Director of Life Enrichment

Recently acknowledged as a "Best in Senior Living" community by U.S. News & World Report, a career at Duncaster is more than just a place to work. Here, you can fulfill your passion for helping others and become part of something meaningful that pays you back in inspiring, heartfelt ways you may have never experienced.

Duncaster offers residents a plan for life with independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing services all on a beautiful campus-like setting.  Our residents share a bond of mutual respect with our staff that builds memorable and lasting relationships.

Overview

The Director of Life Enrichment is responsible for the ongoing development and implementation of an activities program designed to meet the social, psychosocial and therapeutic needs of the residents in the Healthcare Center including Skilled Nursing, and Assisted Living within Duncaster. The Director of LE supervises the department staff and coordinates the volunteer program for Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living. Oversees plans, assigns and directs the development of recreational, educational, cultural and arts and crafts programs that create an optimal environment for residents in Caleb Hitchcock Health Center, Dogwood Assisted Living Memory Care and Social Assisted Living. Maintains positive community relations and builds rapport with internal departments as well as external agencies and organizations that associate with Duncaster.

Essential Functions

Oversees, implements, and coordinates a resident-centered life enrichment program through literature, lectures, movies, cultural events, and other activities available in the community in Caleb Hitchcock Health Center, Dogwood Assisted Living Memory Care, and Social Assisted Living.Tracks and encourages resident participation in the Enrichment by offering activities and events at varied times across the continuum.Recruits, trains, and supervises LE staff, volunteers, and instructors.Attends Resident Care/Interdisciplinary Team meetings, Care Conferences, and other resident care related meetings as appropriate or needed.Complies with all regulatory requirements related to life enrichment documentation and standards in a CCRC. Works with individual residents to facilitate ideas and events and resident committees related to specific areas of programming.Coordinates cross-campus events with other departments, as well as develops and expands community outreach programs with local organizations.Interviews new residents and support them in acclimating to the community.Oversees and coordinates a variety of monthly trips for the residents as well as the promotion of programs through the monthly calendar and highlights, flyers, and bulletin boards.Completes life enrichment MDS assessment according to ARD schedule.Develops and oversees department budget.Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy or a related field preferred or the equivalent combination training and experience is required.5 years' experience in life enrichment or a related position with 2 years in a leadership capacity is required.Must have a valid Connecticut Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.Must be able to speak, read, and write the English language in an understandable manner.Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).Experience with MatrixCare or other electronic medical records is preferred.Previous experience working and coordinating volunteers preferred.Excellent leadership skills and a desire to develop other leaders.Demonstrated collaborative style and team orientation and ability to establish rapport with all internal and external customers.Strong problem solving and analytical skills.

Environment and Working Conditions

Ability to focus on task needs and perform intellectual executive functions as related to documentation, charting, care device operations, etc.Ability to execute intellectual tasks and duties under conditions of high demand and distraction.Ability to complete the essential functions of the position with or with adaptive personal devices (e.g., hearing aid, corrective lenses).Ability to operate equipment and technology required for the position.Able to wear personal protective equipment.Must be able to communicate effectively.Able to assist with the evacuation of residents under emergency status to the best of their physical ability.Able to function independently with integrity and work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.Able to constantly stand or walk to provide resident care and assistance.Able to frequently push and/or pull a force up to 30 pounds including residents weighing up to 250 pounds in wheelchairs and geri-chairs.  Able to reach overhead, bend, and carry or lift 50 pounds occasionally and 35 pounds frequently.Able to frequently transfer and support residents weighing up to 250 pounds while positioning, and transferring residents to beds, toilets wheelchairs, etc. Additional employees or mechanical assistance may be used.Able to frequently reposition residents weighing up to 250 pounds in bed for assistance with treatments, hygiene, and comfort needs. Additional employees or mechanical assistance may be used.

Hours

1st shift, 40 hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm + 1 weekend per month

Pay

$68,000.00/yr

What are the benefits?

Working in a Life Plan community will bring out the best in you.  As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to pursue a truly rewarding career path, with multiple exciting benefits, including the following:

• 401(k) with match and profit sharing
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available the 1st of the month after hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 10% tuition discount on all degree and certificate programs at Charter Oak
• Free Access to our Aquatic & Fitness Center & to our beautiful walking trails throughout our campus
• Discount employee lunches
• Duncaster Spotlight Employee Recognition Program
• Referral bonuses
• Free parking
• Shoes for Crews - discounted safety shoes for all staff
• Yearly performance increases plus additional bonus opportunities
• Employee Appreciation Events held throughout the year by our own "Funcaster" Committee

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