Memory Care Director

JOB SUMMARY

• The Memory Care Director is directly responsible for the initial and continual development and monitoring of the holistic, therapeutic, person-centered Memory Care Program on the Memory Care Unit. The Memory Care Director will achieve and maintain the highest quality of life for each resident with a diagnosis of a disease that causes dementia residing in or under the care of the facility.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year degree in Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Services or equivalent.
• Have at least one year of experience working with persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• Have at least two years of management experience with one of those years serving as an Activity Director.
• Must have the sincere desire to work with the memory care population.
• Have training in dementia care.
• Prefer to have completed the 36 Hour Activity Director Course certificate and a certified course in dementia care; if the candidate does not have a CTRS, OTR/L, LSW or LCSW, then the candidate must commit to completing the 36 Hour Basic Activity course (with requirements to be registered within 90 days of employment and completed by 180 days of employment).
• Have knowledge, dementia care education, experience, and marketing skills to effectively express the Memory Care Program to the community, other health care professionals, outside professional organizations, senior services, any other provider or professional in the community and potential families and residents.
• Possess knowledge, etc. and the ability to apply that knowledge to deal effectively with this population.
• Have the ability to effectively communicate this disease process to managers, direct care staff, families, etc.
• Possess the ability to guide and direct staff in therapeutic approaches effective with the dementia population on an ongoing basis.
• Have the ability to make independent decisions in the best interest of residents, staff, and families.
• Possess the qualities of empathy, compassion, understanding, enthusiasm, and humor in order to effectively interact with residents, families, and staff.
• Understand and be able to manage emotional needs of yourself and your staff.

• Have knowledge, dementia education and the ability to develop and maintain effective memory care programming on the unit.
• Possess organizational skills to run all aspects of the Memory Care Program and unit.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the willingness to drive the Alden bus for outings, etc.; and
• Must be able to read, write and speak in English.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, family members, personnel, and support.
• Must be in good health.
• Must be able to relate and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people.
• Must be able to handle the emotional complexities of the disease process of dementia and end-of life experiences.
• May be required to lift equipment, supplies, and occasionally move furniture; and
• Is aware of being subjected to exposure of infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B virus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Commit to continued growth as a knowledgeable and experienced leader in the area of Alzheimer’s dementia and other diseases that cause dementia.
• Participate in interviews, disciplinary actions, and performance appraisals as they relate to the memory care aides, certified nursing aides, nurses, and any other staff that participate in the Memory Care Program.
• Coordinate and maintain unit schedules with a team approach and continuity of care; work in conjunction with DON/ADON/Unit Coordinator/Housekeeping, Laundry and Dietary Managers/etc. to maintain consistent schedules.
• Directly supervise all staff and volunteers on the unit. Seek support of and coordinate with other department heads that manage those staff.
• Commit to obtaining at least 12 hours of continual education annually for self and staff who work 20 hours or more on the unit.…