Activities Specialist

Activities Specialist Forté Living

Forté Living is seeking an energetic, creative, and resident-focused Activities Specialist to help bring engaging programs and experiences to life in our vibrant independent living community.

The Activities Specialist assists with the delivery of resident-centered activities and programs designed to support whole-person wellness. Under the supervision and direction of the Area Activity Manager, Property Manager, and Regional Manager, this role helps create opportunities that support the five dimensions of Therapeutic Recreation:

• Physical
• Social
• Emotional
• Cognitive
• Spiritual

This role is ideal for someone who loves working with older adults, enjoys planning events and outings, and thrives in a lively community environment.

Schedule:

Flexible AM and PM hours with occasional evening or weekend shifts for events and activities 20-25 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Activities and Program Development:
  Assist in planning, organizing, and leading engaging programs that enhance residents' physical, social, cognitive, and emotional well-being.
• Facilitate group and individual activities including fitness classes, games, arts and crafts, educational programs, music events, and social gatherings.
• Help coordinate and lead community outings, excursions, and special events.
• Support programs of all sizes, from small group activities to large community events of 200+ residents.
• Encourage resident participation and promote an active, independent lifestyle.
• Resident Engagement:
  Get to know residents and understand their interests, passions, and goals.
• Create welcoming opportunities for residents to connect socially and stay mentally and physically active.
• Foster a positive, inclusive community environment where residents feel valued and engaged.
• Respond to resident feedback and communicate requests or concerns to supervisors.
• Community Partnerships and Events:
  Coordinate with local organizations, businesses, and restaurants for weekly presentations, demonstrations, outings, and special programming.
• Assist with reservations, event logistics, and vendor coordination. Help cultivate relationships with volunteers and community partners.
• Social Media and Communication:
  Assist with brainstorming and creating engaging social media posts that highlight community events and resident life.
• Help post and share content on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
• Support marketing efforts by sharing the vibrant life within the community.
• Activity Operations:
  Maintain activity areas in a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Assist with inventory and organization of activity supplies, games, craft materials, and program resources.
• Drive a 12-passenger van for off-site activities and community outings.
• Resident-Centered Focus:
  Foster positive resident relations and respond to resident requests, directing feedback and requests to the appropriate supervisor when necessary.
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of resident information.
• Partner with the community team to ensure compliance with OSHA requirements and promotion of risk management programs and policies.
• Follow all safety procedures including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), fire safety practices, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), and Lockout/Tagout procedures.

Qualifications:

• One year of related experience preferred, ideally in a senior living community, recreation program, hospitality, or event planning role.
• Ability to work semi-independently while collaborating with a team.
• Ability to lead activities with high energy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and adapt to changing schedules.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to lead small and large group presentations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates good judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to make responsible choices and act in a resident's best interest.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision by following community procedures and guidelines and completing assigned tasks.

Computer

Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Gmail, Canva, Facebook, and Instagram, with the ability to learn additional applications as needed.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Reliable transportation to and from Forte Living of Brookings, SD
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van.
• Minimal travel required for community outings and events.

General Notes:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor as needed to support the community and its residents.