Therapeutic Program Specialist

Alzheimer's Foundation of America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization focused on dementia care is seeking a Therapeutic Program Specialist. This role involves planning and facilitating therapeutic programs that support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Specialist will assess needs, develop creative interventions, and maintain a safe program environment. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in social work or a related field, with at least 3 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in technology and excellent communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in dementia and Alzheimer's care.
• Proficient in various technology tools and platforms.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assess individual needs of community members and care partners.
• Develop and implement therapeutic programs reflecting individual preferences.
• Maintain a safe and supportive program environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Self-starter

Education

Master’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Zoom

Canva

Job description

Position Summary: The Therapeutic Program Specialist will plan, direct, organize, and facilitate therapeutic programs and events that support the physical, social, and emotional well-being of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Using a variety of modalities—including creative arts, drama/theater, music, dance/movement, horticultural therapy, pet therapy, and therapeutic recreational activities—the Specialist will create meaningful, engaging, and person-centered experiences.

Grounded in trauma-informed care principles, this role emphasizes creating environments that promote safety, trust, autonomy, and emotional well-being. The Therapeutic Program Specialist will proactively identify and respond to the evolving needs of community members and their care partners, incorporating individualized approaches, de-escalation strategies, and supportive interventions to reduce distress and enhance quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Assess individual needs through observation, evaluation, and ongoing communication with community members, care partners, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
• Develop and facilitate creative, trauma-informed therapeutic programs that reflect individual preferences, abilities, and emotional needs; engage community members and caregivers through interactive, strengths-based programming such as live music, expressive arts, and group activities.
• Identify potential triggers, unmet needs, and behavioral expressions; implement proactive, person-centered strategies to support emotional regulation, reduce distress, and promote positive engagement.
• Develop and implement individualized and group-based crisis prevention and de‑escalation plans for community members and care partners, ensuring responses are compassionate, respectful, and aligned with best practices in dementia care.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured program environment by implementing established safety protocols and procedures; regularly evaluate and revise protocols to reflect emerging needs, risks, and best practices in trauma‑informed and dementia care.
• Interview and hire contract‑based facilitators (Creative/Expressive Arts Therapists, teaching artists, educators, professional singers, therapeutic recreation‑based organizations, etc.); process proposals for community‑based therapeutic programs; ensure independent contractors comply with AFA policies.
• Implement programs that provide meaningful stimulation, socialization, and emotional connection for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, while also supporting caregiver engagement and well‑being.
• Schedule and attend monthly community outreach opportunities with organizations and professionals through individual meetings, symposiums/workshops, and other networking events to expand program reach and collaboration.
• Collect and analyze program data through daily and monthly evaluation tools; create, update, and refine evaluation methods to assess program impact, participant experience, and areas for improvement.
• Manage and maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the Education and Resource Center to ensure a welcoming and accessible environment for all participants.
• Oversee registration, check‑in processes, contracts, consent forms, and documentation, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with organizational standards.
• Create and process purchase orders, check requests, and contribute to annual budget planning, grant‑related responsibilities, and funding requirements.
• Assist in photography/videography of therapeutic programs for social media and collaborate on marketing materials with the Communications and Media Relations departments.
• Perform other duties as necessary and appropriate, as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or a related field (Psychology, Counseling, Mental Health, or Gerontology). License preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant full‑time work experience with older adults, caregivers, and health professionals in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
• Computer/Technology proficiency in Outlook email correspondence, Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Bose Bluetooth speakers, Apple products (iPad), Mevo video camera, Vimeo, YouTube, Zoom, Facebook/Meta, Instagram, Canva, Airtable, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Self‑starter with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, other departments, and community of professionals.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.

Bi‑Lingual English/Spanish a plus.