Director of Activities

Elderwood • City of Tonawanda, NY

19d • $23 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Activities leads the resident engagement program at Elderwood Assisted Living at Tonawanda in Tonawanda, New York. The role focuses on creating meaningful daily experiences that support residents’ physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social connection, lifelong learning, emotional well-being, and spiritual wellness. It includes department leadership and responsibility for resident assessment, individualized programming, care planning, regulatory documentation, team development, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships.

The Director develops a balance of group, individual, and independent activities suited to residents’ capabilities and interests, ensuring residents who prefer or require individualized engagement are included. The role also involves leading Activity Leaders, communicating with families and clinical partners, and maintaining 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.
• Ability to relate well to and enjoy working with geriatric residents.
• Ability to communicate effectively 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.
• The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional meeting an applicable qualification: licensed or registered by the state where practicing, if applicable, and eligible for certification by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or at least two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, including one full-time year in a therapeutic activities program; or qualification as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or completion of a state-approved training course.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and schedule a monthly program of 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/Family Care plan review sessions; write and/or review each resident’s Activities plan of care in the Medical Record Chart.
• Prepare and/or review required documentation, including initial evaluations, progress notes, activity attendance, and discharge summaries.
• Develop meaningful engagement opportunities that support residents’ well-being, function, connection, and quality of life.
• Collaborate with clinical partners, communicate with families, and develop relationships with residents, staff, volunteers, families, and visitors.

What This Job Offers

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