Circle of Friends Coordinator

Encore Village of Schaumburg is currently hiring for a Circle of Friends Coordinator.

Responsible for identification and implementation of programs to engage residents experiencing challenges to maintaining independence and/or the ability to engage in community life. Provides small group and specialized hobby and interest-based programs to promote learning and engagement, and support a sense of purpose. The Circle of Friends Coordinator will recommend, or facilitate adaptation of, existing life enrichment opportunities to accommodate the abilities of participants.

Circle of Friends Coordinator participates as a member of the Lifestyle and the interdisciplinary teams to provide optimum individualized support for, and engagement of identified residents.

• Receives referrals to the Circle Program and conducts initial interviews to assess abilities, needs and interests.
• Establishes monthly program of Circle events for identified residents, focusing on individual abilities and interests.
• Plans for weekly Circle programs and special events including scheduling, advertising, procuring and preparing supplies, coordinating or providing leadership, set up and clean up.
• Communicates resident engagement, progress, and needs through documented participation and interdisciplinary communication according to established community systems.
• Identifies participants that may benefit from reminders or escorts to engage in scheduled events and refers to Home Care for support as needed.
• Provides ad hoc opportunities for resident interaction and engagement which may include group, individual or in-room activities.
• Creates opportunities for socialization with a variety of small and large groups throughout Encore Village.
• Fosters healthy participation in community life through building trust and understanding of individual preferences and abilities.
• Actively promotes participation in scheduled Lifestyles events.
• Escorts enrolled residents on Circle-specific outings and provides necessary assistance to ensure resident safety and enjoyment.
• Facilitates reminders, scheduling and transportation needs of targeted residents as needed.
• Provides one to one visits as needed to identified participants.
• Responsible for maintaining neat and orderly program areas.
• Supervises and provides materials and support for Circle volunteers to ensure a positive experience. Works with the volunteer manager to identify volunteer needs/opportunities and provides training and evaluation of volunteers as needed.
• Produces weekly calendar of programs for Circle participants and arranges distribution as needed.
• Participates in meetings with the Lifestyles and interdisciplinary team to communicate needs and engagement of residents in the Circle program.
• Participates in in-service education and training, as required and to develop and enhance programming skills.
• Works with the Lifestyles team to plan and support community cross-continuum events.
• Coordinates Craft and Service-based projects for community initiatives, i.e. Veteran’s Day, Mother’s/Father’s Day.
• Prepares and provides materials for individual recreation and purposeful projects.
• Coordinates programs with Assisted Living and other Service Levels to support the Encore Village Community.
• Serves as Liaison to the Craft Program, planning, and facilitating scheduled programs and supporting individual crafting interests.
• Procures supplies and coordinates leadership of Art and Craft programming, encouraging Residents to share their talents and skills.
• Publishes a monthly Calendar of Programs for the Arts and Craft Room.
• Works with the Resident Craft Group and Activity Committee to support their projects and activities.
• Promotes programs through established community communication, i.e. the Weekly newsletter, Digital signage, flyer creation, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School Graduate.
• 36 hour activity director course or dementia certification preferred.
• Food Handler’s and Basset certification preferred, but will train.

• Experience and skills in creative arts programming.
• 2 – 3 years experience working with seniors preferably in activities.
• Familiar…