An Activity Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing recreational and therapeutic activities for seniors in a variety of settings, including assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and adult day care centers. The goal is to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being through engaging programs that are tailored to the interests and needs of senior residents.
Main Responsibilities :
- Program development :
- Design and implement a wide range of activities that address the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of residents.
- Create monthly or seasonal activity calendars that outline planned events and programs.
- Assessment of residents' needs :
- Assess residents' interests, skills and preferences to tailor activities accordingly.
- Gather feedback from residents and families to improve and adjust programs.
- Coordination and supervision :
- Oversee the day-to-day running of activity programs and ensure that they run smoothly and effectively.
- Supervise activities staff and volunteers and provide guidance and training as needed.
- Involvement and facilitation :
- Actively involve residents in activities, encourage participation and promote social interaction.
- Facilitate group activities such as games, crafts, music sessions and exercise classes.
Qualifications :
- Education : Often a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, gerontology, social work, or a related field is preferred.
- Certification : Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or relevant qualifications may be helpful.
Skills:
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Creativity in designing engaging programs and activities.
- Patience and empathy when working with elderly residents.
