Activities Assistant - Full Time

Ativo Senior Living of Albuquerque; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Ativo Senior Living of Albuquerque seeks a Life Enrichment Coordinator to implement memory-focused activities that enhance cognition, mood, and physical well-being for residents with memory impairment.

You will develop personalized engagement plans, organize calming events, and work with staff to tailor strategies for dementia care while maintaining open family communication and thorough progress records.

Qualifications

• Requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent; degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Preferred degree in therapeutic recreation, social work, or gerontology.
• Experience in healthcare, recreational, or hospitality settings with elderly populations in memory care is desirable.
• Strong communication, empathy, and patience when interacting with memory-impaired residents.

Responsibilities

• Implement therapeutic activities to stimulate memory, cognitive function, and physical abilities.
• Develop individualized engagement plans based on resident interests and cognitive level.
• Organize small, calming events and routines for memory care residents.
• Collaborate with staff to apply strategies addressing dementia-related behaviors.
• Provide training and support to staff and volunteers on engagement techniques.
• Maintain communication with families about participation progress and education on dementia care.
• Keep detailed records of participation and progress, adapting programs as needed.
• Ensure activity spaces are safe, welcoming, and accessible for residents with cognitive impairments.

Skills

Dementia knowledge

Communication

Empathy

Creativity

Multitasking

Record-keeping

Cultural sensitivity

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in therapeutic recreation / social work / gerontology (preferred)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYThe Life Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for implementing a variety of activities and programs that enhance the social, mental, and physical well-being of Memory Care residents.RESPONSIBILITIESInclude but are not limited to the following:Implement therapeutic activities specifically aimed at stimulating memory, improving cognitive function, and maintaining physical abilities. Activities may include music therapy, reminiscence sessions, sensory stimulation, and simple crafts.Develop individualized engagement plans based on each resident’s interests, history, and cognitive level to foster meaningful participation and personal connection.Organize small scale, calming events and gathering suitable for memory care residents, focusing on creating a sense of routine and familiarity which is comforting for those with memory impairments.Work closely with other staff to understand and incorporate strategies that address behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, enhancing resident participation and well-being.Provide training and ongoing support to staff and volunteers on effective communication techniques and engagement strategies for interacting with memory care residents.Maintain open lines of communication with families, providing updates on their loved one's participation progress, and offering support and education on dementia care.Keep detailed records of each resident's participation and progress in activities adapting programs based on observed outcomes and feedback from care teams.Ensure the activity spaces are safe, welcoming, and appropriately designed to meet the needs of residents with cognitive impairments, reducing potential stressors and enhancing comfort.Supervisory Responsibility: No.QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Experience:Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent college degree in a relevant field such as therapeutic recreation, social work, or gerontology preferred.Previous experience in a similar role within health care, recreational, or hospitality setting, particularly working with elderly populations in a memory care setting.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:Understand the progression and effects of dementia and related disorders to tailor suitable and beneficial activities.Ability to develop and implement a variety of recreational and therapeutic programs aimed at improving residents' quality of life.Strong ability to communicate effectively with residents, staff, and family members. Empathy and patience are crucial in handling residents with memory impairments.Implement creative activities that engage multiple senses and cater to different interests and abilities among residents.Manage multiple tasks, keep detailed records of resident participation, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.Quickly adapt and find solutions when challenges arise, particularly related to resident engagement or program effectiveness.Recognize and incorporate the diverse cultural backgrounds of residents into the activity programming to enhance inclusivity.Demonstrate compassion and understanding, creating a warm and supportive environment for residents.