Activities Director

Bickford Senior Living; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with employer match

Prescription savings plans

Voluntary life and disability

Job summary

Bickford Senior Living in Crystal Lake, IL is seeking a Montessori Engagement Coordinator to oversee resident activities and development, designing engaging events that align with Montessori principles. You will calendar and post Daily HappYnings, tailor programs to individual residents, train staff, and collaborate with caregivers, nursing staff, and families to weave activities into care plans.

A valid driver's license, a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field, and at

Qualifications

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience designing and leading activities for seniors, including dementia care.
• Willingness to drive residents to activities as needed (driver’s license required).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a diverse range of Montessori-inspired activities.
• Coordinate and post daily activity calendars and Monthly HappYnings.
• Collaborate with caregivers, nursing staff, and families to integrate activities into daily care plans.
• Train staff on Montessori methods and activity-based care for residents with dementia.
• Document participation and outcomes of activity programs.
• Plan community outings and special events.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Job description

Starting at $18

Join our DYNAMIC team at Bickford Senior Living as a Montessori Engagement Coordinator!

The Montessori Engagement Coordinator is responsible for all things related to resident activities at the Branch. This includes coordinating and providing engaging and purpose-filled events and activities.

• Full-time employees are eligible for all benefits (medical, dental, vision, and voluntary products)
• Part-time employees (29 or fewer hours per week) are eligible for Voluntary Life, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Identity Protection, and Cyber Monitoring
• Benefits start the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment!
• Prescription savings plans
• All employees are eligible for 401(k) with employer match

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Calendar & Social Media: Create and ensure posting of the Daily HappYnings; post blog entries weekly, create a monthly activity calendar including weekend and evening activities.
• Montessori Program/Lifestyle Development: Design and implement a diverse range of activities that align with Montessori principles, focusing on sensory engagement, practical life skills, and cognitive stimulation.
  • Be able to explain “what is Montessori” in your own words. Goal: Speak about Montessori Inspired Lifestyle from an authentic, first-person perspective.
• Resident-Centered Approach: Tailor activities to meet the individual needs and preferences of residents, fostering a sense of purpose and autonomy.
  • Know and practice the 12 Principles of Montessori when engaging with residents
• Collaboration: Work closely with caregivers, nursing staff, and family members to ensure activities are integrated into the residents' daily routines and care plans.
• Training and Support: Provide training and guidance to staff on Montessori methods and the importance of activity-based care for residents with dementia.
  • Positively encourage your peers to maintain Montessori as their mission
• Evaluation and Adaptation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of activities and make necessary adjustments to meet the evolving needs of residents.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of resident participation and progress, and report on the outcomes of activity programs.
• Community Engagement: Plan and chaperone appropriate community outings, ensuring residents' safety and enjoyment.
• Special Events: Create the appropriate activities and environment celebrating themed meals, holidays, and special events.
• Interdisciplinary Team Meetings: Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to the development of resident care plans.

Qualifications

• A valid driver's license is required. In this role, you'll drive our bus to take residents to appointments, activities, and other outings. Must meet our insurance qualifications.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in activity planning for seniors, preferably in a dementia care setting. Experience with Montessori methods is highly desirable.
• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Certifications: Certified Activity Director (ADC) or equivalent certification preferred, or certification required by state.

"There is no higher calling, no greater purpose than a caregiver. Somehow, we’ve come to believe that caregiving is just for some of us and not all. Yet, at our core, we are all made to love, connect, to extend ourselves in service to others. The question is… do we have the will to love, do what it takes, and risk ourselves in caring, even when the burden is great? In times of happiness and sadness, we are that caregiver” - www.bickfordseniorliving.com/caregivers-manifesto

ABOUT BICKFORD SENIOR LIVING

Bickford Senior Living is a community of caregivers who are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to enrich our resident’s happiness. Founded in 1991 in Olathe, Kansas, by the Eby Family. Mary Bickford, the matriarch of the family, was the first resident of a Bickford Branch and our namesake. That location became the start of a tradition of caring that has extended to over 50 locations in 7 states. Although Bickford Senior Living has grown in size… we pride ourselves in the family environment that is the foundation on which Bickford has served thousands of residents and employees throughout the years.

www.bickfordseniorliving.com/our-story

Make a Difference Every Day

We are passionate about our mission — to champion quality of life for all seniors. We deliver high-quality care with a personal touch and encourage our residents to enjoy life to the fullest.

Be Part of a Uniquely Supportive Community

The care-focused environment we create for residents extends to our team members. We offer programs, rewards, and benefits to help you live your best.

Ignite Your Potential

We believe potential has no limits. We offer best-in-class leadership development programs designed to grow our leaders. We are committed to helping our team members achieve their career goals.