Life Enrichment Director / Activity Director

75 East Canal Street, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033

About the Role

The Life Enrichment Director develops and implements meaningful activity and recreational programs for the entire community, including Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Memory Care (MC). The programs must embrace and fulfill the needs and varied interests of residents while promoting or enhancing physical and psychosocial wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Plans and develops an effective resident activities program, including a variety of leisure and educational opportunities for residents of all ages, interests, and physical limitations.
• Serves as a member of the facility’s management team to identify resident needs, submit recommendations, and participate in decisions regarding program plans.
• Attends resident association meetings and works with resident committees in an advisory and supportive capacity to identify resident and program needs.
• Provides a link between resident associations and staff.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements a daily activity program in compliance with Harmony Senior Services guidelines and standards:
  • Plans a monthly program of activities for all levels of care (IL, AL, and MC) per guidelines.
  • Meets with each new resident to complete the Resident Life Profile.
  • Involves Program Coordinator/Activities Assistant in activity programming as needed.
  • Consults regularly with families regarding resident participation in activities.
  • Oversees programming budget and maintains expenses within budgeted guidelines.
  • Maintains activities area and supplies in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Provides guidance and acts as a resource to staff on the importance of life enrichment and quality of life for residents.
• Supports a dignified and caring atmosphere for residents, families, visitors, and staff.
• Coordinates and oversees volunteer opportunities.

Requirements

• Qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or activities professional by a recognized accrediting body (e.g., National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification or National Certification Council for Activity Professionals).
• Alternatively, two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one year of which was full-time in a long-term care setting providing programs for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other related dementia.
• Be a Certified Dementia Practitioner or eligible for certification.
• Maintain applicable state requirements for dementia-specific training.
• High level of ability in effective and succinct communication, written and oral, with residents, families, staff, vendors, and the public.
• Compassion for and desire to work with the senior population.
• Self-starter with the ability to work responsibly and independently as well as part of a team.
• Honest, fair, dependable, and respectful of confidentiality and the rights and privacy of others.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and executing a varied schedule of life enrichment opportunities for seniors at all activity levels, including those with cognitive impairments from Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with residents, family members, and staff.
• Ability to supervise associates and set up and train volunteers.
• Ability to represent the community in a positive and professional manner.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or eligibility to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• 401k for full-time and part-time employees.
• Full benefits packages for full-time and part-time employees.
• Training, development, and career laddering opportunities.
• Great work-life balance.
• Flexible scheduling.