Director of Activities

Salary

$23 / hourly - $29.90 / hourly

Overview

Director of Activities - Resident Engagement & Wellness

Elderwood Assisted Living at Tonawanda|Tonawanda, New York

Engagement is not an extra at Elderwood Assisted Living at Tonawanda. It is part of how residents maintain function, connection, identity, and purpose.

We are seeking a Director of Activities to lead a resident engagement program that reaches well beyond entertainment and event planning. This leader will shape meaningful daily experiences that support physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social connection, lifelong learning, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness.

More Than a Monthly Calendar

This is a department leadership role with responsibility for resident assessment, individualized programming, care planning, regulatory documentation, team development, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships.

The Leader We Are Looking For

You understand that meaningful engagement looks different for every resident. You can build an energetic group program while also ensuring that residents who prefer—or require—individualized engagement are not overlooked.

You bring creativity, but you also bring structure. You can inspire a team, manage documentation, collaborate with clinical partners, communicate with families, and maintain a program that meets professional and regulatory expectations.

Lead the Experience of Daily Life

The quality of a resident’s day is shaped by more than a schedule of events. It is shaped by whether they feel known, included, capable, connected, and engaged.

If you are ready to lead a department that influences resident well-being, function, community, and quality of life every day, we invite you to apply to Elderwood at Lancaster.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs and schedules a monthly program of group, individual, and independent activities for residents; the activities are geared to individual capabilities and interests of residents; promotes and communicates the monthly calendar of activities for residents.

• Directs Activity Leaders in implementing all phases of the Activity Department programs.

• Plans Volunteer Program and recruits, orients, trains, and directs volunteers.

• Cultivates and maintains good public relations and contact with service groups, and other community organizations.

• Interviews new residents and prepares initial assessment information, including assigned sections of MDS+.

• Attends Resident Care planning meetings and/or reviews Resident/Family Care plan review sessions; writes and/or reviews the Activities plan of care in the Medical Record Chart of each resident.

• Prepares and/or reviews required documentation including initial evaluations, progress notes, attendance at activities program and discharge summaries.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree and training in recreation required; qualifications as stated in NYS Code, Rules, and Regulations necessary.

• The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who —

• Is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; and

• Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1,1990; or

• Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was fulltime in a therapeutic activities program; or

• Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or

• Has completed a training course approved by the State

• Ability to relate well and enjoy working with the geriatric resident.

• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing necessary.

• Flexibility, patience, and sensitivity to the needs of residents.

• Leadership qualities and ability to work well with others in implementing the activities program.

• Ability to develop good relationships with residents, staff, volunteers, families, and visitors.

• Physical stamina for constant activity.

• Ability to perform tasks to established standards of excellence.

• This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.

EOE Statement

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.

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Posted Date (10/22/2026 1:48 PM)

Requisition ID2026-37131

of Openings1

Area of InterestSocial Work

CompanyElderwood

LocationElderwood Assisted Living at Tonawanda

Position TypeRegular Full-Time

Salary$23 / hourly - $29.90 / hourly

Reporting CategoryManagement