Memory Care Activities Director

Job Description

Job Description

ASAP Program Champion Job Description

Position Summary:

The ASAP Program Champion is the key driver of our innovative memory care approach. As the Activity Director, these individual leads life enrichment with purpose, passion, and structure—bridging science and emotion to awaken the subconscious of the person living with dementia.

Supervision and oversight:

The ASAP program’s success is everyone’s responsibility, with ultimate oversight by the Wellness/MC director and the executive director. The Champion is responsible for the daily oversight of the program.

Responsibilities include developing, organizing, and leading meaningful programming that aligns with the four core domains of the ASAP Program:

1. Relational-Centered Care

2. Life Enrichment

3. Environmental Experience

4. Habilitative Support

The Champion models engagement techniques, coaches team members, and ensures programming is inclusive, sensory-friendly, and emotionally connective.

The Champion reports to the Executive Director and works in Tandem with leadership to ensure a functional program. 

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Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership & Implementation

o Serve as the on-site champion of the ASAP Program.

o Implement structured, evidence-informed programming based on emotional memory and relational care.

o Ensure monthly themes, weekly rhythms (e.g., Mindful Monday, Thankful Thursday), and seasonal décor are actively used and visible in the community.

• Staff Engagement & Training

o Train and support care team members in carrying out meaningful engagement throughout the day, not just scheduled activities.

o Model “relational centered” interactions that promote emotional safety and connection.

o Provide daily coaching, feedback, and positive reinforcement to ensure team-wide participation in ASAP practices.

• Resident Experience

o Design and lead life enrichment activities tailored to each resident’s history, interests, and retained abilities.

o Monitor residents' responses to programming and adjust approaches as needed to promote engagement, reduce distress, and support dignity.

o Promote “moments of success” through music, movement, nature, creativity, and sensory-based experiences.

• Environment & Habilitation

o Collaborate with care team to ensure environments support calm, familiarity, and orientation.

o Reinforce daily structure that supports the individual’s remaining strengths and supports the loss of sequencing or memory.

o Assist in the habilitative support of residents through non-pharmacological approaches to behaviors or unmet needs.

• Documentation & Quality

o Maintain programming calendars, attendance logs, and engagement notes per company protocol.

o Participate in quality assurance reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of memory care services.

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Qualifications:

• Understands the ASAP program, objectives, and desired outcomes.

• Prior experience as an Activity Director, Life Enrichment Director, or similar role in senior living or memory care.

• Demonstrated understanding of dementia, person-centered care, and therapeutic engagement.

• Strong communication and team-building skills.

• Creative, compassionate, and organized, with a passion for enriching the lives of older adults.

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Core Traits of the Champion:

• Compassionate Leader – Inspires staff to see the person beyond the disease.

• Creative Visionary – Designs engaging moments that leave lasting emotional impact.

• Educator & Coach – Guides others to participate meaningfully.

• Cultural Steward – Ensures the ASAP model is lived, not just taught.