules - Please note a

Component Certificate will not suffice.)

With regard to Criterion (ii), a relevant Healthcare qualification at not less than QQI Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is considered to be a qualification with applied patient care modules / placements typically but not limited to qualifications in: Social Care Work, Nursing, Therapy Professions etc.

Mandatory:

Mandatory Modules that must be completed as part of the 8 modules are:

• Communication
• Care Skills
• Infection, Prevention & Control
• Activities of Daily Living

(List of completed modules must be listed on your CV).

Desirable

• Previous experience working as an activity assistant or activity coordinator is an advantage.
• 1 year 2orking in a Care Environment or in Care of the Older Person within a residential care setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• An intuitive knowledge of the interests and needs of older people.
• Have a good knowledge of the HIQA Standards.
• A 'can-do' problem-solving attitude coupled with organisational skills.
• Have a teamwork approach and a flexible attitude.
• A commitment to undertake further training.

Informal Enquiries only to:

Elaine Hanaphy CNM3 St Joseph’s Campus

elainehanaphy2@beaumont.ie

Phone - 018505657

Applications will not be accepted by email.