Connections Program Manager

Kensington Senior Living•White Plains, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kensington White Plains is seeking a compassionate, creative, and knowledgeable Connections Program Manager to lead their specialized program for residents experiencing early-stage cognitive change. This role focuses on creating meaningful moments, fostering connection, independence, purpose, and joy for older adults with dementia. The ideal candidate will have experience in dementia care, memory care, therapeutic recreation, life enrichment, social work, senior living, or cognitive wellness, and a strong understanding of person-centered dementia care. The Connections Program Manager is responsible for developing and leading specialized programming, building relationships with residents, families, and team members, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to create a cohesive resident experience. Success in this role means residents are engaged and supported, families feel confident, and team members view the manager as a resource for dementia care approaches.

Requirements

Experience working with older adults and/or individuals living with dementia or cognitive impairment.
A strong understanding of person-centered dementia care.
Experience developing programs such as cognitive fitness, reminiscence, music, art, wellness, discussion groups, sensory programming, and purposeful engagement.
The ability to recognize individual strengths and adapt programming as residents’ needs change.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Creativity, enthusiasm, organization, and follow-through.
Comfort partnering closely with families and interdisciplinary teams.
Strong computer and documentation skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation platforms.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to actively participate in and lead programs that may involve physical movement.
Ability to assist and support residents as appropriate within the scope of the position.
Ability to remain calm, compassionate, positive, and solution-focused in a dynamic senior-living environment.
Must successfully complete all required health screenings and background checks in accordance with applicable New York State requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Memory Care, dementia programming, therapeutic recreation, Life Enrichment, social work, cognitive wellness, or a related field strongly preferred.
Dementia Practitioner certification or specialized dementia education is highly valued.

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee a robust calendar of daily programming specifically designed for residents experiencing cognitive change, including cognitive stimulation, brain fitness, social engagement, emotional wellness, movement, music, art, reminiscence, sensory experiences, and purposeful activity.
Lead engaging small groups, larger programs, and individualized one-on-one experiences, adapting programs in real-time based on residents’ abilities, interests, energy levels, and changing needs.
Build a predictable daily rhythm that provides residents with comfort and structure while still creating opportunities for spontaneity and joy.
Regularly evaluate programming and introduce new approaches based on resident engagement and outcomes.
Build genuine relationships with residents and learn their individual histories, preferences, routines, strengths, and interests.
Complete resident assessments and contribute to individualized support and service plans.
Observe changes in cognition, behavior, engagement, mood, and participation and communicate observations to the appropriate interdisciplinary team members.
Maintain accurate documentation of attendance, engagement, and meaningful resident observations.
Help identify approaches that allow each resident to participate successfully and experience a sense of accomplishment.
Develop trusting and supportive relationships with resident families, providing regular updates and meaningful touchpoints regarding resident participation and engagement.
Participate in care and service-plan discussions and support family education related to cognitive change and dementia.
Coordinate Connections family gatherings, educational opportunities, and special events.
Serve as a knowledgeable and compassionate ambassador for the Connections Program during tours and community events.
Work closely with Assisted Living leadership, Nursing/Clinical Services, Life Enrichment, Dining, Rehabilitation, and other departments to create a cohesive resident experience.
Coach and support team members working with Connections residents, helping them understand successful approaches for engaging residents experiencing cognitive change.
Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and service-plan reviews.
Support dementia education and training initiatives.
Model patience, flexibility, empathy, creativity, and person-centered care.