Life Enrichment Coordinator

MitchellChamber; Mitchell (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Peaceful Pines Senior Living seeks a Life Enrichment Coordinator to lead a comprehensive, person-centered program across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. You will design daily and evening activities that promote wellness and meaningful living, aligning with each resident's life story and preferences.

You will collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to foster engagement, coordinate events, and champion a culture of purpose, dignity, and connection for all

Qualifications

• Degree in Recreational Therapy, Education, Gerontology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in activity programming or resident engagement is required.
• Senior living, dementia care, or geriatric experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive life enrichment program.
• Plan and schedule a minimum of five hours of daily programming and one hour of evening programming per level of care.
• Create opportunities for physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual well‑being.
• Develop structured routines in Memory Care and support individualized engagement.
• Coordinate events, outings, and community partnerships to enhance resident experiences.
• Track participation and evaluate program effectiveness to drive quality improvements.

Skills

Program planning

Leadership

Resident engagement

Team coordination

Communication

Education

Degree in Recreational Therapy, Education, Gerontology, Human Services, or related field

Job description

The Life Enrichment Coordinator (LEC) serves as a champion of purpose, connection, and meaningful living for residents across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. This role is responsible for creating and leading a vibrant, person centered life enrichment program that supports the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of residents.

At Peaceful Pines Senior Living, Living Life Together means recognizing that every resident has a unique life story, interests, strengths, traditions, and aspirations. The Life Enrichment Coordinator ensures residents have opportunities each day to engage in meaningful experiences, build relationships, celebrate milestones, maintain independence, and continue living lives filled with purpose and joy.

The Life Enrichment Coordinator partners with residents, families, team members, volunteers, and community organizations to create an environment where engagement is not simply an activity, but a way of life. Through creativity, leadership, and compassionate relationship building, this role helps ensure residents feel connected, valued, and truly at home.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Resident Experience & Purposeful Living:

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive life enrichment program that promotes whole-person wellness.
• Plan and schedule a minimum of five (5) hours of daily programming and one (1) hour of evening programming per level of care.
• Create meaningful opportunities that support residents' physical, social, cognitive, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.
• Ensure activities reflect resident interests, preferences, life stories, abilities, and goals.
• Foster a vibrant, engaging community culture where residents feel connected, valued, and empowered.
• Encourage resident choice and participation while respecting individual preferences and independence.
• Reinforce that meaningful engagement is essential to quality of life, purpose, dignity, and overall wellness.

Memory Care & Individualized Engagement:

• Develop and implement structured daily routines within Memory Care that provide familiarity, comfort, purpose, and success.
• Utilize person-centered dementia care practices that preserve dignity and reduce distress.
• Create opportunities for sensory engagement, reminiscence, creativity, movement, and meaningful connection.
• Develop and maintain resident profiles that include life history, interests, routines, preferences, family connections, and meaningful experiences.
• Support residents who may not participate in group activities through individualized one-to-one engagement.
• Collaborate with nursing and care teams to adapt programming to residents' changing abilities and needs.

Programming, Events & Community Life:

• Design, coordinate, and facilitate a wide variety of programs, events, educational opportunities, outings, fitness activities, spiritual programs, and social gatherings.
• Create and distribute monthly activity calendars that clearly communicate programming opportunities.
• Design and distribute monthly newsletters and maintain digital displays showcasing community life and upcoming events.
• Coordinate celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and community milestones.
• Support resident participation through personal invitations, encouragement, and relationship-building.
• Track resident participation and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Ensure activity spaces, equipment, and supplies remain organized, clean, inviting, and ready for use.
• Safely transport residents using community vehicles for outings, scenic drives, appointments, and special events as needed.

Family, Volunteer & Community Partnerships:

• Foster meaningful relationships between residents, families, volunteers, schools, faith communities, businesses, and community organizations.
• Develop, recruit, coordinate, train, and recognize volunteers.
• Create opportunities for intergenerational engagement and community involvement.
• Encourage family participation in activities and special events.
• Serve as an ambassador for the community through relationship-building and outreach.
• Strengthen partnerships that enrich residents' experiences and expand engagement opportunities.

Leadership & Culture Building:

• Support Life Enrichment Assistants and volunteers, when applicable.
• Foster a culture where all team members understand their role in supporting resident engagement and meaningful living.
• Encourage interdisciplinary participation in life enrichment programming.
• Train new team members on life enrichment philosophy, procedures, and resident engagement expectations.
• Collaborate effectively with department leaders to ensure a seamless resident experience.
• Promote a positive work environment focused on teamwork, creativity, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Strategic Planning & Quality Improvement:

• Establish annual departmental goals and evaluate progress quarterly.
• Utilize resident, family, and team member feedback to continuously improve programming.
• Manage the life enrichment budget responsibly and within approved guidelines.
• Seek approval for special purchases and expenditures as required.
• Monitor trends in participation, satisfaction, and resident engagement.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and community performance goals.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and organizational standards.

Sales, Marketing & Community Promotion:

• Collaborate with the Sales Director and community leadership team on events, outreach initiatives, and marketing opportunities.
• Support community social media efforts by highlighting resident experiences and community life.
• Create positive first impressions for prospective residents and families through engaging programs and community events.
• Showcase the vibrant culture of the community through programming and resident engagement opportunities.
• Participate in community events that support census growth and community awareness.

Documentation & Communication:

• Maintain accurate resident engagement records, assessments, participation tracking, and program documentation.
• Communicate resident interests, participation trends, and observations appropriately with team members.
• Protect resident confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with residents, families, team members, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicate concerns, opportunities, and resident needs promptly and effectively.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Recreational Therapy, Education, Gerontology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in activity programming, resident engagement, recreation, education, hospitality, or related fields required.
• Senior living, dementia care, or geriatric experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading teams, volunteers, or community programs preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must submit to a TB test in accordance with state regulations.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and Manager on Duty rotations.
• Ability to safely operate community vehicles.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Must maintain confidentiality of resident and organizational information.

HME Care is an Equal Opportunity, Aff... status as a protected veteran. Applicants who would like to request reasonable accommodation to the application or interview process should call Human Resources at 1-605-736-2732 or email [e-mail].

Additional Postings available from Peaceful Pines Senior Living