Director of Elder Engagement - Assisted Living Memory Care

ROCHESTER PRESBYTERIAN HOME INC•Town of Chili, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Elder Engagement plans and oversees the implementation of a diverse array of daily therapeutic engagement activities in a RPH Memory Care Residence. This position ensures that the engagement program addresses the six areas of health – physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, and spiritual to meet the needs, interests and well-being of elders living in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations and RPH policies and procedures. The Director will help create an environment where elders can live their best lives and access activities that make them feel joyful, helpful, and valued. The Director will oversee programming, supervise Engagement Guides, and help guide Shahbazim and care partners in implementing programming and engaging with elders. The Director will provide direct delivery of programming as needed. The Director of Elder Engagement serves as a member of the leadership team within their community and is specially trained in the supportive care of people with dementia. Rochester Presbyterian Home (RPH) is leading the way in Memory Care in Monroe County. RPH’s Memory Care Residences offer a different (better!) way of living for people with memory impairment. Inspired by the Eden Alternative, RPH residences are family homes where elders are known, respected and inspired to live life to the fullest. Our team-based approach to person-centered care shows that memory care can be different, and elders (and employees) can thrive in a positive and engaging environment!

Requirements

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field with 2+ years of supervisory experience.
Minimum of two years of full-time experience in the recreation field with a dependent, adult population per NYSDOH.
Two years + experience in an elder-care setting. Empathy to work with elders with memory impairment.
Possess a professional demeanor, and be an excellent communicator, quick learner, compassionate, and savvy with a desire to achieve goals and make a difference in the lives of others. Possess time management skills, good judgment, and a sense of humor.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to be proactive, take initiative, resolve problems, follow through, manage multiple priorities, and work well under pressure.
Must be able to assess and relate information concerning a resident's condition appropriately with the ability to maintain confidential information.
Possess valid New York State Driver License with safe driving record as validated by RPH’s insurance company.
Complete a successful NYS Department of Health Criminal History Background Check
Ability to work flexible hours to meet deadlines, including evenings and weekends. You may be required to attend evening and weekend events.
Must possess sight/hearing senses that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. Lift and relocate chairs, etc., and can safely assist elders in moving from one position to another.
Proficiency in English to communicate with elders, follow resident care plans and make reports.

Responsibilities

Develop engagement plans for each resident and review plans twice a year to adjust as needed over time. Maintain resident records of participation in engagement activities. Document resident notes as appropriate to keep team members and family apprised of the resident's experience.
Establish monthly calendars for each household and ensure that a variety of individual and group programming is offered every day in the morning, afternoon and evening and that weekly programming addresses all six areas of health (physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, and spiritual) through social, physical, creative and/or cognitive activities. Ensure any state and federal regulations are met. Ensure calendars are available/posted on website and in every household.
Implement procedures for welcoming new residents to RPH, celebrating birthdays and other milestone events and marking elder departures/memorial services.
Research and contract with vendors (entertainment, therapists, community groups, etc.) to provide programming. Plan outings into the community and drive RPH vehicles as needed.
Monitor community engagement budget. Secure supplies for programming, maintain inventory and ensure storage is adequate, accessible, and maintained.
Supervise Engagement Guides to ensure programming is implemented as planned eland der/family needs are adequately met.
Co-host resident council and family council with the administrator.
Implement a communication plan to ensure elders, families, volunteers, and staff are aware of calendar activities and special events. Create promotional materials for internal and external audiences. Submit content and photography for use in social media, newsletters, and other publications.
Develop strong relationships with staff to guide and coach Shahbazim, care partners, engagement guides, and volunteers to ensure effective delivery of engagement programming. Lead programming and special events as needed.
Implement volunteer program in your RPH community. Responsible for volunteer training and orientation. Mentor Engagement Guides to successfully manage and supervise volunteers to deliver programming.
Build relationships with elders and their families to monitor satisfaction and communicate with administrators and other leadership of areas of concern or improvement. Follow up with families to ensure satisfaction and adjust processes as necessary for continuous improvement.
Implement outreach to recruit community partners and volunteers.
Develop opportunities for family engagement and multi-generational programming.
Support Human Resources team to execute special events that engage elders and staff.
Represent RPH at senior care and other networking events in our community to promote our services.
Act in a professional manner always. Create and maintain a warm atmosphere of positivity and calmness.
Perform all assigned tasks and assignments in accordance with policy and procedures and as instructed by Leadership.
Ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect and that resident rights are maintained. Collaborate and cooperate with colleagues to ensure elders’ needs are met and elder care is seamless and effective.
Validate, reassure, and redirect elders if distressed to ensure comfort and well-being. Redirect unsafe wandering and behavior into meaningful exercise and activity.
Report all resident incidents and accidents during the shift when they occur. Report all grievances or concerns.
Ensure that work areas are kept in a clean, safe, and sanitary state. Report on maintenance needs. Clean up after activities and programming.