Salize Director

Job Summary:

The Salize Coordinator is responsible for planning developing, organizing, implementing and directing person-centered care programs and activities in  Memory Care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other related types of dementia. Provide opportunities through a calendar of events using the company’s brand and program standards that enhances the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and vocational needs of the residents. Ability to train caregivers and volunteers in how to effectively adapt activities to promote active and successful resident participation. Provides coordination and direction of the memory care/assisted living team members assigned to this position within the memory care area and the hiring or termination of team members or recommending the hiring or termination of team members within the memory care area under the direction of the Executive Director. Establishes appropriate levels of memory care/assisted living care and ensures delivery of quality nursing care. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for creating and enhancing resident programs and activities using the company’s Wellness Program Model to promote physical, intellectual, social, emotional, vocational and spiritual stimulation and engagement of residents as well as interaction between residents and team members.
• Develop a written plan of monthly programs and events.
• Plan and publish a monthly newsletter and calendar of events, weekly and daily schedule of events. Conduct scheduled programs in a timely and organized manner.
• Meet with Executive Director on a regular basis to communicate plans, highlights, special challenges, required support, etc.
• Train, schedule, and coach care partners to keep them informed regarding programs/events and their role and responsibilities in leading assigned resident programs.
• Manage and maintain themed programming areas around the memory care area.
• Participate in the annual budget process and monitor the monthly budget through use of tracking and spend down reports.
• Assess need for additional resources, supplies, and equipment, and manage with available budget.
• Responsible for successful operation of the department.
• Assesses Life History and Preferences for each resident; maintains Discovery Book; takes report from team members and refers clinical issues to Wellness Director for assessment and planning.
•  At morning stand-up, discusses residents who need to be looked at, staffing and programming issues.
• Responsible for the maintenance of wellness objectives, standards of wellness practice, wellness policies and procedure manuals under the direction of the Fitness Coordinator.
• Monitor and care for all equipment and supplies used by the programs department. Assess need for outside contacts. Must be an excellent side-by-side and group trainer.
• Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public.
• Possess the leadership skills to adapt any activity to promote successful participation by each resident
• Possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.

Desired Skills and Experience: 

• Has 2 years’ experience in a social recreational program with older adults with dementia within the last five years, one of which was full-time in an activity program in a health care or assisted living setting per state guidelines.
• 2 years’ experience in working with persons with dementia including leading groups, creating social interactions, assistance with ADLs.
• Experience assessing resident needs and developing approaches to reduce discomfort / enhance daily well-being.
• Must be able to relate professionally and positively to team members and to work cooperatively with associates of all levels and to represent community’s memory care program in the local community.
• Experience in direct management in providing special care for persons with dementia.
• Must meet state regulatory requirements, if any, for the position. Demonstrated abilities in organization and effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to periodically travel overnight.
• Ability to work flexible schedules in 24 hour operation including weekends.

Preferences:

A degree in social work, psychology, gerontology, therapeutic recreation or nursing or a related degree or certification as a licensed practical/vocational nurse.