Memory Care Life Enrichment Leader (CTRS)

Kensington Senior Living • White Plains, NY

4d

About The Position

The Memory Care Life Enrichment Leader oversees the development and delivery of life enrichment and therapeutic recreation programming across two specialized Memory Care neighborhoods: Connections, serving Residents experiencing early to moderate memory loss, and Haven, serving Residents with more advanced cognitive changes. The role creates individualized experiences that promote cognitive stimulation, physical wellness, emotional connection, and quality of life, using dementia-care and therapeutic recreation knowledge alongside leadership skills. The community is a designated BCAT Cognitive Center of Excellence and emphasizes innovative, evidence-informed programming to support brain health and engagement.

The position leads and develops the Life Enrichment team, collaborates with Memory Care leadership and interdisciplinary departments, and supports individualized Resident assessments and care planning. It also oversees program operations, documentation, resources, budgets, events, family engagement, and community communications. The role requires a bachelor's degree and CTRS credential, relevant experience, a valid driver's license, and flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and special events. The position may require performing essential physical functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
• Previous experience in therapeutic recreation, Life Enrichment, or activity programming in senior living, Memory Care, or a related healthcare setting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including team supervision, program development, and performance management.
• Strong understanding of Alzheimer's disease, dementia progression, and person-centered Memory Care programming.
• Exceptional creativity, organization, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to develop engaging programs for a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to collaborate with Residents, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community partners.
• Valid driver's license.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and special events.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, Human Services, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Positive Approach to Care (PAC), the GEMS Brain Change Model, and BCAT brain-health initiatives.
• Experience with newsletters, digital communications, photography, and event planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive Life Enrichment and therapeutic recreation programs across both Memory Care neighborhoods.
• Create group and individualized activities suited to Residents’ cognitive abilities, interests, life histories, physical capabilities, spiritual preferences, and psychosocial needs.
• Incorporate Positive Approach to Care techniques, the GEMS Brain Change Model, BCAT-informed programming, and other evidence-informed dementia engagement approaches.
• Assess Resident interests, functional abilities, and social needs to establish appropriate cognitive groupings and individualized engagement opportunities.
• Develop small-group, sensory engagement, cognitive stimulation, music, movement, and one-on-one programming.
• Coordinate monthly activity calendars, daily highlights, themed programs, family events, and seasonal celebrations.
• Adapt programming to the distinct needs of Residents in Connections and Haven.
• Coordinate outings and special experiences, including appropriate staffing, transportation, and safety measures.
• Lead, supervise, coach, train, and develop Life Enrichment team members; provide daily direction and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with Memory Care leadership, Nursing, Care Partners, Dining, and other departments on Resident-centered engagement.
• Provide Care Partners with supplies, activity resources, and guidance for meaningful engagement and pocket programming.
• Promote creativity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement; participate in leadership meetings, interdisciplinary discussions, and professional development initiatives.
• Participate in Resident assessments and care planning to align programming with individual goals and changing needs.
• Coordinate completion and maintenance of Resident Life Stories and Move-In at a Glance information, as assigned.
• Partner with Nursing and Memory Care leadership to incorporate Resident preferences, social needs, and engagement approaches into Individualized Service Plans.
• Monitor participation, cognitive changes, and engagement patterns and adjust programming accordingly.
• Support transitions between neighborhoods and changes in cognitive or functional abilities.
• Maintain accurate documentation, attendance records, progress notes, and other required records.
• Plan, organize, and oversee daily Life Enrichment programming across both neighborhoods.
• Participate in annual program planning, budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation; monitor labor and supply expenses.
• Ensure activity spaces are welcoming, organized, stocked, and maintained to community standards.
• Oversee seasonal decorations, special events, volunteer engagement, and program supply management.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using participation, family feedback, quality indicators, and ongoing assessments.
• Support compliance with regulations, community policies, documentation standards, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Build relationships with Residents, families, and team members through communication and personalized engagement.
• Plan and coordinate family-centered events, celebrations, and participation opportunities.
• Oversee monthly newsletters, activity calendars, daily highlights, and program communications.
• Collaborate with Marketing and other departments on photography, digital communications, and community events while maintaining Resident privacy.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every Resident feels valued, respected, and connected.

What This Job Offers

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