Memory Care Program Specialist

Lancaster SNF; Town of Lancaster (NY); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Elderwood at Lancaster is seeking a Memory Care Program Specialist to provide therapeutic and social activities designed to meet residents' physical and emotional needs under the direction of the Director of Memory Care.

The role involves maintaining memory care calendars, documenting progress, assisting with meal service, and contributing to a compassionate, compliant care environment that honors residents' rights and dignity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Education or related field OR Certified Occupational Therapist (COTA) OR Associates Degree (example COTA) with 1-2 years of experience in long term care Activities OR 1-2 years' experience in recreational programming in another field.
• Current, valid state required certification or license in the state in which work is performed or must be willing to obtain National Certification in Activities within 1 year.
• Certification in dementia and/or behavior management (e.g. CDT) or (will obtain within 1 year of hire)
• Demonstrated computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and web-based applications
• Current, valid driver license (if applicable)
• Demonstrated supervisory experience preferred
• Experience with dementia population desired

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic and social programming to meet the physical and emotional needs of residents, under the direction of the Director of Activities with assistance from the Director of Memory Care.
• Responsible for input and completion of daily memory care calendar, resident participation reviews, daily attendance forms, monthly progress reports and assistance with meal service, as requested
• Responds immediately to residents' needs and requests; assists with activities designed to enhance well-being
• Maintains facility standards for resident care and safety
• Reads and understands task assignments; reports verbally and records care in writing
• Exhibits respect for residents' rights and dignity; works with others following directions
• Attends meetings and trainings; contributes ideas to improve care quality and productivity
• Performs duties in accordance with safety policies and service excellence standards

Skills

Communication

Supervisory experience

Dementia experience

English proficiency

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy

Education or related field

Certified Occupational Therapist (COTA)

Associates Degree (e.g., COTA) with 1-2 years of experience in long term care Activities

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based applications

Job description

Memory Care Program Specialist

Requisition ID: 2026-37136

# of Openings: 1

Area of Interest: Nursing

Company: Elderwood

Location: Elderwood at Lancaster

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Salary: Starting at $27.00 / hour

Reporting Category: Non-Clinical

Elderwood has an exciting opportunity for a Memory Care Program Specialist!

Do you have a degree in Recreation Therapy? Are you a Certified Occupational Therapist or have related experience? If you answered "YES" to any of these questions - we want you to explore this role with us!

Position Overview:

• Provides therapeutic and social programming to meet the physical and emotional needs of residents, under the direction of the Director of Activities with assistance from the Director of Memory Care.
• Responsible for input and completion of daily memory care calendar, resident participation reviews, daily attendance forms, monthly progress reports and assistance with meal service, as requested

Essential Job Functions

1. Responsible for responding immediately to residents' needs and requests.
2. Assists residents with therapeutic and social activities/situations that are designed to appeal to residents' interests and enhance the resident's highest practicable level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
3. Assists with meal service as needed, feeding assistance (if applicable) after completion of training.
4. Assists with providing appropriate mental stimulation for residents needs
5. Notifies Licensed Nurse of changes in residents' conditions or needs.
6. Maintains facility standards for resident care.
7. Ability to read and understand task assignments, and to report verbally and record care in writing
8. Display of genuine concern for the elderly; a dependable, patient and compassionate attitude towards residents
9. Demeanor always respectful of residents' rights and wishes
10. Ability to cooperate with others and to follow directions
11. Attends employee council meetings, departmental meetings and required or preferred in-service training and offers constructive suggestions when able.
12. Generates and develops ideas, which improve the quality of care for residents or increase job productivity and satisfaction.
13. Performs all job duties according to safety rules and practices required for this position, and as required to ensure the general safety of staff, residents, and visitors of this organization.
14. Performs assigned duties according to the service excellence standards and goals established for this job position, and for all staff members of this organization.
15. Exhibits the highest level of customer service towards staff, residents, and visitors.
16. Utilizes electronic timekeeping system as directed.
17. Follows policy and procedure regarding all electronic devices, computers, tablets, etc.
18. Supports and abides by Elderwood's Mission, Vision, and Values.
19. Abides by Elderwood's business code of conduct, compliance, and HIPAA policies.
20. Perform other work duties as requested by supervisor, manager, or Administrator.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Education or related field OR Certified Occupational Therapist (COTA) OR Associates Degree (example COTA) with 1-2 years of experience in long term care Activities OR 1-2 years' experience in recreational programming in another field.
• Current, valid state required certification or license in the state in which work is performed or must be willing to obtain National Certification in Activities within 1 year.
• Certification in dementia and/or behavior management (e.g. CDT) or (will obtain within 1 year of hire)
• Demonstrated computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and web-based applications
• Current, valid driver license (if applicable)
• Demonstrated supervisory experience preferred
• Experience with dementia population desired

• This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.