Certified Activity Director

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Certified Activity Director will plan, direct, implement, and evaluate an individualized activity program for PACE participants. This role supports quality of life, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, and functional abilities. The Activity Director collaborates with the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to address participant interests, preferences, abilities, and care plan goals, ensuring activities are safe, inclusive, age-appropriate, and respectful of participant choice and dignity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current Activity Director Certified (ADC) credential through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP), or another activity director certification accepted by PACE GNO.
At least one year of experience working with a frail or elderly population. An applicant with less than one year may be considered if otherwise qualified and provided appropriate PACE training upon hiring, consistent with applicable requirements and agency policy.
Demonstrated ability to assess activity needs, plan adapted programs, document services, and work effectively with older adults, including people living with dementia.
Ability to meet required position competencies before working independently and complete ongoing orientation, training, and certification renewal requirements.
Satisfactory completion of required background checks, screenings, and medical clearance for communicable diseases before direct participant contact, in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements.
CPR and first aid certification as required by agency policy.
A valid driver's license and authorization to drive for the agency are required if driving is assigned as an essential duty.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in recreation, gerontology, human services, or a related field.
Experience in PACE, adult day health, long term care, or another setting serving older adults.
Experience supervising activity staff or volunteers, coordinating community resources, and managing activity budgets.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain daily and monthly activity calendars with a variety of group, individual, and adapted programs, including music, arts, movement, games, sensory activities, cultural celebrations, and community outings.
Complete activity assessments and reassessments within required timeframes, identifying participant interests, prior routines, strengths, cognitive and physical abilities, communication needs, and barriers to engagement.
Serve as the activity coordinator representative on the IDT when assigned, participating in care planning and developing measurable activity goals and interventions with the participant and team.
Implement and revise activity interventions based on participant response, changing needs, and IDT recommendations, providing meaningful alternatives for participants who decline group activities or need individual engagement.
Adapt activities for participants with dementia, sensory impairments, limited mobility, or other disabilities, coordinating with nursing, therapy, social work, and dietary staff regarding precautions and accommodations.
Document assessments, interventions, attendance, participant response, and progress toward goals accurately and promptly in approved records, reporting changes in condition, behavior, participation, or safety concerns to the appropriate team member.
Coordinate community outings, entertainers, special events, and volunteer involvement, arranging approved transportation, staffing, accessibility, and safety measures before outings.
Provide daily direction, scheduling, orientation, and coaching for assigned activity staff and volunteers, participating in performance evaluations and personnel decisions within delegated authority.
Manage approved activity supplies and expenditures, maintain equipment and inventory, and keep activity spaces organized and accessible.
Follow infection prevention procedures, emergency plans, confidentiality requirements, and participant rights policies, promptly reporting incidents and suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation through established channels.
Participate in quality improvement, audits, required training, competency validation, and program evaluation.
Perform other related duties within training and assigned responsibilities.