Engagement Specialist

If you’re someone who loves creating meaningful moments and building real connections, this could be a great opportunity for you.

The Mather is an award-winning, wellness-focused luxury senior living community, and we are seeking a compassionate, creative, and engaging individual to join our team in this full-time, hourly role. In this position, you will support resident engagement across the continuum—including Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing—helping to create experiences that foster connection, purpose, and joy.

In this role, you’ll lead and facilitate a dynamic daily schedule of programs within our Life Center, including both group and one-on-one experiences. You’ll bring creativity to life through music, movement, art, storytelling, cultural celebrations, and more—while thoughtfully engaging residents with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. You’ll also play a key role in building meaningful relationships with residents and families, supporting care planning, and helping translate individual preferences and wellness goals into engaging, personalized experiences.

You’ll collaborate with colleagues and residents to develop new program ideas, support community events and outings, and create an environment that feels welcoming, uplifting, and engaging throughout the day—not just during scheduled programs. From preparing spaces and materials to encouraging participation and gathering feedback, your work will directly shape the resident experience.

At The Mather, we live our values of being Inclusive, Resilient, Bold, and Impactful, and bring them to life through the meaningful experiences we create for our residents each day. 

If you’re energized by collaboration, inspired by creativity, and passionate about working with older adults, we would love to connect with you.

This position is full-time, hourly, and located on-site at The Mather in Evanston, IL. Weekend, holiday and evening availability required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Facilitates group and individual engagement of Life Center residents: Adheres to Culture of Creativity model, implementing best practices for group and 1:1 engagement with music, movement, theater, visual art, nature, writing, storytelling/legacy, nature immersion, culinary arts, sensory experience, inquiry-based learning, and meaningful celebrations of holidays & rituals within rich and consistent daily routine. Implements best practices for engaging residents with diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Engages residents in meaningful connection 1:1 as assigned. Supports programming across the continuum as assigned, including supporting participation of Life Center residents in community events, amenities, outings, etc.
• Delivers programs within Creating My Possibilities framework for residents living with cognitive impairment: utilizes best practices for environmental and material set-up, group structure, communication, strengths-based program design, and transitions when engaging residents with dementia.
• Supports utilization of volunteers as assigned within Life Center programs.
• Participates in resident interview, documentation, and care planning processes: Completes intake interviews, care plans, documentation, etc. within the EMR system as assigned. Delivers 1:1 and group experiences that translate knowledge of individual preferences, needs, strengths, and wellness goals into daily life. Participates in care plan meetings as assigned.
• Develops new program ideas, preps upcoming programming experiences, and ensures active program participation: Assists in development and distribution of resident communications/printed/digital materials in alignment with brand standards
• Collaborates with colleagues and residents to identify new opportunities for resident engagement. Identifies opportunities for programs, including identifying resources and preparation required, potential times/locations/participants, and identifying methods for utilizing internal and external creative strengths or resources.
• Encourages active participation through promoting programs & calendars, supporting successful delivery, and incorporating resident feed-forward into future program design.
• Communicates with families as assigned: including building relationships that support resident engagement, assisting with family visits, outings, or special events and inviting family participation in special initiatives.
• Adapts environment to foster engagement: Prepares Life Center amenity spaces for group and 1:1 experiences that foster high levels of engagement. Co-facilitates programs with independent contractors or colleagues. Monitors therapeutic environment at all times of day, including times when no formal groups are occurring, to ensure that the environment is welcoming, uplifting, and engaging following Mather guidelines. Ensures meaningful transitions pre- and post- scheduled programs.
• Maintains holiday decorations/special displays following Mather guidelines to ensure dignity, quality, and brand alignment.
• Identifies areas for improvement, proposes possible solutions, and participates in data collection and process changes as part of the Quality Assurance Process Improvement process.

Secondary Functions:

• Completes all required in-service training as required by regulatory or Mather policies and procedures.
• Facilitates successful utilization of technologies: for engagement, connection, and wellness, including virtual visits with friends and family, engagement strategies during virtual/hybrid programs, personal tablets/devices, etc.
• Creates relationships based on respect, maintaining a courteous and professional manner through interactions with others.
• Communicates with key staff, residents and families in a timely manner. Is part of an interdisciplinary team that supports the resident journey from the pre-entry screening to, if necessary, transitions into the Life Center.
• Collaborates with broader Resident Engagement team to support resident engagement across the continuum.
• Complies with Mather Code of Conduct, Policies, Compliance Program, and all applicable laws and regulations in performance of one’s job duties, including meeting state and federal regulations regarding resident engagement in SN and AL settings; reports all known and suspected violations to his/her supervisor or manager, Mather Compliance officer, a Human Resources representative, or the confidential employee helpline.
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to the company Mission, Core Values, and Nextraordinary philosophy.
• Uses discretion in handling confidential information, incorporating all Federal, State and local privacy and confidentiality requirements. Ensures Mather consent protocols are followed across continuum for resident content.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

•  College Degree in Recreation, Arts/Humanities, Hospitality, Psychology, Education, Geriatrics or related field, OR 1+ years related experience.
•  Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent customer service.
•  Collaborative, welcoming, positive attitude and enthusiasm for engaging older adults.
•  Self-initiator requiring minimum supervision.
•  Ability to use or learn a variety of tech-based services and platforms; i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Zoom, YouTube, resident facing portals, and A/V set-ups.

Preferred: 

• 1 + years’ experience working with individuals living with dementia, long term care setting experience, demonstration of extensive knowledge of person-centered care, knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to Medicare/LTC.
• Activities/Recreation certification.
• Experience with care plan and MDS documentation relating to resident activity program requirements.
• Experience and skills related to spheres of Health and Wellbeing, Lifelong Learning, and/or Arts and Culture.

The hourly base wage range is a good faith estimate of the range Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual hourly base wage paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to specific skills or certifications, years of experience, geographic location and market changes. The position is also eligible to participate in Mather benefit plans and Employee Appreciation Fund. 

Hourly Pay Range: $23.66 USD - $26 USD

Benefits

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

Team members are eligible for:

• A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
• A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
• Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc. 

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Extended illness benefits
• Employee wellness programs
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance - free to all team members 

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About The Mather:

The Mather is a Life Plan Community for those age 62 and better located in Evanston, Illinois, close to the charming downtown district and an abundance of public transportation. The Mather includes 240 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens, and more.

The Mather is located at 425 Davis Street in Evanston.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well SM , we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work ® , and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.