Activities Director

The Activities Director is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and directing a comprehensive activity program that meets the spiritual, emotional, social, and recreational needs of each patient or resident by federal, state, and local regulations. This role plays a vital part in enhancing quality of life, encouraging resident participation, and promoting overall wellness through meaningful engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development & Implementation

• Plan, organize, and implement activity programs that reflect the assessed needs and interests of patients and residents.
• Develop monthly activity calendars and schedules that include individual and group programs.
• Coordinate with nursing and medical staff to ensure activities are aligned with care plans and physicians’ orders.
• Encourage and assist residents in engaging with hobbies, crafts, and educational activities.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics for off-site events and field trips.  

Resident and Family Engagement

• Involve residents and their families in planning and evaluating the activity program when possible.
• Provide residents and families with information about available activities.
• Visit and assist bedbound or isolated residents with personalized engagement efforts.

Administrative & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain current documentation for each resident’s participation and preferences in activities.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations and facility policies.
• Review and update department policies and procedures annually.
• Monitor department budget and make cost-effective recommendations.        
• Compile reports and make recommendations to the Administrator on program effectiveness and resident satisfaction.  
• Participate in care planning, discharge planning, and quality improvement initiatives.

Community and Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Develop relationships with community organizations to enhance activity options (e.g., guest entertainers, volunteers).
• Collaborate with other facility departments to coordinate events and shared resources.
• Arrange transportation and escort residents on field trips and external activities.

Staff & Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise activity aides, interns, and volunteers.
• Conduct performance evaluations and regular staff meetings.
• Maintain a positive and supportive work environment.

Safety & Environment

• Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating environment for all activity functions.
• Report any unsafe conditions, incidents, or accidents immediately.
• Ensure that safety protocols are followed during all activities.

Additional Duties

• Promote a warm, respectful, and inclusive environment.
• Monitor resident’s behavioral and emotional changes and report concerns.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed and report hazards or incidents.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information at all times.
• Provide support for other facility event, special occasions and holiday program as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a State-approved activity program certification.
• Additional education in recreation therapy, gerontology, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting working with older adults preferred.
• Prior experience in planning and leading recreational activities is strongly desired.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate individuals and groups.
• Creative, organized, and able to multitask.
• Knowledge of the aging process and the needs of older adults.
• Computer skills for scheduling, documentation, and communications.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift (up to 50 lbs), and assist residents with activities.
• Frequent movement throughout the facility and occasional outdoor activities.
• Exposure to blood/body fluids and communicable diseases may occur.