The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center
Full Time | Day Shift | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Starting at $28.00/hour - (Salaried Position)
Reimagining the Future of Memory Care
At Willow Valley Communities, we are changing the way dementia is viewed, experienced, and embraced. The Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center is a first-of-its-kind memory care community designed to prioritize brain health, meaningful engagement, and a life filled with purpose, dignity, and belonging.
Through innovative programming, evidence-based practices, and compassionate care, we create opportunities for individuals living with dementia to thrive while supporting their families every step of the way.
Why Choose Willow Valley Communities?
At Willow Valley Communities, we invest in our Team Members by offering a comprehensive benefits package and a culture where people thrive.
💲 Competitive Starting Pay, starting at $28.00/hour
🩺 Exceptional Healthcare Benefits, excellent health, dental, and vision insurance with competitive premiums
🌴 Generous Paid Time Off, a robust PTO program that supports work-life balance
📈 Retirement Planning, outstanding 401(k) plan with company match
🏋️ Access to Premium Amenities, enjoy use of our fitness center, pool, and spa
🧡 Supportive Culture, join a team that values collaboration, respect, and employee well-being
🚀 Career Growth Opportunities, professional development and advancement opportunities across Willow Valley Communities
Position Summary
Responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the Life's Pleasures Program for Residents within the Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center. Creates meaningful opportunities for engagement that support the domains of wellbeing while honoring each Resident's unique life story, interests, preferences, and abilities. Through personalized experiences, volunteer partnerships, and innovative programming, fosters an environment that promotes purpose, connection, dignity, and belonging for individuals living with dementia.
Essential Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and oversee the Life's Pleasures Program, which includes engagement opportunities available to all Residents within the Marlin and Doris Thomas Memory Center.
- Ensure all engagement opportunities reflect the domains of wellbeing and support a person-directed approach to care.
- Coordinate the assessment process with Residents, families, and Care Partners to understand Residents' histories, preferences, interests, and Life's Pleasures. Utilize this information to create personalized experiences and encourage Resident choice.
- Develop, organize, and lead a variety of meaningful engagement opportunities, including small-group clubs and activities such as gardening, music, arts, storytelling, movement, spiritual connection, and other enrichment experiences.
- Support Club Leads and Households in the facilitation of clubs and activities, including ordering and maintaining materials and supplies necessary for successful and meaningful engagement.
- Create and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly calendars that incorporate all areas of the domains of wellbeing.
- Adapt programming to meet the diverse cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical abilities of Residents.
- Manage club membership rosters and associated business functions, including consents, billing, purchasing, and ordering.
- Recruit, screen, onboard, and support volunteers while maintaining accurate records of involvement and participation.
- Schedule volunteer participation and provide supervision, guidance, and ongoing feedback.
- Foster relationships with local schools, community organizations, faith-based groups, and other partners to expand volunteer and engagement opportunities.
- Encourage Resident participation through compassionate invitation, meaningful connection, and relationship-centered approaches.
- Collaborate with Care Partners, nursing staff, therapy teams, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure programming complements each Resident's support plan.
- Maintain accurate participation records, documentation, and notes regarding Resident engagement.
- Collaborate with Marketing to share highlights and successes of events and programs occurring within the Memory Center.
- Support the programming of Among Friends within the Memory Center as needed.
- Regularly assess program effectiveness and implement improvements as appropriate.
- Participate in support plan meetings and family communications.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience working with older adults, preferably in dementia care.
- CPR and First Aid certification required or willingness to obtain.
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification preferred.
- Experience with volunteer coordination is a plus.
- Background in holistic wellness, department management, and knowledge of healthcare principles preferred.
Plus
- Knowledge of person-directed dementia care principles and approaches, such as Montessori, Validation, Eden Alternative, or similar models.
- Strong understanding of best practices for supporting individuals living with cognitive impairment.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to build meaningful connections with Residents, families, volunteers, and community partners.
- Demonstrated creativity, flexibility, and adaptability.
- Strong planning, coordination, and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
- Commitment to Resident-centered care and exceptional customer service.
- Ability to comply with HIPAA regulations and all Willow Valley Communities policies and procedures.
Join Willow Valley Communities and help us redefine what meaningful living looks like for individuals living with dementia by creating experiences that celebrate each Resident's unique story, strengths, and Life's Pleasures.
Willow Valley Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.