Activity Director

Activity Director

In a skilled nursing environment, the Activity Director plays a critical role in enhancing residents' overall quality of life. This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive activity program that promotes purpose, engagement, and connection for all residents.

The Activity Director creates meaningful experiences that reflect residents' interests, abilities, life histories, and cultural backgrounds. These programs support physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being while preserving dignity and encouraging independence.

This role requires a compassionate, creative, and organized professional who understands that activities are not just recreational; they are essential to resident-centered care. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, leadership of volunteers, and engagement with the community, the Activity Director fosters an environment where residents can thrive, participate, and maintain a strong sense of belonging.

Responsibilities

• Design, organize, and implement both individual and group activities tailored to residents' needs, preferences, and abilities
• Ensure a balanced activity program that serves both high-functioning and low-functioning residents daily
• Conduct and document resident activity assessments, including annual reviews
• Complete Section E of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) accurately and in a timely manner
• Develop and maintain the activity component of each resident's Comprehensive Care Plan based on assessment findings
• Provide and document individualized one-to-one activities for bedfast or non-ambulatory residents
• Develop, distribute, and post a monthly activity calendar in highly visible areas; ensure each resident receives a personal copy
• Prepare and distribute a facility newsletter highlighting activities and upcoming events
• Coordinate a minimum of two off-site activities per month, ensuring safe transportation and participation
• Engage with community organizations and arrange use of external facilities to enhance programming opportunities
• Collaborate with the Corporate Events/Activities Coordinator to plan facility-wide employee and resident events
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to support the activity program
• Participate in Quality Assurance (QA) meetings and submit required monthly QA reports
• Ensure all activities are documented in accordance with facility policies and regulatory standards

Qualifications

Must meet one of the following criteria:

Option 1:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of one (1) year full-time experience working with elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities in a healthcare or human services setting

Option 2:

• Completion of an approved Activity Director training program through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals.
• Minimum of two (2) years full-time experience working with elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities in a healthcare or human services setting

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Creativity in program development and engagement strategies
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care