Senior Living Inspire Connection Program Director

Merrill Family of Senior Living Communities, a privately-owned family company with a proud history of success, is seeking an Inspire Connection Program Director at Truewood by Merrill, New Bern in New Bern, North Carolina.

About the role

The Inspire Connection Program Director ensures a vibrant, dementia-appropriate activity program that meets regulatory standards and enhances resident well-being.

Responsibilities

• Ensures regulatory compliance and maintains records/documentation per policy.
• Assists Resident Care Director (RCD) and Garden House Director (GHD) in training all Garden House team members.
• Communicates with families regarding residents’ engagement.
• Evaluates incoming residents and conducts periodic re-evaluations to identify interests and meet activity needs.
• Coordinates daily activity routines for the Garden House, including specialized activities, with GM and GHD.
• Works with Assisted Living Program Director (ALPD) to coordinate inclusive activities/events for all AL/IL and GH residents.
• Plans, coordinates, and participates in dementia-appropriate activities, social events, and outings according to engagement program standards.
• Orders supplies, schedules, and sets up all activities in the Garden House.
• Provides GM and GHD with daily status reports on all Garden House residents.
• Assists GHD in maintaining a clean, orderly, and secure neighborhood in all common and activity areas.
• Provides assistance with housekeeping, laundry, and meals as appropriate while working closely with the Garden House team.
• Leads the creation and maintenance of the highest standards for Garden House activities.
• Meets with residents and families regularly as directed.
• Ensures residents’ activity needs are met with attention to individuality, dignity, and functional ability.
• Trains the Garden House team in the Inspire Connection activity program.
• Acknowledges residents’ special days (e.g., anniversaries, birthdays).
• Arranges and coordinates diverse holiday celebrations.
• Tracks resident activity participation and adjusts calendar events accordingly.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including conducting community tours when necessary.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in dementia care.
• Senior living experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and assisting with resident care.
• Regular bending, reaching, and physical movement throughout the workday.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

For full-time employees:

• Highly competitive pay.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance.
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off: 7 holidays and 11 vacation days.
• Free daily meal every shift.
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting.
• Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Pet insurance and team member discounts.
• Advance Pay benefit: access wages before payday.
• Stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement.

For part-time employees:

• Free daily meal every shift.
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting.
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement for career growth.
• Pet insurance and team member discounts.
• Advance Pay benefit: access wages before payday.
• Stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement.