Therapeutic Program Specialist

Position Summary: The Therapeutic Program Specialist will plan, direct, organize, and facilitate therapeutic programs and events that support the physical, social, and emotional well-being of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Using a variety of modalities—including creative arts, drama/theater, music, dance/movement, horticultural therapy, pet therapy, and therapeutic recreational activities—the Specialist will create meaningful, engaging, and person-centered experiences. Grounded in trauma-informed care principles, this role emphasizes creating environments that promote safety, trust, autonomy, and emotional well-being. The Therapeutic Program Specialist will proactively identify and respond to the evolving needs of community members and their care partners, incorporating individualized approaches, de-escalation strategies, and supportive interventions to reduce distress and enhance quality of life. Responsibilities Assess individual needs through observation, evaluation, and ongoing communication with community members, care partners, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Develop and facilitate creative, trauma-informed therapeutic programs that reflect individual preferences, abilities, and emotional needs; engage community members and caregivers through interactive, strengths-based programming such as live music, expressive arts, and group activities. Identify potential triggers, unmet needs, and behavioral expressions; implement proactive, person-centered strategies to support emotional regulation, reduce distress, and promote positive engagement. Develop and implement individualized and group-based crisis prevention and de‑escalation plans for community members and care partners, ensuring responses are compassionate, respectful, and aligned with best practices in dementia care. Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured program environment by implementing established safety protocols and procedures; regularly evaluate and revise protocols to reflect emerging needs, risks, and best practices in trauma‑informed and dementia care. Interview and hire contract‑based facilitators (Creative/Expressive Arts Therapists, teaching artists, educators, professional singers, therapeutic recreation‑based organizations, etc.); process proposals for community‑based therapeutic programs; ensure independent contractors comply with AFA policies. Implement programs that provide meaningful stimulation, socialization, and emotional connection for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, while also supporting caregiver engagement and well‑being. Schedule and attend monthly community outreach opportunities with organizations and professionals through individual meetings, symposiums/workshops, and other networking events to expand program reach and collaboration. Collect and analyze program data through daily and monthly evaluation tools; create, update, and refine evaluation methods to assess program impact, participant experience, and areas for improvement. Manage and maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the Education and Resource Center to ensure a welcoming and accessible environment for all participants. Oversee registration, check‑in processes, contracts, consent forms, and documentation, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with organizational standards. Create and process purchase orders, check requests, and contribute to annual budget planning, grant‑related responsibilities, and funding requirements. Assist in photography/videography of therapeutic programs for social media and collaborate on marketing materials with the Communications and Media Relations departments. Perform other duties as necessary and appropriate, as directed by supervisor. Qualifications Master’s degree in social work or a related field (Psychology, Counseling, Mental Health, or Gerontology). License preferred. Minimum of 3 years relevant full‑time work experience with older adults, caregivers, and health professionals in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Computer/Technology proficiency in Outlook email correspondence, Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Bose Bluetooth speakers, Apple products (iPad), Mevo video camera, Vimeo, YouTube, Zoom, Facebook/Meta, Instagram, Canva, Airtable, etc. Excellent interpersonal, listening, verbal, and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and responsibilities. Self‑starter with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, other departments, and community of professionals. Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure. Bi‑Lingual English/Spanish a plus. #J-18808-Ljbffr Alzheimer's Foundation of America