Patient Activities Director - Senior Care Services

Job Title

Activity Director

Department

Activities- Senior Care Services

Reports To

Administrator

Supervises

Activities Assistants, Activity Aides, Volunteers, and Students

Position Summary

The Activity Director is responsible for planning, developing, organizing, implementing, supervising, and evaluating a comprehensive, person-centered activity program that addresses the physical, mental, psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive needs of residents. The Activity Director ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while promoting residents' highest practicable level of well-being, independence, and quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development

• Develop, implement, and evaluate an ongoing activity program that meets the individual interests and needs of each resident.
• Ensure activities promote physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
• Create monthly activity calendars for all resident populations, including memory care and bed-bound residents.
• Provide a balance of large group, small group, individualized, evening, weekend, and community-based activities.
• Modify programming based on resident preferences, care plans, and functional abilities.

Resident Assessment

• Complete activity assessments upon admission and as required thereafter.
• Participate in development and revision of resident care plans.
• Evaluate resident interests, hobbies, cultural backgrounds, religious preferences, and lifelong routines.
• Document resident participation, refusals, progress, and response to interventions.
• Ensure individualized activity approaches are implemented for residents unable to attend group activities.

Staff Leadership

• Supervise Activities Assistants, Activity Aides, and volunteers.
• Prepare work schedules and assignments.
• Conduct orientation and ongoing staff education.
• Complete annual performance evaluations.
• Coach staff to improve performance and resident engagement.
• Ensure adequate staffing for planned activities.

Resident Engagement

• Encourage maximum resident participation while respecting resident choice.
• Coordinate volunteer services.
• Develop relationships with churches, schools, civic organizations, entertainers, and community groups.
• Coordinate outings and special events.
• Organize holiday celebrations, birthday parties, resident council support, and family events.

Interdisciplinary Team

• Attend care conferences.
• Collaborate with Nursing, Therapy, Social Services, Dietary, Admissions, and Administration.
• Report changes in residents' mood, behavior, cognition, or participation.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.

Documentation

• Maintain:
  • Activity assessments
  • Progress notes
  • Participation records
  • Monthly calendars
  • Attendance logs
  • Care plan documentation
  • Volunteer records
  • Department audits

Safety Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment during all activities.
• Ensure infection prevention practices are followed.
• Report accidents, incidents, abuse concerns, or hazards immediately.
• Follow emergency preparedness procedures.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in facility committees.
• Support resident council meetings.
• Assist with admissions and welcoming new residents.
• Promote resident dignity and person-centered care.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator.

Education

One of the following qualifications is preferred or required in accordance with CMS F680:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Gerontology, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, or a related field; or
• Licensed or registered occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or
• Certified Activity Professional through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) or another CMS-recognized credentialing body; or
• Have completed a state-approved training course for activity professionals.
• Have 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, one of which was full-time in a patient or resident activities program in a health care setting.

Experience

• Minimum one year of experience in long-term care required.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience working with dementia residents preferred.
• Experience with care planning and regulatory compliance preferred.

Physical Requirements

Employee must be able to:

• Walk and stand for prolonged periods.
• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Push wheelchairs.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and transport activity equipment.
• Assist residents during activities and outings.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Performance Expectations

The Activity Director will:

• Maintain a person-centered activity program that reflects resident preferences.
• Ensure timely completion of all assessments and documentation.
• Achieve regulatory compliance with minimal deficiencies.
• Maintain organized, engaging, and well-attended programming.
• Effectively supervise department staff.
• Operate within the approved department budget.
• Foster positive relationships with residents, families, volunteers, and staff.
• Support the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.