Recreation Director

Excelsior Care Group; West Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & Dental Coverage

PTO

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employee Recognition Program

Team-oriented environment

Perks and employee discounts

Job summary

Acacia Care Rehab and Nursing Center in West Orange, NJ seeks a Creative Recreation Director to lead resident activity programs supporting physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being.

The role oversees the Recreation Department, coordinates events, assessments, and care plans while maintaining compliance and fostering engagement with residents and families.

Qualifications

• Experience planning recreation or activity programs in care facilities.
• Nursing home or long-term care experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic approach.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate resident activity programs.
• Oversee daily Recreation Department operations and staff guidance.
• Complete resident activity assessments and care plans.
• Coordinate events, visits, and community outings.
• Maintain documentation of participation and progress.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

Skills

Recreation program planning

Organizational leadership

Communication

Team collaboration

Compassion and empathy

Facility operations oversight

Job description

Facility: Acacia Care Rehab and Nursing Center

Location: West Orange, NJ

Schedule: Full-Time | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Salary: $65,000-75,000 annually

Acacia Care Rehab and Nursing Center is seeking a creative, compassionate, and organized Recreation Director to lead our resident activity programs. This role focuses on providing meaningful recreational experiences that support residents’ physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, and evaluate activity programs that reflect residents’ interests, abilities, and preferences.
• Oversee daily Recreation Department operations and provide guidance and support to department staff.
• Complete resident activity assessments and develop individualized activity care plans.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and discharge planning as appropriate.
• Interview residents and families in a private setting to learn about their interests, needs, and recreational goals.
• Coordinate group activities, individual visits, special events, and community outings.
• Encourage resident and family participation while respecting residents’ choices and dignity.
• Maintain accurate documentation of resident participation, progress, and activity services.
• Stay current with applicable federal and state regulations and professional standards of practice.
• Review department policies and procedures at least annually and recommend updates to the Administrator.
• Develop and implement procedures to identify and address residents’ medically related activity needs.
• Collaborate with other departments to support resident engagement and quality of life.

Qualifications

• Experience planning and coordinating recreation or activity programs; nursing home experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, maintain a positive outlook, and support fellow team members.
• Compassion and empathy toward residents and their families.
• Ability to develop engaging activities for residents with varying abilities and care needs.
• Professional, respectful, and courteous communication with residents, families, coworkers, vendors, and other business contacts.
• Ability to maintain a calm, pleasant demeanor when addressing concerns or managing competing priorities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical & Dental Coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Recognition Program
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Company perks and employee discounts