Dementia Specialist

CareOne•Paramus, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dementia Program Director will be responsible for planning and coordinating a therapeutic program schedule that meets the spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of the resident. This role involves assessing resident characteristics and organizing program content accordingly, monitoring daily unit functioning for program continuity, and fostering teamwork through effective communication and meetings. The Director will also develop cooperative relationships with other department directors, provide education to staff on dementia-specific knowledge, and market the unit through community involvement. Additionally, the role includes creating a program newsletter for families, participating in reviews of social work and recreation services, serving as a role model for staff, and performing initial pre-admission assessments for potential residents. The Director will also assist with resident admissions and family adjustments, maintain weekly contact with new residents/families for the first month, and stay updated on current research and community resources to make appropriate referrals.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Recreation Therapy or Nursing
Experience with Alzheimer's/Dementia
Minimum 2 years of experience in a supervisory capacity in a hospital, nursing care facility or other related field

Responsibilities

Plans and coordinates a therapeutic program schedule, which meets the spiritual, social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of the resident
Assesses resident characteristics (i.e. stages, sex, ethnic background, prior lifestyles, cognitive and functional abilities) and, in conjunction with other departments, plans and organizes program content
Monitors daily functioning of the units to ensure continuity of, and appropriate changes in the program
Establishes and maintains a sense of teamwork through effective communications, interactions and team meetings
Develops and maintains a cooperative relationship with other department directors. Informs and consults with staff regarding program and integrates the program with other services
Participates in support groups at the direction of Administrator
Assesses the educational need of staff regarding program and dementia specific knowledge and works with the In-service Director to ensure appropriate education is provided
Provides program continuation for new staff unit members
Markets the unit through involvement in community organizations and participates in the local Alzheimer's Association
Plans, coordinates and distributes a program newsletter or other communications for families
Participates in reviews or unit social work and recreation services to ensure compliance with program standards
Serves as a role model for staff regarding care of dementia unit
Treats residents with respect and dignity at all times
Provides orientation and in-service training as directed by the administrator to community personnel regarding social/emotional needs of Alzheimer's residents
Communicates immediately to the Administrator information concerning suspected, alleged or actual resident abuse of a physical, verbal, mental or sexual nature committed by employees, visitors or residents
Performs initial pre-admission assessment of potential resident
Provides assistance with the residents admission to ensure a smooth transition
Assists with the adjustment of the resident and family to the facility
Contacts the new residents and/or family weekly for the first month after admission to ensure needs are being met and difficulties are being resolved
Keep abreast of current research, new programs, and community resources which may benefit residents and families and make appropriate referrals to other consultants, community agencies, or departments in order to facilitate the residents' use of resources, and to promote the resident's increased level of social functioning.