Engagement Specialist

The Mather in Evanston • Evanston, IL

1d • $24 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Mather is an award-winning, wellness-focused luxury senior living community seeking a compassionate, creative, and engaging individual to join their team as a full-time Engagement Specialist. This role supports resident engagement across Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing, aiming to create experiences that foster connection, purpose, and joy. The specialist will lead and facilitate daily programs in the Life Center, including group and one-on-one activities utilizing music, movement, art, storytelling, and cultural celebrations. A key aspect of the role involves building relationships with residents and families, supporting care planning, and translating individual preferences into personalized experiences. Collaboration with colleagues and residents to develop new program ideas, support community events, and create a welcoming environment is essential. The position is full-time, hourly, and on-site at The Mather in Evanston, IL, requiring weekend, holiday, and evening availability.

Requirements

• College Degree in Recreation, Arts/Humanities, Hospitality, Psychology, Education, Geriatrics or related field, OR 1+ years related experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent customer service.
• Collaborative, welcoming, positive attitude and enthusiasm for engaging older adults.
• Self-initiator requiring minimum supervision.
• Ability to use or learn a variety of tech-based services and platforms; i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Zoom, YouTube, resident facing portals, and A/V set-ups.

Nice To Haves

• 1 + years’ experience working with individuals living with dementia
• Long term care setting experience
• Demonstration of extensive knowledge of person-centered care
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to Medicare/LTC
• Activities/Recreation certification
• Experience with care plan and MDS documentation relating to resident activity program requirements
• Experience and skills related to spheres of Health and Wellbeing, Lifelong Learning, and/or Arts and Culture.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates group and individual engagement of Life Center residents adhering to the Culture of Creativity model, implementing best practices for engagement with various activities.
• Implements best practices for engaging residents with diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• Engages residents in meaningful connection one-on-one as assigned.
• Supports programming across the continuum, including supporting resident participation in community events, amenities, and outings.
• Delivers programs within the Creating My Possibilities framework for residents with cognitive impairment, utilizing best practices for setup, structure, communication, and transitions.
• Supports the utilization of volunteers within Life Center programs.
• Participates in resident interview, documentation, and care planning processes, including completing intake interviews, care plans, and documentation within the EMR system.
• Delivers one-on-one and group experiences that translate knowledge of individual preferences, needs, strengths, and wellness goals into daily life.
• Participates in care plan meetings as assigned.
• Develops new program ideas, prepares upcoming programming experiences, and ensures active program participation.
• Assists in the development and distribution of resident communications and materials.
• Collaborates with colleagues and residents to identify new opportunities for resident engagement.
• Identifies opportunities for programs, including resources, preparation, timing, locations, participants, and methods for utilizing creative strengths or resources.
• Encourages active participation by promoting programs and calendars, supporting successful delivery, and incorporating resident feedback into future program design.
• Communicates with families as assigned, including building relationships, assisting with visits/outings/events, and inviting family participation.
• Adapts the environment to foster engagement by preparing Life Center amenity spaces for group and one-on-one experiences.
• Co-facilitates programs with independent contractors or colleagues.
• Monitors the therapeutic environment to ensure it is welcoming, uplifting, and engaging.
• Ensures meaningful transitions pre- and post- scheduled programs.
• Maintains holiday decorations and special displays.
• Identifies areas for improvement, proposes solutions, and participates in data collection and process changes as part of the Quality Assurance Process Improvement process.
• Completes all required in-service training.
• Facilitates successful utilization of technologies for engagement, connection, and wellness.
• Creates relationships based on respect, maintaining a courteous and professional manner.
• Communicates with key staff, residents, and families in a timely manner.
• Is part of an interdisciplinary team that supports the resident journey.
• Collaborates with the broader Resident Engagement team to support resident engagement across the continuum.
• Complies with Mather Code of Conduct, Policies, Compliance Program, and all applicable laws and regulations.
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to the company Mission, Core Values, and Nextraordinary philosophy.
• Uses discretion in handling confidential information, incorporating all Federal, State, and local privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Ensures Mather consent protocols are followed across the continuum for resident content.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays.
• 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution.
• Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations).
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
• Extended illness benefits.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance - free to all team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree