Memory Care Life Enrichment Leader (CTRS)

Job Description

Job Description

Why Kensington Senior Living? Because  Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own. These are not just words, but something all of us at Kensington Senior Living strive to deliver each day.

Join us to discover your path, grow your purpose, and embrace the unexpected: deeper connections, greater opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Salary Range: $30.00 to $40.00 per hour
Location: The Kensington White Plains

Summary:

The Memory Care Life Enrichment Leader is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing engaging Life Enrichment and therapeutic recreation programming across the community's two specialized Memory Care neighborhoods, Connections and Haven. Connections supports Residents experiencing early to moderate stages of memory loss, while Haven provides a supportive environment for Residents living with more advanced cognitive changes.

This position leads the development of meaningful, individualized experiences that promote cognitive stimulation, physical wellness, emotional connection, and overall quality of life. The Memory Care Life Enrichment Leader also supervises and develops Life Enrichment team members, collaborates with interdisciplinary departments, and ensures programming reflects person-centered dementia care practices. As a designated BCAT Cognitive Center of Excellence, the community is committed to innovative, evidence-informed programming that supports brain health and engagement at every stage of cognitive change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Life Enrichment Programming & Resident Engagement

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive Life Enrichment and therapeutic recreation programs tailored to Residents in both Connections and Haven.

• Design individualized and group activities that reflect each Resident's cognitive abilities, personal interests, life history, physical capabilities, spiritual preferences, and psychosocial needs.

• Incorporate Positive Approach to Care (PAC) techniques, the GEMS Brain Change Model, BCAT-informed brain-health programming, and other evidence-informed dementia engagement approaches.

• Assess Resident interests, functional abilities, and social needs to develop appropriate cognitive groupings and individualized engagement opportunities.

• Coordinate specialized programming, including sensory engagement, cognitive stimulation, music, movement, small-group experiences, and meaningful one-on-one interactions.

• Develop monthly activity calendars, daily highlights, themed programs, family events, and seasonal celebrations.

• Adapt programming to meet the distinct needs of Residents in both Memory Care neighborhoods.

• Coordinate Resident outings and special experiences while ensuring appropriate staffing, transportation, and safety measures.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Life Enrichment team members to ensure consistent, high-quality programming and Resident engagement.

• Provide daily direction, performance feedback, training, and support to team members.

• Collaborate with Memory Care leadership, Nursing, Care Partners, Dining, and other departments to promote a cohesive, Resident-centered approach.

• Equip Care Partners with appropriate supplies, activity resources, and guidance to support meaningful engagement and pocket programming throughout the day.

• Promote a culture of creativity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Participate in leadership meetings, interdisciplinary discussions, and professional development initiatives.

Resident Assessments & Individualized Care Planning

• Participate in Resident assessments and care planning to ensure Life Enrichment programming supports individualized goals and changing needs.

• Coordinate the completion and maintenance of Resident Life Stories and Move-In at a Glance information, as assigned.

• Partner with Nursing and Memory Care leadership to incorporate Resident preferences, social needs, and engagement approaches into Individualized Service Plans.

• Monitor Resident participation, cognitive changes, and engagement patterns, adjusting programming as appropriate.

• Support transition planning for Residents moving between neighborhoods or experiencing changes in cognitive or functional abilities.

• Maintain accurate documentation, attendance records, progress notes, and other required Life Enrichment records.

Program Management & Operational Excellence

• Oversee the planning, organization, and daily execution of Life Enrichment programming across both Memory Care neighborhoods.

• Participate in annual program planning, budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation.

• Monitor labor and supply expenses while maintaining exceptional programming standards.

• Ensure activity spaces are welcoming, organized, appropriately stocked, and maintained to community standards.

• Oversee seasonal decorations, special event coordination, volunteer engagement, and program supply management.

• Evaluate program effectiveness through Resident participation, family feedback, quality indicators, and ongoing assessments.

• Support compliance with applicable regulations, community policies, documentation standards, and quality improvement initiatives.

Family Engagement & Community Connections

• Foster meaningful relationships with Residents, families, and team members through thoughtful communication and personalized engagement.

• Plan and coordinate family-centered events, celebrations, and opportunities for participation.

• Oversee the development and distribution of monthly newsletters, activity calendars, daily highlights, and program communications.

• Collaborate with Marketing and other departments to showcase meaningful Resident experiences through photography, digital communications, and community events while maintaining Resident privacy.

• Promote a warm, inclusive environment where every Resident feels valued, respected, and connected.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of Alzheimer's disease, dementia progression, and person-centered Memory Care programming.

• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and evidence-informed approaches to dementia engagement.

• Familiarity with Positive Approach to Care (PAC), the GEMS Brain Change Model, and BCAT brain-health initiatives preferred.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including team supervision, coaching, program development, and performance management.

• Exceptional creativity, organization, time management, and communication skills.

• Ability to develop engaging programs that accommodate a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with Residents, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community partners.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and electronic documentation systems.

• Experience with newsletters, digital communications, photography, and event planning preferred.

• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required, preferably in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, Human Services, or a related field.

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential required.

• Previous experience in therapeutic recreation, Life Enrichment, or activity programming within senior living, Memory Care, or a related healthcare setting.

• Previous leadership experience, including team supervision and program management.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and special events.

• Must successfully complete required background screening and health requirements.

Mental and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and participate in activities throughout the community.

• Ability to lift, carry, and move activity supplies and equipment as needed.

• Ability to assist with Resident outings and programming while following appropriate safety procedures.

• Ability to remain patient, flexible, creative, and compassionate when responding to changing Resident needs.

• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

At The Kensington White Plains, Life Enrichment is more than an activity calendar. It is about creating purpose, preserving individuality, fostering connections, and ensuring every Resident experiences meaningful moments throughout the day. As our Memory Care Life Enrichment Leader, you will have the opportunity to shape programming across two unique Memory Care neighborhoods, mentor a dedicated team, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Residents and their families.