Director of Activities (Nursing Home-ADC Needed)

Aspen Hills Healthcare located in Pemberton NJ is seeking a Director of Activities to join our team of professionals.

ADC Certificate Required

The Activity Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing a comprehensive activities program designed to meet the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and recreational needs of nursing home residents. The Activity Director ensures that activities are meaningful, engaging, and appropriate for residents with varying abilities and levels of independence.

The Activity Director works closely with residents, families, nursing staff, social services, and other departments to promote resident choice, quality of life, socialization, and overall well-being.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive monthly activities calendar that provides a variety of programs and opportunities for resident participation.

• Plan and coordinate daily individual and group activities, including recreational, social, educational, cultural, spiritual, cognitive, and physical programs.

• Provide activities appropriate for residents with different cognitive and physical abilities, including residents with dementia and those who are bedbound or require one-on-one activities.

• Encourage resident participation while respecting each resident's preferences, abilities, and right to choose whether to participate.

• Conduct resident interviews and assessments to identify interests, hobbies, preferences, and past experiences.

• Incorporate resident interests and preferences into individualized activity plans and care plans.

• Maintain accurate documentation regarding resident participation, preferences, assessments, and progress.

• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings and provide updates regarding residents' activity needs and participation.

• Develop meaningful one-on-one activities for residents who are unable or unwilling to participate in group programs.

• Coordinate special events, holiday programs, birthday celebrations, entertainment, outings, and family-centered activities.

• Recruit and coordinate volunteers, entertainers, community organizations, and other outside resources when appropriate.

• Maintain relationships with community groups, schools, churches, performers, and organizations that can provide programs or services to residents.

• Ensure activity areas and supplies are clean, organized, safe, and adequately stocked.

• Maintain an activities supply budget and request supplies and equipment as needed.

• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate Activities Department staff and volunteers, as applicable.

• Ensure activities are conducted in accordance with facility policies, resident rights, and applicable federal and state regulations.

• Monitor attendance and participation and make adjustments to programming based on resident needs and feedback.

• Assist with facility events and special programs as needed.

• Promote a welcoming, positive, and respectful environment for residents, families, visitors, and staff.

• Maintain confidentiality of resident information at all times.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an activities/recreation role, preferably in a nursing home, assisted living, rehabilitation center, or other healthcare setting.

• Experience working with seniors is strongly preferred.

• Experience working with residents with dementia or cognitive impairment is preferred.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or certification in recreation, therapeutic recreation, social work, gerontology, or a related field is a plus.

• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

• Creative and energetic personality with the ability to develop new and engaging programs.

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with an interdisciplinary team.

• Ability to document accurately and maintain organized records.

• Must demonstrate patience, compassion, professionalism, and respect for residents.

• Must be able to pass required background checks and meet all facility and regulatory employment requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility during activities.

• Ability to assist with setting up and breaking down activities and moving supplies and equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• ADC Certification

Key Qualities

The ideal candidate will be creative, compassionate, energetic, organized, dependable, and genuinely passionate about improving the quality of life for nursing home residents. The Activity Director should be someone who can create an atmosphere where residents feel valued, included, and connected to their community.

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