Director of Resident Engagement & Functional Wellness
On-siteHamburg, New York, United States
Job Summary
Build a resident-centered program spanning functional wellness, cognitive health, and behavioral wellness through individual, small-group, and facility-wide experiences tailored to each resident's goals. Lead the creation of a seven-day coverage schedule including evening and weekend programming, partnering with PT/OT to establish a Functional Maintenance Program with clear clinical safeguards. Develop a capable team with consistent coverage across all shifts while maintaining strong documentation, survey readiness, and compliance with skilled nursing requirements. Use resident and family feedback, participation data, and quality trends to improve the program and prevent avoidable decline. Represent the department with warmth and credibility to residents, families, volunteers, and community partners. Transform the traditional activities program into a sustainable operating model that connects meaningful engagement with rehabilitation goals and community life.
Required Qualifications
- The Director of Resident Engagement and Functional Wellness must meet all applicable federal and New York State qualification requirements for directing an activities program in a skilled nursing facility
- Candidates must be a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or activities professional who is licensed or registered by the state, if applicable
- Candidates must be eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or activities professional through a recognized accrediting body
- Candidates must have at least two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the past five years, including at least one year of full-time experience in a therapeutic activities program
- Candidates must be a qualified Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Candidates must have completed a state-approved activities-professional training course
- Bachelor's degree with training in recreation
- Experience supervising, developing, and scheduling a team in skilled nursing, long-term care, healthcare, therapeutic recreation, resident services, or a related environment
- Ability to transform a strong program concept into a sustainable, well-organized operating model
- Strong interdisciplinary communication skills and the judgment to work within established clinical roles and escalation pathways
- A data-informed approach to program quality, resident participation, documentation, regulatory compliance, and follow-through
- Leadership qualities and the ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, employees, volunteers, visitors, and community partners
- Flexibility, patience, creativity, and sensitivity to the individual needs and preferences of older adults
- Ability to meet the physical demands of an active, resident-facing leadership role and perform responsibilities according to established standards
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate or more advanced level to support safe, effective communication with residents, families, employees, visitors, and supervisors
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in skilled nursing, dementia care, rehabilitation, gerontology, behavioral wellness, therapeutic recreation, or activity programming
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