Director of Recreation

Location: 13225 Westwood Lane, Omaha, NE 68144
Service Line: Hillcrest Millard
Schedule: Full-Time

About the role

Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for a creative, organized, and resident-focused Director of Recreation to lead our recreation programming at Hillcrest Millard in Omaha, NE. Hillcrest Millard is West Omaha’s premier destination for post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care. This state-of-the-art community combines innovative therapy, exceptional hospitality, private accommodations, and quality care to help guests and residents recover, maintain independence, and feel supported in a welcoming environment.

At Hillcrest, our mission is simple: Inspiring people to live their best lives. As the Director of Recreation, you will play an important leadership role in creating meaningful programs, activities, and experiences that support quality of life, resident engagement, connection, and overall well-being.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, implement, evaluate, and direct recreation programs for patients and residents.
• Create meaningful programs that support leisure interests, social connection, independence, and quality of life.
• Ensure patients and residents receive the recreation services needed to help maintain their highest level of functioning.
• Lead the department with strong critical thinking, organization, planning, problem-solving, and initiative.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members regarding expectations, needs, and job responsibilities.
• Manage department resources and support fiscal outcomes, including budget planning and expense oversight.
• Schedule adequate staffing to ensure recreation needs are met.
• Complete the Recreation section of the MDS accurately and timely.
• Participate in and lead meetings by being prepared, providing input, and following through on department needs.
• Develop annual department budget recommendations and submit them for approval within required timelines.
• Forecast department needs, set goals, and implement objectives that support positive outcomes.
• Serve as a mentor, coach, and positive role model to team members.
• Build positive relationships with residents, guests, families, team members, and leadership.

Requirements

• At least two years of supervisory experience in a long-term care or related healthcare setting.
• At least two years of experience performing recreational duties in a long-term care or related healthcare setting.
• Strong knowledge of recreation programming, resident engagement, and activity planning.
• Ability to develop programs based on patient and resident needs, abilities, interests, and goals.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and team-development skills.
• Strong attention to detail with MDS documentation, schedules, calendars, budgets, and department follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• A self-directed work style with strong accountability and initiative.
• A calm, flexible, and professional approach in stressful or changing situations.
• A commitment to creating meaningful experiences that support resident dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Qualifications

• Completion of NNFA Activity Director Training Program required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or related field preferred.
• Recreation certification preferred.
• At least two years of supervisory experience in long-term care or a related healthcare setting required.
• At least two years of recreational programming experience in long-term care or a related healthcare setting required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Multiple health insurance plan options.
• Vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Professional development support, including tuition reimbursement, certifications, and career-growth programs.
• Dayforce Wallet, allowing you to choose when you get paid.
• Gym membership reimbursement and partner discounts.
• Opportunities to grow within a mission-driven senior care organization.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Must be able to speak, read, and write English.
• Must be able to independently lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must be able to perform repetitive sitting, bending, standing, walking, reaching, and movement as needed.
• Must be flexible, calm, and professional in stressful or changing situations.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to utilize technology, recreation resources, documentation systems, and department tools efficiently and effectively.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Other duties as assigned.