Activities Director Full-Time

Kern River Transitional Care; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Professional development

Career growth

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

Kern River Transitional Care is seeking an enthusiastic Activities Director to lead our resident activities program and enrich lives through engaging, person-centered activities. This role requires creativity, leadership, and a passion for building a vibrant, welcoming community.

The Activities Director will design and oversee programs supporting physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being; manage a budget; coordinate events; and collaborate with staff, families, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or a degree in recreation therapy, social services, healthcare, or a related field preferred.
• Skilled nursing facility or long‑term care experience preferred.
• Activity Professional certification or eligibility for certification preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive activities program based on residents' interests, abilities, needs, and preferences.
• Create and maintain a varied monthly activity calendar including recreational, social, educational, cultural, spiritual, and wellness programs.
• Provide individual, small-group, and large-group activities and coordination for resident outings and events.
• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate Activities Department staff and volunteers.
• Ensure programs comply with standards and regulations; maintain accurate documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Patient-centered care

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Degree in recreation therapy or related field

Tools

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Activities Director - Full-Time

Kern River Transitional Care

Salary Range: $50,000-$70,000 per year, based on experience

Create Meaningful Moments and Make Every Day Matter

Kern River Transitional Care is seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and creative Activities Director to lead our resident activities program. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional who is passionate about enriching the lives of others and creating a vibrant, welcoming community.

The Activities Director will develop and oversee engaging programs that support each resident's physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being. The ideal candidate is an energetic leader who brings fresh ideas, builds meaningful relationships, and understands that quality of life is an essential part of exceptional care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive activities program based on residents' interests, abilities, needs, and preferences.
• Create and maintain a varied monthly activity calendar that includes recreational, social, educational, cultural, spiritual, and wellness programs.
• Provide individual, small-group, large-group, and in-room activities.
• Develop specialized programs for residents who are bed-bound, isolated, cognitively impaired, or unable to participate in traditional group activities.
• Complete resident activity assessments, care plans, progress notes, and required documentation accurately and on time.
• Participate in resident care conferences, discharge planning, interdisciplinary meetings, and quality‑assurance initiatives.
• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate Activities Department employees and volunteers.
• Plan resident outings, holiday celebrations, special events, family programs, and community activities.
• Coordinate transportation and necessary assistance for resident outings and events.
• Encourage resident and family participation and gather feedback to continually improve programming.
• Develop positive relationships with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and community organizations.
• Manage the Activities Department budget, supplies, equipment, and program resources.
• Ensure activity areas are clean, organized, safe, and welcoming.
• Maintain attendance records and other required departmental documentation.
• Ensure programs comply with federal, state, local, and facility standards and regulations.
• Assist with survey preparation and participate in regulatory inspections as needed.
• Protect resident privacy and maintain the confidentiality of all health information.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or a degree in recreation therapy, social services, healthcare, or a related field preferred.
• Skilled nursing facility or long‑term care experience preferred.
• Previous activities, recreation, senior living, or healthcare experience strongly preferred.
• Activity Professional certification or eligibility for certification preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of resident-centered programming and activity care planning.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organization, and time‑management skills.
• Creative, energetic, patient, and compassionate approach to resident care.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt programs to residents' changing needs.
• Basic computer skills and experience with electronic documentation systems preferred.

What Makes Kern River Transitional Care Special?

At Kern River Transitional Care, we believe exceptional care includes laughter, purpose, connection, and moments residents look forward to every day. Our Activities Director plays a vital role in building a community where residents feel valued, engaged, and at home.

You will join a supportive leadership team that welcomes new ideas, encourages professional growth, and understands the importance of celebrating residents' lives, interests, and accomplishments.

Excellent Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Reward and bonus opportunities
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for career growth
• Meaningful work that makes a lasting difference

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and facility policy.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.