Director of Activities

Elderwood at Lancaster is seeking an energized and compassionate Director of Activities to lead our activities team. Successful candidates will have a degree in Recreation Therapy, and have previous experience working in an elder care setting.

Responsible for developing and directing an activity program for the leisure time of residents; activities are to be designed for entertainment, relaxation, socialization, exercise, stimulation, the opportunity to learn new skills, and for enhancement of the individual, psychological, social and spiritual needs of residents. Responsible for the orientation, training and supervision of Activity Leaders and volunteers.

• Plans, directs and schedules a monthly program of group, individual, and independent activities for residents; the activities are geared to individual capabilities and interests of residents; promotes and communicates the monthly calendar of activities for residents.
• Directs Activity Leaders in implementing all phases of the Activity Department programs.
• Plans Volunteer Program and recruits, orients, trains, and directs volunteers.
• Cultivates and maintains good public relations and contact with service groups, and other community organizations.
• Interviews new residents and prepares initial assessment information, including assigned sections of MDS+.
• Attends Resident Care planning meetings and/or reviews Resident/Family Care plan review sessions; writes and/or reviews the Activities plan of care in the Medical Record Chart of each resident.
• Prepares and/or reviews required documentation including initial evaluations, progress notes, attendance at activities program and discharge summaries.

• A baccalaureate degree and training in recreation required; qualifications as stated in NYS Code, Rules, and Regulations necessary.
• The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who —
  • Is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; and
  • Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1,1990; or
  • Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was fulltime in a therapeutic activities program; or
  • Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or
  • Has completed a training course approved by the State
• Ability to relate well and enjoy working with the geriatric resident.
• Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing necessary.
• Flexibility, patience, and sensitivity to the needs of residents.
• Leadership qualities and ability to work well with others in implementing the activities program.
• Ability to develop good relationships with residents, staff, volunteers, families, and visitors.
• Physical stamina for constant activity.
• Ability to perform tasks to established standards of excellence.

• This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.