Engagement Specialist

The Mather in Evanston•Evanston, IL

3h•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Mather is seeking a compassionate, creative, and engaging individual to join their team as a full-time Engagement Specialist. This role supports resident engagement across Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing, aiming to create experiences that foster connection, purpose, and joy. The specialist will lead and facilitate a dynamic daily schedule of programs within the Life Center, utilizing music, movement, art, storytelling, and cultural celebrations. Key responsibilities include building relationships with residents and families, supporting care planning, translating individual preferences into personalized experiences, collaborating on new program ideas, supporting community events, and creating a welcoming environment. The position is full-time, hourly, and located on-site 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.
Excellent customer service skills.
Collaborative, welcoming, positive attitude and enthusiasm for engaging older adults.
Self-starter requiring minimum supervision.
Ability to use or learn a variety of tech-based services and platforms (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Zoom, YouTube, resident facing portals, 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 using various methods like music, movement, art, storytelling, and nature immersion.
Implements best practices for engaging residents with diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
Engages residents in meaningful one-on-one connections as assigned.
Supports programming across the continuum, including assisting Life Center residents in community events and outings.
Delivers programs within the Creating My Possibilities framework for residents with cognitive impairment, focusing on environmental and material setup, group structure, communication, and strengths-based program design.
Supports the utilization of volunteers within Life Center programs.
Participates in resident interview, documentation, and care planning processes, including completing intake interviews and care plans within the EMR system.
Delivers one-on-one and group experiences that translate 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 internal and external creative strengths.
Encourages active participation by promoting programs and calendars, supporting successful delivery, and incorporating resident feedback into future program design.
Communicates with families as assigned, 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 before and after 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 Quality Assurance Process Improvement.
Completes all required in-service training.
Facilitates the 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.
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 and ensures Mather consent protocols are followed.

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.