Director of Activities

Elderwood • Tonawanda, NY

13d

About The Position

The Director of Activities leads a resident engagement program at Elderwood Assisted Living at Tonawanda. The role focuses on meaningful daily experiences that support residents’ physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social connection, lifelong learning, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness. It is a department leadership position encompassing resident assessment, individualized programming, care planning, regulatory documentation, team development, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships. The Director balances group programming with individualized engagement, supports a capable and organized team, collaborates with clinical partners, communicates with families, and maintains a program that meets professional and regulatory expectations.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree and training in recreation.
• Qualifications required by the New York State Code, Rules, and Regulations.
• The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who meets at least one of the stated qualification pathways: a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist; an applicable state-licensed or registered activities professional eligible for certification by a recognized accrediting body; a person with two years of social or recreational program experience within the last five years, including one full-time year in a therapeutic activities program; a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or a person who has completed a state-approved training course.
• Ability to relate well to and enjoy working with geriatric residents.
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
• Flexibility, patience, and sensitivity to residents’ needs.
• Leadership qualities and ability to work well with others in implementing the activities program.
• Ability to develop good relationships with residents, staff, volunteers, families, and visitors.
• Physical stamina for constant activity.
• Ability to perform tasks to established standards of excellence.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate or more advanced level.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and schedule monthly group, individual, and independent activities suited to residents’ capabilities and interests, and promote and communicate the monthly activity calendar.
• Direct Activity Leaders in implementing all phases of the Activity Department programs.
• Plan the Volunteer Program and recruit, orient, train, and direct volunteers.
• Cultivate and maintain public relations and contact with service groups and other community organizations.
• Interview new residents and prepare initial assessment information, including assigned sections of MDS+.
• Attend resident care planning meetings and/or review resident and family care plan review sessions; write or review each resident’s Activities plan of care in the medical record chart.
• Prepare or review required documentation, including initial evaluations, progress notes, activity attendance, and discharge summaries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director