Manager, Programming

Summary

The Programming Manager plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Continuing Care Program in accordance with Federal, State, and County regulations and established Erickson Living policies and procedures. Provides and assures that an ongoing program of therapeutic and recreational activities stimulates the physical, intellectual, spiritual, creative, recreational, social, and emotional needs and well‑being of the residents residing in Continuing Care while promoting or maintaining their highest level of independence and abilities.

Compensation

$70,000‑$75,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain Erickson Senior Living’s philosophy and “Vision” statement.
• Provide an environment that promotes and supports an active, healthy, and independent lifestyle in accordance with each resident’s abilities.
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the activity programs of Continuing Care.
• Adapt programming based on residents’ physical and cognitive abilities.
• Assess residents’ needs and limitations on an ongoing basis for program planning and holistic assessment / MDS completion.
• Interact directly with residents and families to gather information for assessments, MDS, and care plans.
• Document weekly schedules, holistic assessments, care plans, and MDS as necessary.
• Review resident assessments completed by Program Assistants/Coordinators to ensure appropriate, preference‑based programming.
• Participate in, or designate staff for, the Interdisciplinary Team Care Planning process.
• Market Continuing Care programming philosophy internally and externally to residents, families, and staff.
• Oversee delivery of customized, individualized resident services.
• Create weekly schedules (daily schedules optional) and special‑event flyers for each neighborhood, making copies available to residents and families upon request.
• Develop, administer, and coordinate departmental policies and procedures; conduct ongoing policy reviews.
• Design and plan therapeutic and recreational activity programs using personal areas of specialty.
• Determine activity‑supply needs, identify vendors, generate supply lists, order, label, and distribute supplies.
• Interview, hire, supervise, and evaluate Continuing Care program department staff.
• Supervise programming department staff daily.
• Assume responsibility for professional growth; attend conferences, classes, and in‑service programs to improve resident‑care knowledge and regulatory compliance.
• Seek outside resources through universities, community, and professional networks.
• Provide oversight of outside groups delivering on‑site educational and recreational programs.
• Ensure staff compliance with Federal, State, and County documentation requirements (weekly schedules, holistic assessments, MDS, Care Plans).
• Participate in yearly budget planning; identify and justify payroll and supply needs; maintain financial records and submit variance reports.
• Educate staff and volunteers regarding residents’ abilities, psychosocial needs, and therapeutic interventions during in‑service training and staff meetings.
• Develop, conduct, and document in‑service programs for staff and volunteers, including regulatory training requirements.
• Create partnerships with all departments to foster a social, home‑like atmosphere that celebrates life and encourages community participation.
• Participate in Continuing Care QAPI, operations team meetings, financial reviews, and other relevant meetings.
• Coordinate entertainment, trips, resident volunteer opportunities, intergenerational programs, musical and creative activities, gender‑specific programs, and sensorimotor stimulation.
• Create ongoing programs that support resident choice and preference, including guided self‑directed and structured programs in Memory Care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good communication and listening skills.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Independent thinker, self‑motivated, organized, flexible, and dependable.
• Sincere interest in working with Continuing Care residents.
• Basic knowledge of the physical, psychosocial, social, and spiritual aspects of aging.
• Flexible work schedule, including weekends and evenings as appropriate.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and time‑management abilities.
• Team‑player with skill in developing and fostering teamwork.
• Ability to create resident‑preference‑based activity programs.
• Ability to multi‑task with exceptional time management.
• Responsibility for maintaining and adhering to allocated budget.
• Understanding of the dementia process and its impact on activity programming.
• Exceptional customer service, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.

Education and Experience

• Qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or activities professional licensed or registered by the State, and certified by a recognized accrediting body (required).
• Minimum of 5 years experience as an Activity/Recreation/Program Manager/Director in a geriatric setting, or 4 years as a Programming Assistant, or 1 year as a Program Coordinator.
• Education may be considered in lieu of experience.
• May be a qualified occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, or have completed a state‑approved training course.

Licenses, Certificates, and Registrations

• ADCP (Activity Director Certified Provisional) or ADC (Activity Director Certified) – required.
• CPR Certification – required.
• ACC (Activity Consultant Certified) or CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) – preferred.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 50 lb from floor to waist.
• Transport a resident in a wheelchair.
• Walk for long distances or periods; push weights up to 250 lb.
• Kneel, bend, stoop, twist torso laterally in all directions, and grasp small and large objects.

Work Environment

• Resident programs conducted in private rooms, common areas, patios, resident shuttle bus, and external venues such as parks, arenas, theaters, and restaurants.
• Programming assistants exposed to seasonal weather changes.
• Frequent interaction with residents, families, and visitors in a healthcare setting.
• Erickson Living Communities operate 24/7; additional hours or varied schedules may be required due to inclement weather or emergencies.

Location

Maris Grove, a 87‑acre Continuing Care Retirement Community in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.