Life Enrichment Director

Job Opportunity

Make a Real Difference, Every Single Day

As a nonprofit leader in aging, Eskaton helps people live well, longer — with trusted guidance at every stage. We believe aging should be a vibrant, supported, and celebrated journey, not an experience to face alone. For over 55 years, Eskaton has been a cornerstone of Northern California, growing a network of 23 communities dedicated to older adults and the people who care for them. When you join us, you're not just starting a job. You're stepping into a career where your work creates a real impact on people's daily lives and strengthening the communities we call home.

We Invest in You (Because You Invest in Others)

We know that to take great care of our residents, we must take great care of you. We are genuinely committed to your health, your happiness, and your future. That's why we offer:

• Financial Security: Competitive pay and a 401K matching program to help you plan for your own future.
• Total Wellbeing: Comprehensive benefits that support your physical and mental health.
• A Place Where You Belong: We celebrate diversity and equity across the entire aging spectrum, ensuring every team member feels seen and valued.

Our DNA (Core Values)

We're looking for people who align with our mission and want to grow with us:

• Welcoming: You're a natural at creating warmth and a sense of belonging for everyone you meet.
• Bring (Y)our Best: You take pride in your work and strive for excellence in the "little things" and the "big things" alike.
• Empowerment: You don't wait for permission to do the right thing. You step up, take ownership, and lead with initiative.
• Growth: You're a lifelong learner who seeks consistent improvement and sustainable growth.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and implements a seven-day Life Enrichment program that is resident-directed, evidence-informed, and seasonally responsive (calendar, spontaneous engagements, and one-to-one connections). Utilizes available digital planning and communication platforms.
• Completes and updates Life Enrichment assessments (interests, strengths, daily rhythm, sensory preferences, communication approaches) and incorporates findings into individualized plans and group offerings.
• Facilitates and/or supports resident, family, and care-partner gatherings (e.g., orientation, support groups, celebration/milestone events) that strengthen relationships and belonging.
• Maintains accurate, timely records of participation, preferences, and outcomes; leverages data to adjust programming and demonstrate impact.
• Participates in care plan meetings; contributes Life Enrichment insights to goals, approaches, and risk-reduction strategies (falls, elopement, distress prevention).
• Communicates the purpose, goals, schedules, and achievements of Life Enrichment through accessible calendars, flyers, digital signage, and resident/family updates; gathers ongoing feedback.
• Cultivates resident-to-resident and resident-to-team connections; coaches staff and volunteers on engagement techniques (doing with, not for; cueing; graded participation; sensory balance).
• Oversees engagement equipment and technology. Ensures proper use, preventive maintenance, and safe storage.
• Develops and sustains partnerships with community organizations (schools, arts, faith, wellness, volunteers) to expand offerings and intergenerational opportunities.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, sets annual department goals, KPIs, and budget; monitors expenses, stewarding resources responsibly.
• As needed, drives community vehicles to support safe access to outings and appointments in accordance with policy and licensure.

Other Job Functions

• Models and embodies Eskaton's core values, including:
• Creating a sense of warmth, welcoming and belonging for all
• Fostering excellence in everything we do
• Seeking consistent improvement, learning and sustainable growth
• Stepping up, taking ownership and leading with initiative
• Fully comply with all provisions in Eskaton's Corporate Compliance Policy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Maintains attendance as outlined in Eskaton policy.
• Follows required dress code and Eskaton's Community Appearance Standards. Maintains a professional image for the public and residents.
• Works in accordance with established safety guidelines; uses proper body mechanics; follows safe work practices; wears appropriate safety gear.

Starting pay ranges from $31.13 per hour - $42 per hour. Factors such as scope, responsibilities, experience, education, job-related skills, internal equity, and market considerations may influence base pay.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, Social Sciences, Music/Art Therapy, or related field. (Preferred) National/State certification such as ADC/AC-BC/CTRS or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Training and Experience:

• 2–3 years' experience engaging older adults in social/recreational/well-being programs; dementia support experience strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid (or obtained within 90 days of hire).
• Valid driver's license with acceptable record, if driving responsibilities are assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Understanding of aging, dementia, and person-directed practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), publishing tools, and web-based resident communication platforms.
• Knowledge of safe transport, A/V equipment, and basic preventive maintenance procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Sedentary work involves sitting more than 67% of a typical workday.

X - Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.

Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Heavy Work - Exerting over 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. If related to patient care - Must be able to safely assist residents/patients including but not limited to lifting, turning, supporting weight and movement.

The final candidate must successfully pass Eskaton's post offer, pre-employment testing which includes a criminal background check, drug test, TB screen test and health screen. All new hires are required to sign an arbitration agreement as a condition of employment.

Eskaton is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.