Lifestyles Director

Basic Purpose

The Lifestyle Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and coordination of lifestyle programming across all levels of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Nursing Care. In addition to departmental oversight, this role is directly responsible for the development, implementation, and daily execution of the Independent Living lifestyle program, ensuring a high-quality, engaging, and resident-centered experience. The primary intent of the Lifestyle Department is to provide effective and appropriate social, therapeutic, spiritual and recreational services to meet all residents’ needs and interests.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive lifestyle program for all levels of care (Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Nursing Care), ensuring programs remain engaging, meet resident goals, and reflect ongoing assessment of resident interests.

2. Plan, coordinate, and evaluate all aspects of lifestyle programming, including social, educational, and cultural activities such as lectures, events, and outings.

3. Plan and coordinate Independent Living outings, including identifying and managing transportation needs in collaboration with appropriate departments.

4. Provide leadership and oversight of Lifestyle Department staff, including hiring, training, mentoring, and supporting Lifestyle Coordinators and team members.

5. Ensure all Lifestyle personnel meet required training standards, including assigning in-services, tracking training hours, and coordinating departmental training needs.

6. Ensure staff compliance with all policies and procedures, including employee handbook standards, departmental policies, safety regulations, infection control, and emergency preparedness protocols.

7. Perform administrative and personnel management duties, including completing evaluations, time and attendance reporting, and all required HR documentation.

8. Develop and manage the Lifestyle Department budget, track expenses, maintain financial records, and report variances as required.

9. Prepare, distribute, and communicate monthly activity calendars and schedules, ensuring residents and all appropriate departments are informed of programming and any changes.

10. Maintain ongoing communication with residents and staff, including leading regular department meetings to coordinate calendars, share updates, and improve programming.

11. Establish and support department goals and participate in long-range planning for the Lifestyle Department and overall community.

12. Collaborate with all departments to maintain strong working relationships and ensure integrated, resident-centered programming.

13. Attend leadership and committee meetings, including QA, Family Council, and other required meetings, or assign appropriate departmental representation.

14. Oversee holiday and special event planning and decoration, ensuring high-quality, engaging experiences for residents.

15. Maintain activity spaces, equipment, and supplies, including ensuring proper setup, organization, and cleanliness.

16. Instruct and direct volunteers and community service workers, ensuring assigned duties are completed effectively.

17. Understand and follow community fire, safety, and disaster procedures, including participation in drills and emergency response.

18. Perform other duties and special projects assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

1. College Graduate preferred; State Activity Certification and National Certification are preferred.

2. Experience in a health care setting preferred.

3. Ability to read, understand and follow written and oral instructions for required paperwork, written reports and documentation.

4. Ability to work with residents of varying levels of health, both physical and mental.

5. Motor coordination and manual dexterity required for working with all activity projects.

6. Able and willing to work flexible hours seven days a week.

7. Knowledgeable about the community and lifestyle choices for this population.

8. Must have good computer skills.

9. Must have a Louisiana driver’s license; clear driving record; and may be required to drive the bus or car.

Typical Physical Demands

1. Stands and walks frequently throughout most of the working day.

2. Reaches, lifts, carries and manipulates activity supplies and equipment.

3. Arranges furniture; sets up equipment for movies, slide shows and any other events.

4. Pushes or positions residents who are wheelchair bound.

5. Participates in transferring and positioning of residents in the bus during outings.

6. Works occasionally outdoors for activity events.