Dementia Care Director

The Claiborne; Meridian, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Double-time pay

Free meals

Referral bonus

Full benefits

Job summary

Claiborne Senior Living in Meridian, MS is seeking a Dementia Care Director to lead therapeutic programming in our Memory Care neighborhood. You will design person-centered activities, oversee engagement, and partner with clinical and operations leaders to support whole-person care with dignity and joy.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor's in a related field and 3–5 years in senior care memory programs, with strong leadership, communication, and compliance knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Social Work, Gerontology, or related field required or preferred.
• Experience in senior living or healthcare with a focus on memory care programming (3–5 years).
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Working knowledge of dementia care regulations and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Compassionate, patient, and adaptable demeanor.
• Familiarity with scheduling systems and documentation tools.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, dementia-specific programming calendar.
• Design therapeutic and engagement-based activities tailored to cognitive abilities.
• Partner with the Director of Wellness on care planning and change-of-condition communication.
• Train and mentor team members in dementia engagement techniques.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with families and guardians.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal memory care regulations.
• Monitor participation, engagement levels, and overall program effectiveness.
• Stay current on research and best practices in dementia care.
• Support coordination of appointments and specialized needs within memory care.

Skills

Leadership

Program development

Communication

Dementia care knowledge

Flexibility

CPR/First Aid

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Social Work, Gerontology, or related field

Job description

Claiborne Senior Living is seeking a compassionate and innovative Dementia Care Director to lead programming and engagement within our Memory Care neighborhood.

This leadership role is responsible for creating a structured, person-centered environment that promotes dignity, purpose, connection, and joy for residents living with dementia. You will design and oversee therapeutic programming while partnering closely with clinical and community leadership to support whole-person care.

If you take ownership of resident engagement, act with integrity in every interaction, remain focused on individualized support, and believe our culture matters, we would love to connect.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Lead a specialized memory care program
• Make a measurable impact on residents and families
• Collaborate with clinical and operational leaders
• Build a team skilled in dementia engagement best practices
• Create moments of connection that truly matter

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, dementia-specific programming calendar
• Design therapeutic and engagement-based activities tailored to cognitive abilities
• Partner with the Director of Wellness on care planning and change-of-condition communication
• Train and mentor team members in dementia engagement techniques
• Build strong, supportive relationships with families and guardians
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal memory care regulations
• Monitor participation, engagement levels, and overall program effectiveness
• Stay current on research and best practices in dementia care
• Support coordination of appointments and specialized needs within memory care

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Social Work, Gerontology, or related field preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in senior living or healthcare, with focus in memory care programming
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Working knowledge of dementia care regulations and best practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Compassionate, patient, and adaptable demeanor
• Comfort using technology, scheduling systems, and documentation tools
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed

Benefits

• Double time pay on major holidays
• Free employee meals
• Up to $1,000 employee referral bonus (no limit)
• Full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life insurance, disability, and EAP

Claiborne Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.