Circle of Friends Coordinator

Encore Village of Schaumburg is currently hiring for a Circle of Friends Coordinator.

DESCRIPTION: Responsible for identification and implementation of programs to engage residents experiencing challenges to maintaining independence and/or the ability to engage in community life. Provides small group and specialized hobby and interest- based programs to promote learning and engagement, and support a sense of purpose. The Circle of Friends Coordinator will recommend, or facilitate adaptation of, existing life enrichment opportunities to accommodate the abilities of participants. Circle of Friends Coordinator participates as a member of the Lifestyle and the interdisciplinary teams to provide optimum individualized support for, and engagement of identified residents.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives referrals to the Circle Program and conducts initial interviews to assess abilities, needs and interests.

• Establishes monthly program of Circle events for identified residents, focusing on individual abilities and interests.

• Plans for weekly Circle programs and special events including scheduling, advertising, procuring and preparing supplies, coordinating or providing leadership, set up and clean up.

• Communicates resident engagement, progress, and needs through documented participation and interdisciplinary communication according to established community systems.

• Identifies participants that may benefit from reminders or escorts to engage in scheduled events and refers to Home Care for support as needed.

• Provides ad hoc opportunities for resident interaction and engagement which may include group, individual or in-room activities.

• Creates opportunities for socialization with a variety of small and large groups throughout Encore Village.

• Fosters healthy participation in community life through building trust and understanding of individual preferences and abilities.

• Actively promotes participation in scheduled Lifestyles events.

• Escorts enrolled residents on Circle-specific outings and provides necessary assistance to ensure resident safety and enjoyment.

• Facilitates reminders, scheduling and transportation needs of targeted residents as needed.

• Provides one to one visits as needed to identified participants.

• Responsible for maintaining neat and orderly program areas.

• Supervises and provides materials and support for Circle volunteers to ensure a positive experience. Works with the volunteer manager to identify volunteer needs/opportunities and provides training and evaluation of volunteers as needed.

• Produces weekly calendar of programs for Circle participants and arranges distribution as needed.

• Participates in meetings with the Lifestyles and interdisciplinary team to communicate needs and engagement of residents in the Circle program.

• Participates in in-service education and training, as required and to develop and enhance programming skills.

• Works with the Lifestyles team to plan and support community cross-continuum events.

• Coordinates Craft and Service-based projects for community initiatives, i.e. Veteran’s Day, Mother’s/Father’s Day.

• Prepares and provides materials for individual recreation and purposeful projects.

• Coordinates programs with Assisted Living and other Service Levels to support the Encore Village Community.

• Serves as Liaison to the Craft Program, planning, and facilitating scheduled programs and supporting individual crafting interests.

• Procures supplies and coordinates leadership of Art and Craft programming, encouraging Residents to share their talents and skills.

• Publishes a monthly Calendar of Programs for the Arts and Craft Room.

• Works with the Resident Craft Group and Activity Committee to support their projects and activities.

• Promotes programs through established community communication, i.e. the Weekly newsletter, Digital signage, flyer creation, etc.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Education

• High School Graduate.

• 36 hour activity director course or dementia certification preferred

• Food Handler’s and Basset certification preferred, but will train

Experience

• Experience and skills in creative arts programming

• 2 – 3 years experience working with seniors preferably in activities.

• Familiarity with the aging process; experience with persons living with dementia required.

• Experience with audio visual equipment preferred.

• Able to read, write, speak and understand English.

• Ability to conduct both large and small group activities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Physical/Sensory

• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, lift, bend, reach above shoulder level, push or pull continuously for long periods of time.

• Must be able to manually lift and carry weight of 50 lbs. for occasional periods of time.

• Must be able to remain calm and respond appropriately and quickly to emergency situations.

This organization does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of ancestry, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, military status, veteran status, or disability. No question on the application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination. This application will be given every consideration, however its receipt does not imply employment for the applicant.