Activities Director

Bickford of Iowa City; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with employer match

Pay available daily

Job summary

Bickford Senior Living is seeking a Montessori Engagement Coordinator to lead resident activities and Montessori-inspired programming. You will create engaging daily postings, calendars, and events that promote sensory learning and cognitive development for seniors.

Work with caregivers and families to tailor programs to individual needs; train staff on Montessori approaches and document progress for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of activity planning experience for seniors, preferably in dementia care.
• Certified Activity Director (ADC) or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and post Daily HappYnings; publish weekly blogs and a monthly activity calendar.
• Design and implement Montessori-aligned activities focusing on sensory engagement and cognitive skills.
• Tailor activities to meet individual resident needs and preferences.
• Collaborate with caregivers, nursing staff, and families to integrate activities into care plans.
• Train staff on Montessori methods and activity-based care for residents with dementia.
• Regularly assess activity effectiveness and adjust programs as needs evolve.
• Document resident participation and progress; report outcomes of programs.
• Plan and chaperone community outings and special events.

Skills

Calendar management

Montessori methods

Resident-centered care

Communication

Team collaboration

Training delivery

Documentation

Event planning

Education

Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, 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.

This position offers a full suite of benefits options that vary based on employment status. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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
• Pay available daily

"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

Must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable by insurance company guidelines

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:

• 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.

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

At Bickford, you will…

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.