Life Enrichment Director

Job Overview:
*Are you fun, energetic, creative, and great at connecting with people? Do you have a passion for working with the aging population or those in a group residential facility?

If others describe you as a self-starter who can work independently or as part of a team, while excelling at engaging and encouraging participation from program participants, we want to hear from you! Click the apply button and consider joining our team at Hayes Residence! :0)

The Life Enrichment Director is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing life enrichment programs and therapeutic recreation activities designed to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of residents at Hayes Residence. This position will focus on creating individualized and group activities that promote quality of life for residents, utilizing therapeutic recreation techniques to address cognitive, physical, emotional, and social needs.

The person will work closely with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary team to ensure that activities are meaningful and appropriately tailored to individual needs and preferences. This role also involves ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, maintaining safety standards, and fostering a positive environment for residents to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Development and Implementation:
• Design and implement life enrichment programs that include a variety of therapeutic recreation activities such as art therapy, music therapy, physical exercises, cognitive stimulation, and social events.
• Develop individual therapeutic recreation plans based on assessments of residents’ interests, abilities, and needs.
• Coordinate a regular schedule of group activities and one-on-one sessions aimed at improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Incorporate therapeutic recreation strategies to assist residents in managing symptoms of aging, dementia, and other chronic conditions.
• Lead or facilitate activities such as physical fitness sessions, games, crafts, gardening, outings, and holiday celebrations.
• Tailor activities to meet the needs of residents with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, or other limitations.

Resident Assessment and Engagement:

• Conduct regular assessments to identify residents' preferences, cognitive abilities, mobility levels, and therapeutic needs.
• Develop personalized activity plans based on individual assessments to ensure meaningful engagement.
• Provide encouragement and support to residents to ensure active participation in both individual and group activities.
• Monitor residents' progress and adjust activities as needed to maximize participation and benefit.
• Communicate regularly with families to discuss residents' progress, preferences, and involvement in life enrichment activities.

Collaboration with Care Team:

• Collaborate with nursing, healthcare professionals, and social services to integrate therapeutic recreation into each resident’s care plan.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to ensure that activities align with residents' care goals and health needs.
• Work with the healthcare team to develop interventions that address residents’ physical and emotional well-being through recreation.
• Provide feedback to the care team regarding residents' participation, progress, and response to activities.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of residents’ participation in activities, including progress notes and any changes in behavior or condition related to activity involvement.
• Ensure all therapeutic recreation activities are documented following nursing home regulatory standards and resident care plans.
• Track residents’ engagement levels and report on outcomes to improve or adjust activities based on their needs.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance:

• Maintain safe and clean activity areas, ensuring all supplies and equipment are in good working order and meet safety standards.
• Organize and manage activity materials, making sure they are easily accessible and stored appropriately for future use.
• Ensure that all equipment used for physical activities or therapeutic recreation sessions is regularly inspected and maintained for safety.

Compliance and Safety:

• Adhere to all relevant state and federal regulations regarding therapeutic recreation and activity programming.
• Ensure compliance with infection control procedures and safety standards in all activities and recreational spaces.
• Maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid, ensuring the safety of residents during activities.
• Follow all relevant guidelines for managing residents with specific health conditions, including those with dementia or other cognitive impairments, during therapeutic recreation sessions.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree and licensure in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work, or related field. Preferred.
• Certification: Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or an equivalent, or willingness to obtain certification within a specified time frame. Preferred.

Experience:

• At least 2 years’ experience in senior care, particularly in a nursing home or therapeutic recreation setting.
• Experience in developing and leading therapeutic recreation activities and programs for residents with varying physical and cognitive abilities.
• Experience working in long-term care or geriatric settings, with a focus on individualized activity programming.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to adapt activities to meet diverse needs and abilities.
• The ability to engage residents in meaningful activities that promote health, wellness, and social interaction.
• Proficient in basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) for documentation and record-keeping.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary care team.
• CPR/BLS and First Aid Certification.
• Driving License in Good Standing.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lead and participate in physical activities, including walking, stretching, and light exercise.

Ability to assist residents with participation in activities and ensure they can safely engage in therapeutic sessions.

Ability to lift and carry activity supplies, materials, and equipment, up to 25 pounds.

Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during group or individual activities.

Work Schedule:

Full-time, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours for special events, outings, or resident activities.

Supervision and Reporting:

Reports directly to the Administrator.

Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure that therapeutic recreation and life enrichment activities align with residents' care plans.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $29