Life Enrichment Specialist/Memory Care Coordinator

Department: Assisted Living
Community: Sunnyside – Harrisonburg
Reports to: Assisted Living Director

Schedule: Monday–Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Shift start and end times may vary based on program and resident needs.
FLSA: Exempt

Starting pay will vary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

Job Summary

The primary responsibility of the Life Enrichment Specialist/Memory Care Coordinator is to develop, coordinate, and implement meaningful, creative, therapeutic, and person-centered life enrichment programs for Assisted Living residents, with primary responsibility for residents with cognitive impairment.

This position promotes residents’ physical, social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and cognitive well-being while supporting dignity, independence, self-esteem, quality of life, and a hospitality-focused environment. The Coordinator participates in resident assessments, Individual Service Plans, and care planning; supervises Activity Assistants; coordinates volunteers, transportation, outings, and special events; manages the program budget; and collaborates with residents, families, staff, and other departments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, associate’s degree, or equivalent education and experience, with knowledge of aging and disability issues and experience developing programs for older adults and/or individuals with disabilities.
• Qualified Activity Professional with experience developing and implementing recreational or life enrichment programs in a similar environment; NCCAP certification required or willingness to obtain.
• Training and knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and dementia-specific programming.
• Creative, positive, energetic, organized, patient, dependable, and able to coordinate multiple responsibilities and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, customer service, leadership, and organizational skills with a hospitality-focused approach.
• Supervisory skills required; prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Sincere interest in working with older adults and ability to relate positively and effectively to residents with varying abilities and needs.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain.
• Current Virginia driver’s license and ability to meet Sunnyside driver eligibility requirements, including operation of wheelchair-accessible and 14-passenger vehicles, or willingness and ability to learn.
• Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office, audiovisual equipment, and general office equipment.
• Ability to work with confidential information and maintain resident privacy and information integrity.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop, coordinate, and implement varied, creative, therapeutic, and person-centered life enrichment programs for Memory Support residents based on individual abilities, interests, backgrounds, preferences, cognitive capacity, attention span, and Individual Service Plans.
• Welcome new residents and families within 24 hours of move-in; learn residents’ interests, abilities, and preferences and use observations, service plans, and clinical information to support individualized programming.
• Encourage participation in independent, individual, small-group, and larger group activities and promote appropriate participation throughout Assisted Living and the broader community.
• Facilitate weekday, weekend, evening, holiday, special, and off-site activities as needed, including resident transportation using approved vehicles and equipment.
• Ensure activities are well planned, varied, appropriately staffed, safe, and designed to maximize resident engagement, enjoyment, and participation.
• Maintain accurate participation records and use observations, feedback, and changing needs to evaluate and improve programming.
• Serve as the primary life enrichment resource for residents with dementia and other cognitive impairments and maintain current knowledge of dementia-specific and person-centered engagement practices.
• Communicate with the nursing team regarding resident status, health, behavior, mood, participation, and changes in functioning; report significant changes or concerns appropriately.
• Participate in the UAI, Individual Service Plan, care planning, monthly care plan meetings, and weekly resident care meetings.
• Maintain professional relationships with residents, families, volunteers, guests, community partners, and coworkers and communicate regularly with families regarding resident participation, interests, well-being, accomplishments, and notable changes.
• Supervise, orient, train, coach, mentor, and provide feedback to Activity Assistants regarding resident engagement, dementia-sensitive approaches, documentation, hospitality, safety, and communication.
• Coordinate volunteer needs and schedules.
• Produce and maintain monthly Memory Support activity calendars and communication materials, including newsletters, flyers, memos, and notices.
• Coordinate and safely conduct resident transportation and outings, including operation of wheelchair lifts, ramps, restraint systems, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and passenger vehicles in accordance with Sunnyside policies and applicable regulations.
• Manage program supplies, equipment, expenditures, and budget; purchase authorized supplies and maintain required documentation.
• Collaborate with Nursing, Transportation, Dining, Environmental Services, Buildings & Grounds, Volunteer Services, and other departments to support resident needs and community programming.
• Maintain compliance with applicable Assisted Living and Memory Support regulations, Sunnyside policies, HIPAA, documentation requirements, and Department of Social Services requirements.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and prioritize resident safety during activities, transportation, outings, and emergency situations.
• Report incidents, injuries, hazards, equipment or vehicle concerns, facility issues, and other safety concerns promptly.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a general office environment and group activity areas both on and off campus, with varying levels of verbalization, music, and party sounds. The position regularly lifts, carries, pushes, or otherwise manipulates residents, equipment, and office materials weighing up to 60 lbs. and occasionally up to 200 lbs., using proper lifting and moving protocols. Possible exposure to body fluids may occur, with minimal hazards when universal precautions are followed.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career opportunity, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:

• Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Choice of 3 Medical Plans, including an HSA option
• Prescription Drug, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Supplemental Life, Accident & Cancer Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Uniform Reimbursement
• License Reimbursement
• MD Ortho – Free Telemedicine & Direct Orthopedic Services
• Garner Health – Expert Doctor Matching & Healthcare Savings
• Free membership to our on-site wellness center
• On-Site Credit Union
• On-Site Hair Salon
• On-Site Massage Therapy & Esthetician Services
• Discounted Movie Tickets
• Employee Emergency Relief Fund
• Employee Assistance Program