Cottage Care Director (Memory Care Activity Director / Recreational Therapist)

Foundry Commercial•Kinston, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cottage Care Director (Memory Care Activity Director / Recreational Therapist) at Spring Arbor of Kinston leads Memory Care programming, creating meaningful moments for residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia. This role involves leadership, team development, resident advocacy, and innovative programming to make Memory Care feel like home. The position blends leadership, team development, resident advocacy, and innovative programming into one deeply meaningful career. The Cottage Care Director plans, directs, and assists as needed in all cottage care (Memory Care) staffing and service needs.

Requirements

5+ years of experience working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia
Experience as a Recreational Therapist, Activity Director, Memory Care Program Director, or in a similar leadership role
Must be at least 21 years of age
Strong understanding of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment
Experience reviewing incidents, changes in condition, and fall prevention strategies
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities
A genuine commitment to resident confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
RN or LPN required and in good standing with state licensing authority
General understanding of and concern for the needs of seniors
Aptitude and previous experience with Alzheimer’s and memory impaired residents
Knowledge of effective supervisory and management practices, techniques, and methods
Understanding of the social, psychological, and recreational needs of Alzheimer’s and memory impaired residents
Ability to exercise confidentiality following HIPAA guidelines

Nice To Haves

Holds an LPN or Med Tech certification (highly preferred)
Experience or training in an equivalent setting preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all Memory Care team members, including Med Techs, CNAs, and caregivers
Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop your Cottage Care staff
Conduct onboarding, ongoing education, and state-required training
Build a positive, collaborative, resident-centered team culture
Partner with the Executive Director and Resident Care Director to drive operational excellence and regulatory compliance
Develop and oversee innovative, person-centered activities and life enrichment programming
Create meaningful opportunities that support cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being
Incorporate life skills, sensory experiences, reminiscence programs, and therapeutic engagement into daily routines
Honor each resident's unique story, preferences, and abilities while encouraging participation
Champion an environment built around the specific needs of residents living with memory impairment
Complete resident assessments and ensure timely, accurate documentation
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans
Collaborate closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure exceptional care
Monitor physician orders and follow through on resident care needs
Audit Medication Administration Records (MARs) and coordinate with pharmacy partners
Oversee medication administration processes and support resident safety initiatives
Partner with the interdisciplinary team to monitor wellness and coordinate services
Serve as an active member of the community leadership team
Support Manager-on-Duty responsibilities as assigned
Participate in family meetings, community events, marketing initiatives, and resident engagement opportunities
Build strong, lasting relationships with residents, families, team members, and community partners
Supervisory role of all MTs, CNAs and other cottage staff
Recruit and hire, manage and direct cottage care staff
Orient, monitor progress and reinforce training of cottage care staff, including state required training
Collaborate with Resident Care Director (RCD) and Executive Director in implementing state regulations as required
Function as part of the management team (manager on duty coverage, presenting the community, planning and participating in staff meetings, planning and implementing marketing and community events)
Develop a care team and residential living environment that supports overall Cottage Care philosophy
Create and coordinate implementation of ongoing person-centered activities and life skills programming
Monitor physician orders to assure follow-through and completion
Audit Medication Administration Records (MAR) and notify pharmacy of changes
Complete resident assessments in a timely manner and train designated team members in assessment skills
Develop and implement resident care plans to meet the needs of residents
Monitor all aspects of the medication administration program
Direct and coordinate resident care service needs in collaboration with care team and community department heads as appropriate