Activity Director – Role Specification and Professional Requirements

Role Purpose

The Activity Director is responsible for the development, delivery, oversight, and evaluation of structured activity and therapeutic recreation services designed to support residents’ psychosocial well-being, cognitive function, physical engagement, and overall quality of life. The role ensures that activity programming is person-centered, compliant with applicable regulatory standards, and integrated into interdisciplinary care planning.

This position provides leadership for the activities function, including staff supervision, volunteer coordination, documentation oversight, and collaboration with clinical and non-clinical departments. The Activity Director operates within senior living, assisted living, memory care, and long-term care settings.

Organizational Context

Reports to: Executive Director, Administrator, or Director of Resident Services
Supervises: Activity Assistants, Activity Aides, Volunteers, Contracted Program Providers
Collaborates with: Nursing, Social Services, Rehabilitation Therapy, Dietary, Admissions, and Administration

Career Framework

Typical Entry Pathways

Activity Assistant or Activities Aide
Recreational Therapy Assistant or Volunteer Coordinator
Direct Care Staff (e.g., CNA) with formal activity program responsibilities

Progression Opportunities

Senior Activity Director / Director of Life Enrichment
Regional Activities or Programming Manager
Director of Resident Services or Wellness

Related Lateral Roles

Memory Care Program Coordinator
Social Services Coordinator
Volunteer Services Director

Core Responsibilities

Program Development and Delivery

Design, implement, and maintain comprehensive activity calendars reflecting cognitive, physical, social, spiritual, cultural, and leisure domains.
Conduct individual activity assessments and develop documented Activity Intervention Plans (AIPs) or life enrichment plans aligned with resident preferences, abilities, and care goals.
Facilitate group and individual activities appropriate to resident functional levels, ensuring safety, dignity, and meaningful engagement.
Develop specialized programming for residents with dementia and cognitive impairment using evidence-informed approaches (e.g., validation, Montessori-based activities, sensory stimulation).

Leadership and Supervision

Supervise activity staff and volunteers, including scheduling, task delegation, coaching, performance feedback, and training.
Establish clear coverage plans for weekends, holidays, and unplanned absences to ensure continuity of programming.
Support staff competency development related to resident engagement, documentation, and regulatory expectations.

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing activity services in senior living and long-term care environments.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within electronic health record systems, including participation records, progress notes, and care plan updates.
Participate in regulatory surveys, audits, and inspections related to activity programming and documentation.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Contribute activity-related insights to interdisciplinary care plans, care conferences, and quality improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with nursing, therapy, and social services to support non-pharmacologic interventions for mood, behavior, cognition, and functional maintenance.
Coordinate restorative and supportive programming aligned with therapy and wellness goals.

Community, Family, and Volunteer Engagement

Recruit, orient, and manage volunteers and community partners, ensuring compliance with background screening and facility policies.
Communicate with families regarding resident engagement goals, program participation, and opportunities for involvement.
Coordinate community outings and special events, including transportation logistics, risk assessment, and consent management.

Administrative and Resource Management

Manage the activities department budget, including supply procurement, inventory control, and expense tracking.
Maintain activity spaces, equipment, and supplies in accordance with safety, infection control, and accessibility standards.
Utilize technology and digital tools to enhance engagement, documentation, and program delivery.

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical and Professional Skills

Activity and program design for older adult populations, including memory care and long-term care.
Resident assessment and individualized care planning.
Knowledge of regulatory standards affecting activity services (e.g., CMS and state survey requirements).
Documentation and record-keeping within electronic health record systems.
Volunteer coordination and community partnership management.
Budget administration and supply management.
Event planning, transportation coordination, and risk management.
Proficiency with office software and scheduling systems.

Behavioral and Interpersonal Competencies

Clear and professional communication with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
Leadership and supervisory capability.
Organizational and time-management effectiveness.
Adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic care environments.
Cultural awareness and respect for resident diversity.
Emotional intelligence, patience, and empathy when supporting older adults and individuals with cognitive impairment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Education

Minimum Requirement

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Human Services, or a related discipline.

Experience

Typically 1–5 years of experience in activity programming within senior living, assisted living, long-term care, or memory care settings.
Prior leadership or supervisory experience within an activities or life enrichment department is preferred.
Demonstrated experience with dementia-focused programming and person-centered care approaches is strongly desirable.

Certifications and Compliance Requirements

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Activity Director Certification (ADC) preferred.
CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within a defined onboarding period.
Completion of required background checks, health screenings, and immunizations per facility policy.
Ongoing participation in professional development related to aging services, dementia care, and activity standards.

Performance Indicators

Performance in this role is commonly evaluated using qualitative and quantitative measures, including:

Resident participation and engagement levels.
Progress toward individualized activity goals.
Resident and family satisfaction related to programming.
Accuracy and timeliness of documentation.
Regulatory compliance outcomes.
Volunteer retention and community engagement effectiveness.

Role Summary

The Activity Director serves as the organizational lead for resident engagement and life enrichment services. Success in this role requires a balance of creativity, clinical awareness, regulatory knowledge, leadership capability, and operational discipline. The position plays a critical role in promoting resident dignity, purpose, and quality of life through structured, meaningful activity programming.