Life Engagement Director

Job Title: Life Engagement Director / Activity Director

Reports To: Executive Director

About Us

At Amber Grove Place, we are guided by a single purpose: To engage, protect, and love people living with memory loss. We are committed to:

• Creating a safe, active, and loving environment
• Giving families peace of mind
• Being patient and seeking to understand those we serve
• Providing personal and professional growth opportunities for team members
• Acting with respect, integrity, and accountability in all we do

General Statement of Position

The Life Engagement Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing a comprehensive life enrichment program designed to meet the cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social needs of residents in a memory care community. This position plays a key leadership role in enhancing resident quality of life through meaningful, person-centered programming and community involvement.

Essential Functions

The following duties are typical for this position. They are not all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Program Development & Execution:

Design, implement, and evaluate a robust calendar of daily activities, special events, holiday celebrations, and enrichment programs tailored specifically for residents with memory loss. Host and lead events, ensuring resident engagement and enjoyment.

• Team Leadership:

Manage and supervise a team of Life Engagement Assistants and the community bus driver, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations. Create monthly staff schedules and coordinate daily coverage.

• Intern & Student Supervision:

Serve as the on-site supervisor for Chico State student interns. Coordinate with local colleges to host nursing students for educational shadowing opportunities in dementia care.

• Community & Vendor Relations:

Build and maintain relationships with local entertainers, therapy animal programs, craft instructors, and other vendors. Schedule and coordinate guest performances, interactive experiences, and community visits.

• Resident Biographies:

Conduct personalized interviews and write biographical summaries for new residents to support meaningful engagement and person-centered care.

• Creative Projects & Crafting:

Assist planning and leading creative activities and hands-on projects, including painting, woodcrafts, and seasonal crafts adapted to residents’ abilities and interests.

• Budget Management:

Manage the Life Engagement Department’s budget, track expenses, and ensure the responsible use of community resources.

• Collaboration & Communication:

Work collaboratively with care staff, families, and other departments to ensure that programming/activities align with residents’ care plans and enhances their overall well-being.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Experience working in memory care or a similar setting strongly preferred
• Leadership and team management experience required
• Creative, organized, and passionate about enriching the lives of older adults
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to adapt programming for individuals with varying cognitive abilities
• Comfortable supervising students and interns
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, calendar planning tools, and basic budgeting
• State certification for Activity Leader (36-hour minimum) preferred

Certification and Clearance Requirements

• First Aid certification (can be obtained after hire)
• DOJ and FBI criminal record clearance
• Health screening and TB/CXR clearance

License Requirement

• Valid Class C Driver’s License may be required or obtained after hire

Knowledge and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

• Leading, planning, and promoting engaging activity programs
• Community safety protocols and procedures
• Use and maintenance of recreational tools and equipment
• Arts and crafts techniques and instruction

Physical Requirements:

• Operate office machines (e.g., copier, computer), audiovisual, and recreational equipment (e.g., projectors, microphones, kilns, sewing machines, cooking tools, televisions)
• Coordinate hand and finger movements for crafting and physical activities
• Physically able to lift, carry, push, or pull moderate to heavy weights and assist residents with positioning and mobility

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to perform basic arithmetic and work with decimals and percentages

Language and Communication Skills:

• Read and interpret various reports and documents (e.g., audits, care plans, dietary and room assignment lists)
• Use and understand medical and recreational reference materials
• Prepare accurate records and correspondence in proper format
• Use and interpret medical terminology appropriately
• Communicate clearly and professionally with residents, families, staff, and outside visitors

Environmental Adaptability:

• Ability to work effectively in a residential care environment, occasionally involving exposure to outdoor elements