Life Enrichment Director
Shenandoah Senior Living
Front Royal, VA
Position Summary
Responsible for maintaining and monitoring the Resident holistic wellness program, including but not restricted to Resident assessment, muscular strength, aerobic and flexibility training, wellness education, social-recreational activities and volunteer program development and community coordinator.
THE DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT WILL BE AN INDIVIDUAL THAT:
•Is passionate about seniors and creating purpose and positivity in their daily lives
•Possesses a high level of energy and easily connects with people
•Takes responsibility and follows through on details
•Gets excited about working as a high-performing individual and part of a high-performingteam
•Have a personal commitment to improving seniors lives through physical activity at whateverlevel they can participate.
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT INCLUDE:
•Making their Community a fun and engaging place to call home
•Planning, scheduling and coordinating meaningful activities appropriate to the needs andinterests of Residents that are conducive to their physical, mental and social well-being
•Helping the clinical team identify residents at risk of falls and developing appropriatetherapeutic interventions to reduce risk and improve overall mobility
•Work with rehabilitation groups and other outside therapy groups to measure and monitorkey health indicators of all residents
•Plans, coordinates, and conducts the day-to-day programming within the community
•Assists new Residents with orientation and support during the move-in process
•Develops a comprehensive calendar that enriches the lives of the Residents, involves theassociates and families, and supports the overall mission of Pegasus Senior Living
•Supervises Life Enrichment associates and volunteers
SPECIFICALLY, THE DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT WILL:
•Provide strategic direction for the Community regarding activities programming thataddresses the Physical, Social, Spiritual, Emotional, Cognitive and Leisure needs of our Residents
•Research, evaluate, approve, develop and modify community events and programs,according to Resident interests
•Be part of the initial assessment of the health needs of each new resident and work with theclinical team on physical fitness programs specifically designed to improve the quality of lifeof each resident
•Specifically encourage physical activities focused on improving balance, gait and painreduction and continue to partner with the clinical team on measuring and monitoring the health of each resident
•Develop, plan, direct and implement a comprehensive program of leisure/life enrichmentservices for Residents of all levels of ability seven days a week
•Maintain a balance of recreational activities including physical, social, religious, intellectual,and creative arts and crafts
•Determine Resident programming preferences, talents and needs. Track Resident activityparticipation and adjust calendar events accordingly
•Consult Residents on a regular basis, both individually and in Resident group meetings (e.g.,monthly Resident council meeting), to ascertain activity preferences and to assure Residentneeds are addressed through activities
•Invite Residents to activities; assure they are reminded of and escorted to activities asnecessary
•Leads activities as necessary, including fitness and exercise classes
•Instruct other staff members to effectively lead activities
•Responsible for implementing, maintaining, communicating and training software used forlife engagement purposes
•Maintain active knowledge of aging and generational trends in order to enhance theCommunity’s programs, and share relevant information for the professional development of the Community’s staff
•Collaborate with Residents, families, other professionals and staff to develop, plan, andimplement programs
•Prepare and publish an engaging and creative monthly program calendar that incorporatesthe Community’s events and programs
•Participate in Resident care planning with the Community team and other health careproviders as needed.
•Maintain all required documentation in accordance with regulations and establishedprocedures
•Serve as a site resource for life enrichment services. Provide direct education, coaching,mentoring, materials, resources, support and/or supervision/direction for all life enrichment programming for the Community
•Educate, train and encourage team members on life enrichment opportunities to makemeaningful connections
•Maintain an inventory of supplies and manage the Life Enrichment budget
•Participate in development of monthly newsletter
•Coordinate all community transportation needs including transporting Residents toappointments as well as regular and special recreational outings
•Actively participate in “Manager on Duty” program
•Create and foster an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positivity in leadingactivities and staff
•Maintain local library resources with broad appeal to Residents
•Supervise student internships and volunteers, as needed
•Coordinates efforts of Community Ambassadors (for welcoming new residents)
•Plan, coordinate, and assist with decoration of Community routinely as well as for specialevents, holidays, and seasons, including all bulletin boards
•Assure Activity Room and any activity supply storage areas are clean and organized,including assuring that any food stored in Activity Room kitchen is stored in safe, sanitary manner
•Other duties as needed and/or assigned
EVENT PLANNING
•Work closely with the Sales and Marketing Director on community events and any otheractivities to create foot traffic into the community. Help showcase the community and Residents during tours and events
•Cultivate entertainment resources, network with local venues, and stay informed of localevents and activities
•Make reservations, purchase tickets, and coordinate transportation as necessary for alloutside events
•Meet with various organizations, clubs, or committee leaders to facilitate selection of content,destination, speaker, or other details
•Reserve Community venues, arrange for catering, procure key feature (i.e., entertainer,presenter, group, or film), and notify support personnel
•Oversee observance of holidays, annual events, military anniversaries, and other festivities,fairs, and seasonal or recurring events
MARKETING AND SALES
•Gather information to compile a biography on each person who moves into the Community
•Generate social media content and maintain Community Facebook page including weeklyposts of happy residents, community events, and general reminders for families in accordance with Company social media guidelines
•Maintain a record of all team member and Resident photo releases at the community—witha clear understanding of any and all team members and Residents who do not want their names and photographs published
•Provide families with regular updates on the health and well-being of their loved one viasocial media and One Day videos
COMMUNICATION
•Advertise individual events, activities, and classes in all Community media venues
•Publish and disseminate calendars through Community media venues, mailing lists, andResident groups. Maintain a hardcopy supply to provide Residents as needed
•Create monthly bulletin-board banner featuring all events, with supporting advertisements,sign-ups, emphasizing special instructions, deadlines, or changes
•Prepare slides for Resident Council meetings
•Develop and disseminate summary of support needed from various departments includingcommunity access, venue set-up, refreshments, technical support, reserved parking, transportation, and special assistance
•Function as an advocate for Residents and their families:
-Facilitate the scheduling of the monthly Resident Council and Family meetings
-Provide the Resident Council with updates and feedback related to items discussed
-Connect with the local Ombudsman for the community at least quarterly
•Provide direct services to families through communication, education and support
•Support family education programs and promote family involvement in activities whichsupport Resident spiritual, social, recreational and emotional needs
•Communicate with Community leadership and Resident families regarding successes andchallenges observed while facilitating programs
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
•Establish and maintain an active network of Resident and community volunteers and othercommunity resources
•Attend Community staff and other meetings to provide support as needed
•Promote inclusion and conduct outreach to match the interests of new or isolated Residentswith appropriate activities or events meeting individual needs and abilities. Enlist support of Community leaders to foster relationship building and engagement
•Cultivate volunteerism within the Community to engage Residents; solicit volunteerism fromthe local community to benefit Residents
•Arrange for community groups to come into the Community, such as pet therapy, schools,churches, and entertainers
•Recruit, orient, and supervise volunteer programs; maintain records of volunteer programs,and communicate community’s volunteer needs to the outside community
•Instruct and supervise volunteers
•Incorporate recreational activities from the community and develop close workingrelationships with community organizations
•Work with the Marketing department to use the Community’s activity calendar to market theCommunity whenever possible and by inviting outside guests and resident families to events
•Contribute to Community growth by participating in sales activities
•Engage in community public relations including collaboration with corporate resources topromote positive stories about the Community or Residents
QUALIFICATIONS
•Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred. Specialized training or experience ingeriatric activities, social work or gerontology is desirable
•Certified Activity Director if required by the state
•Demonstrated interest in sports and physical fitness programs particularly for seniors
•Experience in entertainment, event planning, or senior population needs preferred
•Experience and passion for working with seniors preferred
•Aptitude in arts/craft/music desirable
•Ability to work in a team setting and be a team player
•Ability to engage passive elderly residents in social or recreational activities
•Experience planning and coordinating large and small social events
•An awesome sense of humor; a fun, outgoing personality and caring demeanor
•Enthusiastic, positive, caring and compassionate towards others
•Ability to exhibit warmth in engaging Residents to participate in group activities that supportsocial and emotional needs
•Demonstrated ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language tocommunicate with all Residents and Associates
•A current and valid driver’s license consistent with the requirements determined by size ofvehicle and laws of the state in which the driver is licensed. Driving record must meet or exceed minimum standards of insurability by the company’s automobile insurer
•Ability to effectively utilize technology including use of computers, iPad/Tablet use, Wordprogramming, internet access, email, and social media
•Excellent diplomacy, customer service, and interpersonal relations, as well as verbal and writtencommunication skills
•Proficient in Microsoft Office
•Demonstrated experience handling sensitive and confidential issues
•Ability to move about intermittently throughout the day and engage Residents in physicalactivities which promote flexibility, retain muscle tone and physical and mental health
•Some nights and weekends required
WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, talk, hear; use hands to finger, and handle controls. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The associate is required to stand, walk, and stoop. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Associate must be able to lift 50 pounds, aid in resident transfers, walk/stand 80% or more of shifts, and respond to all resident and emergency needs quickly, with or without reasonable accommodation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY
Works primarily indoors in a climate-controlled setting.
Associates may be exposed to blood and/or body fluids with potential exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
Possible exposure to unpleasant odors.
Possible exposure to chemicals as identified in the MDS Manual.
Continuous exposure to residents who are ill, confused, irritable and irrational.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentialfunctions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds independently and up to 190 pounds with assistance of a second employee and/or mechanical devices. Must be able to push up to 350 lb. (wheelchair). The employee may occasionally be required to lift greater than 190 pounds with the assistance of additional staff and/or a mechanical lift. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.