Activities Director

The Gardens at Country; Swansea (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Country Gardens Skilled Nursing Facility in Swansea, MA is seeking an Activities Director to develop, coordinate, and oversee a comprehensive resident activities program that promotes quality of life, social engagement, physical activity, emotional well-being, and cognitive stimulation within a person-centered framework.

You will lead a varied calendar, recruit and supervise activity staff and volunteers, collaborate with nursing, dietary, social services, and rehabilitation teams, and maintain

Qualifications

• Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or activities professional.
• 2 years of social/recreational program experience in the last 5 years, with at least 1 year in therapeutic activities.
• OT/OTA qualification or state-approved training may apply.
• At least one year of experience directing group activities.
• High school diploma or equivalent; further education preferred.
• Experience with older adults in healthcare settings preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with residents with varying physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• Independent and team-oriented work capability.
• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain documentation.
• Ability to organize multiple activities and schedules.
• Must meet facility/state/federal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee a varied daily and monthly activities calendar for residents.
• Develop activities based on residents' interests, preferences, abilities, and individualized care plans.
• Provide balance of social, recreational, educational, cultural, spiritual, physical, and cognitive activities.
• Coordinate group and individual activities for residents who are unable or prefer not to participate in group programs.
• Organize special events, holidays, entertainment, outings, and community activities.
• Encourage resident participation while respecting individual choices and preferences.
• Conduct and document resident activity assessments and participation in accordance with facility requirements.
• Participate in care plan meetings and contribute relevant information regarding residents' activity needs and progress.
• Maintain accurate activity records, calendars, attendance documentation, and other required documentation.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise activity staff and volunteers as applicable.
• Coordinate with nursing, social services, dietary, rehabilitation, and other departments to support resident-centered programming.
• Communicate with residents and families regarding activities, special events, and individual interests.
• Maintain an organized and safe activities area and ensure equipment and supplies are available and properly maintained.
• Monitor the activities budget and assist with purchasing supplies and equipment as needed.
• Ensure activities are conducted in a safe manner and follow infection control, emergency, and facility safety procedures.
• Promote a welcoming and positive environment that supports resident dignity, independence, and choice.
• Participate in facility meetings, quality improvement initiatives, surveys, and other duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information and comply with all applicable privacy requirements.

Skills

Therapeutic recreation

Activity planning

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Recreation/gerontology coursework

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Computer basics/MS Office

Job description

Activities Director

Country Gardens Skilled Nursing Facility - Swansea, MA

Position Summary

The Activities Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing a comprehensive resident activities program that promotes quality of life, social engagement, physical activity, emotional well-being, and cognitive stimulation. The Activities Director ensures programming is person-centered and appropriate to the interests, abilities, and needs of each resident while maintaining compliance with facility policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee a varied daily and monthly activities calendar for residents.
• Develop activities based on residents' interests, preferences, abilities, and individualized care plans.
• Provide a balance of social, recreational, educational, cultural, spiritual, physical, and cognitive activities.
• Coordinate group and individual activities for residents who are unable or prefer not to participate in group programs.
• Organize special events, holidays, entertainment, outings, and community activities.
• Encourage resident participation while respecting individual choices and preferences.
• Conduct and document resident activity assessments and participation in accordance with facility requirements.
• Participate in care plan meetings and contribute relevant information regarding residents' activity needs and progress.
• Maintain accurate activity records, calendars, attendance documentation, and other required documentation.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise activity staff and volunteers as applicable.
• Coordinate with nursing, social services, dietary, rehabilitation, and other departments to support resident-centered programming.
• Communicate with residents and families regarding activities, special events, and individual interests.
• Maintain an organized and safe activities area and ensure equipment and supplies are available and properly maintained.
• Monitor the activities budget and assist with purchasing supplies and equipment as needed.
• Ensure activities are conducted in a safe manner and follow infection control, emergency, and facility safety procedures.
• Promote a welcoming and positive environment that supports resident dignity, independence, and choice.
• Participate in facility meetings, quality improvement initiatives, surveys, and other duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information and comply with all applicable privacy requirements.

Qualifications

• Eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or activities professional through a recognized accrediting body; OR
• Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, with at least 1 year full-time in a therapeutic activities program; OR
• Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; OR
• Has completed a training course approved by the state.
• Must have at least one year of experience or training in directing group activities.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in recreation, therapeutic recreation, gerontology, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with older adults, preferably in a skilled nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation, or healthcare setting.
• Previous experience planning and coordinating recreational or resident activities preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with residents with varying physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• Creative, energetic, patient, and compassionate approach to working with residents.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Ability to organize multiple activities, schedules, and responsibilities effectively.
• Must meet all applicable facility, state, and federal requirements for the position.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to assist with setting up and putting away activity materials and equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move supplies and equipment within reasonable limits.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, and visitors.

Work Environment

The Activities Director works primarily within a skilled nursing facility and interacts regularly with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and visitors. The position may require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours to support special events and resident programming.

Equal Opportunity

The facility is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment.