Activities Coordinator

About the position

The Activities Coordinator must work with to plan, coordinate, and implement programs and events that provide socialization opportunities, fitness and wellness activities, and educational and recreational activities. Through outside partners/providers, facilitate spiritual enrichment opportunities, based on the needs and preferences of the residents. The coordinator must be enthusiastic, demonstrate creativity, and promote activities within the community. They will create/host activities requested by residents to add value to residents’ lives, maintain and report accurate resident activity reports and other required/requested reports, and ensure that residents are notified of upcoming events, entertainment, activities and that attendance is solicited. The role requires effective interaction with prospective and current residents and family members, meeting all state SLF regulatory requirements for activities, and assisting with marketing/leasing efforts on an as-needed basis.

Responsibilities

• Implement meaningful activities appropriate to the individual needs and interests of the participants.
• Recognize special needs within resident population and develop programs to meet those special needs.
• Conduct initial assessments on all new participants to evaluate activity, therapeutic, recreational and spiritual needs.
• Participate in regularly scheduled resident enrichment plan meetings and assessments.
• Coordinate and conduct Life Enrichment programs with other departments and foster relationships with partners/providers and community resources.
• Assist in the development, maintenance, and posting of monthly and daily calendars of events throughout the facility.
• Assess resident functions/interest in various activities, being alert to changes.
• Coordinate and maintain supplies and equipment as needed.
• Manage activities within budget.

Requirements

• Must demonstrate empathy and compassion to connect with residents.
• Must possess sensitivity to working with older adults and knowledge of the aging process.
• Must exhibit initiative, energy, and creativity in developing and executing programming to meet resident needs.
• A degree in therapeutic activity (music, drama, art, recreation or related area) is preferred.
• Needs at least one year of experience in direct provision of therapeutic group activities in supportive living and/or long-term care setting.
• Must demonstrate excellent organizational abilities.
• Must demonstrate excellent computer skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Chicago and surrounding area for event/activity planning.
• Ability to work alone running the programming.
• Ability to timely and effectively follow up on all documentation and information gathering.
• Ability to effectively communicate with prospective and current residents and their families.
• Ability to handle several tasks and respond effectively to unexpected changes and requests.
• Able to maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to effectively handle stressful situations and work well under pressure.
• Ability to handle resident complaints and issues including situations where customers may be angry and/or upset.
• Must have the ability to read, write and follow oral and written direction in the English language.
• Must have the ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that promotes cooperation.
• Must demonstrate the skill to handle frequent interruptions.