Memory Care Director - Highlands on the East Side

Job Title: Memory Care Director

Location: The Highlands on the East Side Providence, RI 02906

Hours: Full Time

Job Summary:

The Memory Care Director is responsible for planning and implementing a specialized program for

residents with memory disorders and dementia. The purpose of the program is to encourage memory

impaired residents to enjoy a life of meaningful encounters and joyful moments, fostering friendships, and

allowing for freedom of movement within a safe and nurturing neighborhood setting. He/she is

responsible for hiring, training, and supervising staff and volunteers to work in the Connections Memory

Support Neighborhood.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The following essential functions are the fundamental job duties of the position to be completed with or

without appropriate reasonable accommodation.

• Oversees the Connections Program, by implementing the philosophies and policies of the

program, and ensuring that all staff understands and follows the procedures, goals, and

objectives of the program. Accepts responsibility for the program, and ensures consistent

operation of the program throughout 24 hours/ 7 days weekly. Is responsible for maintaining

an adequate staffing schedule to meet the needs of the residents. This may require adjusting

your hours to accommodate the needs of the program.

• Is responsible for the appearance of the Neighborhood, and reports any housekeeping or

maintenance concerns to the Maintenance Director, or delegated person. Assures that the

Neighborhood is clean and tidy, uncluttered, and free from odors.

• Produces a quality newsletter and monthly calendar of activities and special events. Monthly

calendar is posted appropriately to enable all residents to read, as well as a specific daily

listing of activities, that reflect the individual needs, interests, and capacities of the

Neighborhood residents.

• Develops and ensures implementation of a meaningful Connections program for all residents

that includes the standards and values of the S.T.A.R. Program, that creatively addresses the

intellectual, physical, cultural, social, and spiritual needs of individual Neighborhood

residents. This includes promoting moments of meaningful participation that foster self-

esteem, personal achievement, and a sense of community involvement. Participates in

appropriate outings, and assures safety of all residents on such outings.

• Provides resources/supplies for the special interests of individual residents, when possible,

that stimulates and foster independence and sense of personal fulfillment.

• Actively participates in the assessment process of all Connections residents, and the

development and implementation of an individualized service plan, that reflects the

individual’s needs, interests, and capacities. Is able to effectively communicate this

information to staff, in order to foster relationships, create meaningful moments, and to

promote a sense of community contribution.

• Documents the resident files with at least monthly progress notes, and as needed to document

overall participation in Neighborhood life, alterations in cognition or behaviors, unexpected

events, involvement with outside services, family meetings/concerns, changes in condition,

etc. This documentation shall meet the requirements of Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

• Is actively involved in the assessment process of all Connections residents, and the

subsequent development and implementation of a comprehensive individualized service plan.

Is able to effectively communicate this information to the direct care staff in order to care for

the residents with confidence and compassion.

• Establishes and maintains an effective dementia/memory impairment orientation and in-

service program, enabling all community staff to interact effectively and sensitively to

residents with memory impairment, throughout the community. Provides group and

individual coaching to members of the Connections team as new residents move in, and as

needs arise.

• Trains, supervises, and evaluates volunteers and ancillary staff who participate in the

Connections Neighborhood program, or otherwise come in contact with Connections

residents throughout the community.

• Communicates regularly with family members of Connections residents, and as special

circumstances arise. Is receptive to family concerns with sensitivity and openness, and

responds in a timely fashion. Involves family members in the assessment process and

development of service plan, especially when there is a change in the level of care.

Documents, as appropriate, in the progress notes. Reaches out to family members for

observations and input on Connections Program.

• Participates in preparing the annual budget for the Connections Program. Maintains

budgetary guidelines on a monthly basis, wherever possible not exceeding monthly spend-

down accounts. Is mindful of staff overtime hours, and works to keep those hours at a

minimum. Is able to account for any over-time hours to Executive Director.

• Promotes and maintains a safe environment for all community residents, in order to minimize

the potential for accidents and/or fire. Further, adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire, and

sanitation codes by having a thorough understanding of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs‘

regulations regarding a Special Care Neighborhood.

• Promotes an unconditional “residents-first” approach in all daily encounters, ensuring that all

residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a nurturing, compassionate,

and positive fashion at all times, recognizing individual’s rights, independence, and needs.

• Conducts him/herself in a professional manner at all times.

• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of college degree or equivalent, by relevant experience, is required.

• Must be qualified by experience and/or training to develop and implement a therapeutic &

meaningful program that addresses the special needs of residents with memory impairment

and promotes dignity, respect, and a sense of community participation and worth.

• Should demonstrate a solid history and understanding of the issues of aging, specifically

those with Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders.

• Must be able to read, write, and understand the English language, and communicate it

effectively to others.

Required Behavior:

• Appearance is neat, clean, and according to dress code.

• Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; does what is necessary to ensure

customer satisfaction; deals with service failures and prioritizes customer needs.

• Able to clearly present information through the spoken word; reads and interprets complex

information; talks with residents, family members and customers; listens well.

• Able to communicate with others in a warm and helpful manner while simultaneously

building credibility and rapport.

• Able to work cooperatively with a group of people to achieve goals and objectives.

• Able to be tactful; maintains confidences, and fosters an ethical work environment; prevents

inappropriate behavior by coworkers; gives proper credit to others; handles all situations

honestly.

• Able to keep an open mind and change opinions on the basis of new information; performs a

variety tasks and changes focus quickly as demands change; manages transitions effectively

from task to task; adapts to varying customer needs.

Physical Demands:

• Physically able to move at least 50 lbs. without assistance.

• Physically able to bend, reach, and work in small areas.

• Physically able to push and pull equipment and furnishings.

• Physically able to stand for long periods of time.

Benefits:

Full time position offers a competitive benefit program to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Health FSA,

Dependent Care FSA, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Home and Auto

Discount program, Vendor Discount Program, 401(k) with matching contribution, Accrued Vacation,

Sick, and Personal time and Paid Holiday Benefit. Employee referral bonus, and resident referral bonus.

If you are interested in applying or know someone to refer for the position please e-mail resume to

Karen Van Gorden at Kvangorden@HallKeen.com