Title: Activities Assistant

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate II

Hiring Range: $37,000-$39,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept of Veterans Services

Location: J&C VCC

Agency Website: www.dvs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

We are seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and engaging Activities Assistant who will assist the Activities Coordinator and Activities Director with planning and implementing activities designed to enrich the lives of our residents.
Activities Assistant responsibilities include creating, leading and engaging residents in meaningful and enjoyable activities, providing emotional support, and ensuring residents’ personal and social needs are met.

Schedule: M-F 8:30-5pm, some evenings (special events) and rotating weekends and holidays

Key Responsibilities
·Assist in planning and leading daily activities such as games, music, crafts, exercise, outings, etc.
·Encourage and assist residents to participate in scheduled activities.
·Able to develop and adapt engaging activities tailored to a wide range of abilities and interest.
·Flexible in approach and able toa adjust activities as needed for individual needs.

Why Join Us?
Competitive pay and benefits.
Supportive team environment.
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring smooth staffing operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications
· Experience with music therapy, art, crafts, or movement‑based activities.
· Familiarity with dementia behaviors, redirection techniques, and safety protocols.
· Experience working with seniors, especially in memory care or dementia support is a plus.

· Strong communication, patience, and interpersonal skills
· Compassion for and commitment to serving our Veteran population
· Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Additional Considerations

What We’re Looking For
• Compassion and patience able to support residents experiencing confusion, anxiety, or behavioral changes with calm, steady reassurance.
• Strong communication skills speaks clearly, listens well, and adapts communication style for residents with cognitive decline.
• Engaging and creative personality enjoys leading activities, encouraging participation, and bringing positive energy into the environment.
• Dependability shows up consistently, follows routines, and maintains a stable presence for residents who rely on predictability.
• Team oriented mindset collaborates well with nurses, activity staff, and families.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.


You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Commonwealth does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DVS employees, the selected candidate MUST pass a criminal background check.

For consideration for this position, candidates MUST apply online at www.jobs.virginia.gov. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes are encouraged but do not substitute submittal of the online application. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered. Please contact Human Resources if you need assistance.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department of Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability.

If you need to obtain a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Contact Information

Name: Latarsha Jordan

Phone: 757-263-3100

Email: HRJCVCC@dvs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.