Memory Care Specialist

ST BARNABAS HEALTH SYSTEM • Valencia, PA

3d

About The Position

The Memory Care Specialist supports older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. The role provides person-centered support that promotes residents’ safety, dignity, emotional well-being, and engagement, and implements memory care programming in group and individual settings. The specialist also provides educational topics and conferences for front-line staff, families, and outside communities.

The position works in specialized SDCU/memory care, personal care, skilled nursing, and community program settings. It requires physical stamina, emotional resilience, and adherence to infection-control and safety protocols. The specialist participates in an on-call schedule and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Dementia-specific certification required, such as Alzheimer’s Association CARES, Teepa Snow PAC, or CDP.
• Prior experience in memory care, personal care, assisted living, skilled nursing, or behavioral health settings.
• Strong communication, patience, crisis de-escalation, activity facilitation, and documentation skills.
• Ability to connect empathetically with residents experiencing confusion, anxiety, or memory loss.
• Commitment to person-centered care that honors each resident’s history, preferences, and identity.
• Ability to respond calmly and creatively to behavioral challenges.
• Respect for diverse backgrounds and communication styles.
• Physical stamina and emotional resilience; adherence to infection-control and safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

• PCA, CNA, or HHA qualification.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility, while maintaining dignity and independence.
• Lead cognitive engagement programs such as reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation, music therapy, and structured social activities.
• Monitor changes in residents’ mood, behavior, and cognitive function; document observations and report concerns to nursing or clinical leadership.
• Participate in developing and updating individualized care plans based on each resident’s cognitive abilities, history, and preferences, and attend care plan meetings.
• Participate in securing durable medical equipment (DME) and preparing the Resident Assessment and Support Plan (RASP); conduct resident chart audits.
• Maintain a secure environment, implement fall-prevention strategies, and follow protocols for wandering, elopement, and emergency response.
• Provide updates and emotional support to families and collaborate with them on care decisions.
• Work with nurses, therapists, social workers, and administrators to provide holistic care.
• Prepare and provide annual staff evaluations.
• Maintain accurate records of care activities, behavioral notes, and incident reports in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Develop and implement person-centered, evidence-based programs for St. Barnabas Memory Care Communities and outreach to enrich and enhance quality of life.
• Maintain yearly training requirements.
• Participate in the on-call schedule.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide educational topics and conferences to front-line staff, outside communities, and families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED