What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Day Program Manager position at 2Life Communities?
BACKGROUND:
2Life Communities’ newest and highly innovative project, Opus Newton, is located in Newton, Massachusetts. Building on 2Life’s core service model and best practices, Opus Newton provides a unique middle-income housing option for adults aged 62 to “age in community”. Opus Newton is designed to fill the market gap between those eligible for 2Life’s subsidized housing options and those who can afford high-end market options.
Opus Newton is 2Life Communities’ first middle-income Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), and it is physically connected to Coleman House (one of 2Life’s affordable housing communities for seniors) by a terraced community center which includes a cafe, cultural arts and learning spaces, fitness areas, patios, and gardens. Opus Newton and Coleman House together comprise what we call the “Nahanton Campus”. Walking trails connect residents of Opus Newton and Coleman House to the JCC, Newton Community Farm, and Newton’s Nahanton Park.
“Aging in community” means that residents can live full lives of engagement and purpose in a dynamic, supportive environment. In addition, 2Life’s unique Opus model is built upon 3 key elements of effective care for seniors: bringing care to the resident instead of moving the resident to the care; providing care coordination by dedicated “Care Navigators”, and partnering with providers for healthcare and homecare services, including a medical practice for on-site primary care.
The creative operating model also includes a robust resident volunteer requirement of 10 hours per month, which supports programming and operating functions as well as promotes social engagement and a sense of community among residents.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
We are seeking a compassionate, energetic, and highly organized leader to serve as the Social Day Program Manager. This essential role spearheads a purpose-driven program dedicated to supporting adults experiencing varying degrees of cognitive impairment related to dementia and other neurocognitive conditions.
The Social Day Program Manager holds a critical leadership role, responsible for cultivating an adult-centered, strengths-based environment that promotes dignity, deep engagement, and overall well-being for participants. This role directs the program's strategic focus toward creating meaningful opportunities that emphasize:
- Lifelong learning.
- Meaningful contribution.
- Cultural enrichment.
- Social and emotional wellbeing.
- Forward-focused living.
The Manager oversees the implementation of all purposeful engagement initiatives, ensuring the delivery of enriching learning experiences, fostering strong community connections, and actively supporting participant-led activities that empower individuals to contribute their unique skills, perspectives, and life experiences.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program Development and Implementation:
- Oversee the development and quality assurance of the structured daily experience grounded in lifelong learning, purposeful engagement, and social-emotional well-being for individuals with cognitive impairment.
- Ensure all activities are person-centered, promoting dignity, choice, and maximum participation.
- Incorporate diverse program elements, including cognitive stimulation, light physical activity, music and art therapy (creative expression opportunities), reminiscence and life review, intergenerational activities, and life skills stations.
- Ensure all experiences are strengths-based, adult-focused, and culturally responsive.
- Evaluate and mentor staff in the delivery of discussion groups, guest speakers, learning sessions, community contribution projects, and culturally meaningful programming.
- Direct and oversee twice-weekly community outings, ensuring comprehensive logistical planning, rigorous safety protocols, and clinical assessment of participant readiness.
- Establish and oversee life legacy protocols, guiding the team in conducting participant interviews and collaborating with families to design and implement bespoke, strengths-based engagement plans.
- Demonstrate proficiency in common digital tools and applications (e.g., Microsoft Office/Teams, Zoom, iPad/iPhone, smart TVs, music streaming platforms, digital photo tools, and presentation software) to support program planning and delivery.
- Integrate technology into daily programming to promote cognitive stimulation, lifelong learning, and meaningful social connection (e.g., virtual tours, discussion presentations, digital storytelling, music playlists, photo sharing, and interactive learning experiences).
- Maintain a safe and secure environment, adhering to all program policies, health, and safety regulations.
Participant Engagement and Support:
- Support participants in maintaining independence, autonomy, and confidence during daily experiences, noting and reporting any significant changes or concerns to the Director of Care and Support.
- Facilitate positive peer connections, conversations, and a sense of belonging in the group while managing behavioral expressions with patience, empathy, and evidence-based de-escalation techniques. Monitor participant well-being and engagement level, identifying preserved abilities and opportunities for meaningful roles.
Communication and Documentation:
- Overses accurate and timely documentation of daily attendance, activity engagement, incident reports, and observations regarding participant behavior and condition.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with caregivers/family members regarding the participant's engagement, mood, participation trends, safety observations, any observed changes, and general program updates.
- Establish and maintain a culture with families through proactive communication, emphasizing strengths, and participation highlights
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary partners such as programming, volunteers, and care navigators to review care plans and ensure continuity of care.
- Maintain confidentiality of all participant and family information.
Staff and Volunteer Supervision:
- Train, supervise, and provide guidance to volunteers, interns, and Houseworks home health aides to ensure high-quality, consistent care and activity delivery.
- Lead brief daily team huddles to review participant needs, schedule flow, and outing readiness.
- Conduct regular team meetings to review participant needs, program goals, and procedural updates.
- Recruit, train, and mentor volunteers and guest facilitators to support lifelong learning experiences and best practices for working with people with cognitive decline
- Foster a culture that reflects: dignity, adult identity, curiosity, and contribution
PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Required:
- Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience working with older adults, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or program management role within memory care, assisted living, or a related geriatric clinical setting.
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, Master's preferred in Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work, Gerontology, Psychology, or a related field.
- Dementia Friend/Champion, Certified Dementia Practitioner, or willingness to obtain specialized training and certification within 60 days.
- Exceptional interpersonal and clinical communication skills, with a proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage family dynamics, and represent the program to external partners.
- Expertise in group facilitation and the ability to coach/mentor staff in person-centered engagement techniques.
- Ability to translate technology into meaningful engagement experiences.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Gerontology, or Healthcare Administration.
- Experience in program planning and group facilitation.
- Experience leading: discussion groups, learning programs, community engagement initiatives.
- Knowledge of local community resources for older adults and caregivers.
About 2Life Communities:
2Life Communities provides superior housing to older adults of all backgrounds who can thrive independently within a supportive environment. We are a mission-driven organization with a vision whereby all older adults have the opportunity to age in the community – to live a full life of connection and purpose in a dynamic and supportive environment. We are continually evolving support services to meet the needs of our diverse residents as they age; we partner with health care providers to identify innovative ways to support residents’ overall health and well-being, and we engage with the broader community through our Village Center program. We have five campuses in metropolitan Boston and plans for additional housing for older adults soon.