Director of Wellness

Exempt Status. Reports to: Executive Director. Direct reports: Resident Service Aides (RSA), Med Aides (MA), Shift Supervisor, Resident Services Coordinator.

About the role

The Director of Wellness uses specialized knowledge to ensure Residents’ care and management needs are adequately and correctly met. This role serves as a liaison between Residents, their legal representatives, families, administrative staff, and community-based service providers. The Director of Wellness supervises the Wellness and Reflections Unit, provides in-service training, and ensures compliance with company policies and State Health Department regulations.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of the Wellness and Reflections Unit, including motivation, supervision, and in-service training of Resident Service Aides.
• Ensure compliance with company policy and State Health Department regulatory requirements for admission, discharge, and documentation.
• Provide in-service education on health/wellness topics and on-the-spot training to address performance concerns.
• Facilitate the development of Residents’ individualized care plans in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Oversee admissions and discharges, provide orientation and social/emotional support, and arrange for needed services.
• Conduct off-site visits and evaluations for Residents in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
• Maintain Wellness/Reflections nursing notes as per company policy.

Administrative Services

• Overall supervision of the Resident Services Department, including cross-coverage for Wellness and Reflections.
• Implement emergency procedures as outlined in the Emergency and Disaster Plan.
• Ensure 24/7 operation of the Wellness/Reflections Unit, including proper staff scheduling and assignment.
• Maintain infection control surveillance, OSHA standards, universal precautions, and sanitation in the Wellness Office and Reflections Unit.
• Ensure accuracy of Resident records and documentation in adherence to company policies and State Department of Health regulations.
• Oversee the medication management system to comply with State and local laws, including thorough reviews of Medication Administration Records (MARs).
• Follow company policies and State regulations for incident reporting and maintain incident report records.
• Develop and maintain community and professional relationships to promote the company positively.
• Conduct observational walk-throughs of the Reflections Unit and dining areas to ensure Resident well-being.
• Perform weekly checks of Reflections Residents’ apartments.
• Monitor and maintain documentation on the Emergency Response System.

Resident Supervision

• Act as a Resident advocate and assist administrative staff in continued service to Residents.
• Evaluate Resident concerns and refer complaints to the Executive Director for resolution.
• Oversee the admission process, including physician evaluations, initial and follow-up Resident evaluations, and behavioral health evaluations.
• Provide orientation for new Residents and encourage participation in social activities.
• Conduct functional evaluations to determine Residents’ status and level of assistance needed.
• Develop and update Residents’ service plans in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Monitor Wellness and Reflections Communication Logs for unusual occurrences or changes in Residents’ status.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and State regulations for Assisted Living Residences and Special Needs Programs.
• Supervise staff to ensure Residents receive appropriate care and activity programs.
• Coordinate monthly support groups for families in the Reflections program.
• Collaborate with Department Heads, Residents’ physicians, and third-party providers to coordinate care.
• Assist with hospital, skilled nursing facility, and rehabilitation center transfers and discharges.
• Act as a liaison with Residents’ personal physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Develop and maintain accurate Resident records, including care plans, Wellness/Reflections notes, and physician evaluations.
• Oversee and document reviews of Residents self-administering medications.
• Conduct skin observations on Residents and document findings for follow-up.

Staff Education, Development, Supervision, and Evaluation

• Interview, recommend for hire, train, supervise, evaluate, discipline, and refer staff for termination at the request of the Executive Director.
• Conduct and/or schedule staff in-services to improve care quality and meet State Department of Health requirements.
• Maintain in-service schedules and ensure compliance with training requirements.
• Assist in maintaining personnel files, including health evaluations, immunizations, and certifications.
• Conduct periodic health seminars for Residents and their families in collaboration with the Lifestyle Director.
• Monitor and document scans of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Emergency Response System.
• Oversee the staff audit process, including ERS, controlled substances, MARs, medication carts, and Resident medical files.
• Follow workplace injury procedures, including reporting and corrective actions.

Requirements

• Associate Degree at minimum; Licensed Professional Nurse preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Nursing, Geriatric Health Services, Activities/Recreation, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with the Alzheimer/dementia geriatric population.
• Experience managing care staff and medication technicians.
• Working knowledge of medical and nursing terminology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and email.
• Training or experience in computerized filing/database management systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with Residents, families, and staff.