Director of Activities

New England Homes For The Deaf•Danvers, MA

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Activities provides a varied social and recreational program to motivate and stimulate residents’ social and emotional lives. Activities are conducted in large groups, small groups, and independent sessions. The Director leads the Activities Department, develops programming suited to residents’ abilities and interests, coordinates staff and volunteers, and collaborates with administration and care teams to support residents’ changing needs. The role is full-time and exempt, based at 154 Water Street, Danvers, Massachusetts.

Requirements

Meet one of the stated qualifications: be a therapeutic recreation specialist, or be licensed or registered if applicable in the state of practice and eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or activity professional by a recognized accrediting body; have at least two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, including one full-time year in a patient activities program in a health care setting; be a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or have completed a state-approved training course.
Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire and guide a team.
Creativity and adaptability in tailoring activities to varying physical and cognitive abilities.
Excellent communication skills and a genuine passion for working with older adults.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation of resident participation and program compliance.
Participate in free weekly ASL classes on-site.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
Certified Recreation Therapist, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, or Certified Activity Director (NCCAP or state-specific).

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, and post a monthly activities program in advance after discussion with administration.
Interview, hire, schedule, and supervise Activities staff; coordinate staffing and replacements for illness or vacation, and approve or deny time-off requests.
Meet regularly with Activities staff to discuss scheduling, resident needs and concerns, and program or calendar changes.
Monitor staff working with residents, resident activity logs, employee conduct, and job performance; conduct annual employee reviews.
Develop individualized activity plans aligned with residents’ abilities, interests, and care needs.
Coordinate special events, holiday celebrations, and outings that bring residents together and connect them with the broader community.
Secure entertainment in advance and confirm appointments the day before.
Arrange worship services with clergy, confirm appointments, and prepare the space according to the chaplain’s instructions.
Participate in daily morning meetings about resident needs and concerns, attend management meetings, and participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
Meet weekly with nursing staff for care plan discussions and update residents’ activity levels when needed.
Provide updated MDS forms for residents based on changing needs and interests.
Participate with administration in ongoing evaluation of the activities program.
Interview and hire volunteers for activities programs and advertise departmental volunteer needs with assistance from the Human Resource Generalist.
Follow the Company’s Code of Conduct and business Ethics policy, including documentation and reporting responsibilities.
Attend educational activities, in-service training, and staff meetings; assist with staff orientation and training.
Participate in Quality Improvement activities as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed.