The Life Enrichment Manager is responsible for developing, overseeing and implementing the community's activities, fitness program (where applicable), and volunteer program. This position assesses resident interests to consistently plan and manage quality events and activities throughout the week. The Life Enrichment Manager exercises patience, flexibility, kindness and strong communication as they encourage and support residents through activities. This position reports to the Executive Director and leads the Life Enrichment Team. The Life Enrichment Manager is compassionately dedicated to delivering creative and meaningful programming that provides purpose for our residents and exceeds our resident’s and their families expectations. They value the opportunity to make an impact on resident’s social well-being and know that a smile and caring demeanour can make all the difference.

Our Life Enrichment Department offers engaging activities and programs that encourage our residents to explore their interests and expand their horizons. Residents participate at their own pace and shine through dynamic activity involvement. They keep activities fresh and innovative, understanding that our communities thrive from the diversity and creativity of our residents. Our goal is to build programming that enhances our residents’ quality of life and is enjoyable and beneficial to their well-being.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and facilitate all activities and events both in and out of the community designed to promote resident’s creativity, physical and mental well-being, socialization and overall engagement.
• Establish relationships with residents to provide stimulating activities that meet varying resident’s interests. Encourage resident socialization and involvement in events. Provide one-on-one activities and engagement as appropriate.
• Create and post a monthly calendar of activities for residents and families.
• Oversee the hiring, training, coaching, supervision, scheduling and evaluating of the Life Enrichment Assistants, Fitness Coordinators (where applicable) and Bus Drivers.
• Work closely with Resident Care department to assess resident’s needs, communicate any changes or observations and encourage resident and associate participation.
• Review resident information before move-in to determine and promote involvement in activities.
• Recruit entertainers and schedule special community events.
• Active involvement, coordination, and interaction with the resident council.
• Ensure community Drivers adhere to the utmost safety and customer service standards while transporting residents, and serve as a backup for the Driver when needed.
• Utilize creativity and problem-solving skills to enhance activities and resident participation.
• Oversee volunteer program, closely monitoring any volunteers who participate in activities.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory checklist of activities supplies and ensure supplies as being ordered when needed. Oversee monthly budget balance to monitor department expenses.
• Assist with all other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

At Waltonwood, we are all a part of a team that is here to serve the residents living in our communities. Our residents count on us every hour of every day. As such, we expect all associates and Department Heads alike to be willing to lend a helping hand to co-workers, direct reports, and supervisors, whether it is in their specific department or another unrelated to their day-to-day responsibilities. Department Heads need to keep the best interests of the residents and other associates in mind and be an active participants in accomplishing team, community, and company goals. This is all a part of leadership. Our Department Heads are leaders in our communities and organization as a whole. We expect our leaders to lead by example, demonstrate integrity and character, lead innovation and change while inspiring and developing associates throughout the organization.

Competencies:

• Customer Focused – Dedicated to meeting and exceeding the needs of the customer by establishing and maintaining effective relationships as well as gaining the trust and respect of customers.
• Detail Oriented – Pays attention to the smallest details in a situation, and truly cares about them. Understands the importance of all aspects of a given task, no matter how trivial they may seem. Values the importance of gathering all relevant information before making a decision.
• Empathetic and Compassionate – Genuinely cares about people, and is concerned with their well-being. Sympathetic to the plight of those less fortunate. Has the ability to understand and feel what others are thinking/feeling.
• Passion for Seniors – Feels strong about working with the senior population. Has a drive to go above and beyond for seniors. Typically, this comes from a personal experience or prior work experience in a senior citizen setting.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, certifications or coursework in recreational therapy is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 1-year of previous experience overseeing Life Enrichment activities in a senior living environment.
• Previous experience working with the elderly population. Previous experience working in memory care strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of integrity, honesty and good judgment.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Strong organizational and planning skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to motivate individuals to participate in events/activities.
• Valid driver’s license. CDL or Chauffeurs license required in MI depending on the size of vehicle.
• Able to work weekends and holidays as needed, sharing the Manager on Duty responsibilities
• Additional requirements based on state licensure for Assisted Living and Memory Care communities may exist.

Physical Requirements:

• Constant use of manual dexterity, auditory and visual skills and gross motor skills with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
• Ability to reach, bend, twist, squat, kneel, push and pull.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements including simple grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation.
• Occasionally sitting, with frequent standing and walking.