Life Enrichment Team Leader

Carolina Meadows Careers • Chapel Hill, NC

4d

About The Position

Life Enrichment Team Leader – The Groves
The Life Enrichment Team Leader, under the direction of the Community Life Manager, assists in coordinating meaningful engagement opportunities for residents within The Groves Heath Center at Carolina Meadows.
This position combines direct resident engagement with administrative coordination. The Team Leader supports Life Enrichment Coordinators by helping maintain organized workflows, assisting with documentation systems, supporting program planning, and facilitating communication with other departments.
The role focuses on helping ensure that engagement opportunities remain consistent, resident-directed, and aligned with the engagement philosophy of The Groves. This position does not include supervisory responsibilities but serves as a resource to help maintain efficient operations within the Life Enrichment department.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in life enrichment, activities, or recreation role in a senior living or healthcare setting
• Experience planning and leading group programs for older adults
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Understanding of federal, state, and local regulations related to resident care, activity documentation, and confidentiality.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to transport residents in community vehicles (if applicable)

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Certification as an Activity Director (NCCAP or equivalent) or the ability to obtain required certification within six (6) months of the hired date.
• Advanced dementia-focused certification, such as Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) or Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, required within six (6) months of obtaining NCCAP certification, or within six (6) months of the effective start date if NCCAP is already held.
• Familiarity with person-centered programming and dementia-friendly practices.

Responsibilities

• Support the organization and daily workflow of the Life Enrichment team to ensure programs, documentation, and operational responsibilities are completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Assist the Community Life Manager in supporting consistent procedures and workflows within The Groves.
• Monitor timelines and assist with tracking deadlines related to programming, documentation, and department responsibilities.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new team members.
• Support coordination of logistics related to programs, including room setup, transportation, and communication with other departments.
• Gather and maintain attendance and engagement data used for planning and evaluation.
• Participate in department meetings and assist with planning initiatives and program reviews.
• Cross-train to support continuity of programming when other team members are unavailable.
• Assist the Community Life Manager with budget-related tasks, including tracking expenses and supporting budget planning.
• Assist in maintaining the rhythm of engagement within The Groves by supporting coordinated programming across the building and within individual neighborhoods.
• Assist in coordinating the engagement calendar for The Groves to maintain balanced programming throughout the building.
• Work with the Community Life Manager to support development of the monthly Groves community calendar, including building-wide programs such as exercise, lectures, music, and cultural events.
• Assist Life Enrichment Coordinators in developing neighborhood-level calendars that complement building programming and reflect resident interests and abilities.
• Help ensure programming follows the three layers of engagement within The Groves: community programs, neighborhood engagement, and individualized engagement.
• Review calendars to minimize scheduling conflicts and maintain balanced daily programming.
• Assist in adjusting calendars based on participation trends, feedback, and changing resident needs.
• Work with the Community Life Manager to integrate programs and events across all levels of care within the community, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing when appropriate.
• Support the promotion of programs that involve multiple levels of care to strengthen connections throughout Carolina Meadows.
• Assist with planning, preparing, and facilitating engagement opportunities that support resident well-being and quality of life.
• Assist with planning and implementation of individual and group engagement programs.
• Support development of diverse programming that promotes physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social interaction, emotional well-being, and spiritual engagement.
• Assist with development and distribution of monthly calendars and promotional materials.
• Coordinate logistics for programs including supplies, room setup, and audio/visual equipment.
• Encourage resident participation through positive communication and engagement.
• Assist residents with transportation to and from activities when needed.
• Ensure activity spaces are properly restored following programs.
• Support resident engagement planning through documentation and participation tracking.
• Assist coordinators in maintaining resident engagement assessments and interest profiles.
• Support completion of initial activity assessments, activity-based care plan documentation, and quarterly progress notes.
• Maintain accurate records of participation, engagement observations, and attendance.
• Assist in maintaining participation binders or digital tracking systems.
• Help identify residents who may be at risk of social isolation and support development of engagement strategies.
• Maintain engagement data used for program evaluation and planning.
• Support collaboration between Life Enrichment staff and Care Partners to promote engagement throughout daily routines.
• Encourage communication between Life Enrichment staff and care staff regarding resident interests and participation.
• Assist in providing Care Partners with ideas for incorporating engagement into daily routines.
• Support collaboration between Life Enrichment staff and care teams to enhance resident engagement.
• Assist in maintaining effective communication with departments involved in resident care.
• Collaborate with nursing, therapy, social work, dining, hospitality services, and other departments.
• Support coordination of programs involving interdisciplinary participation when appropriate.
• Communicate resident engagement needs and participation patterns to the interdisciplinary team when needed.
• Support ongoing improvement of engagement programs through evaluation and feedback.
• Monitor resident participation and engagement trends.
• Collect resident and family feedback regarding programs.
• Review participation records and staff observations to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Assist management in refining programming strategies to improve resident quality of life.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees