Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Life Enrichment Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

The Life Enrichment Coordinator is the heart and soul of resident engagement within our community. This isn't just about planning events; it's about creating a vibrant, fulfilling, and purposeful lifestyle for each person we serve. You are a creator of joy, a facilitator of connection, and a champion for an active and dignified life. This role requires a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and exceptional organizational skills to design and execute programs that cater to the physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being of our residents. You will be instrumental in transforming our community from a place to live into a place to thrive.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Activities Assistant or Aide
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with a passion for resident engagement
Recreation Therapist Assistant
Event Coordinator or Planner (Hospitality/Non-profit)

Advancement To:

Life Enrichment Director or Manager
Memory Care Program Director
Resident Services Director
Community Relations Director

Lateral Moves:

Volunteer Coordinator
Social Services Designee
Admissions or Move-In Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conceptualize, plan, and execute a comprehensive and well-rounded monthly activities calendar that addresses the diverse interests and functional abilities of the resident population.
Develop and implement innovative programs that provide intellectual stimulation, physical activity, social connection, and spiritual fulfillment, ensuring a seven-day-a-week schedule of opportunities.
Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of residents' lifestyles, interests, and preferences to personalize programming and ensure activities are meaningful and engaging for each individual.
Lead and facilitate a variety of group and one-on-one activities, demonstrating enthusiasm and adapting your approach to encourage maximum participation and enjoyment.
Design, implement, and oversee specialized programming for residents within memory care neighborhoods, utilizing validated therapeutic approaches like music therapy, reminiscence, and sensory stimulation.
Foster a strong sense of community by planning special events, themed parties, holiday celebrations, and family-inclusive functions that create lasting memories.
Actively manage the department's budget, tracking expenses, sourcing cost-effective supplies and entertainment, and ensuring adherence to fiscal guidelines without compromising program quality.
Recruit, train, and supervise a team of volunteers, providing clear direction, appreciation, and management to effectively supplement and enhance the activities program.
Arrange and coordinate off-site excursions and community outings, managing all logistics including transportation, reservations, and resident safety protocols.
Publish and distribute a professional and engaging monthly newsletter and calendar to keep residents, families, and staff informed and excited about upcoming events.
Maintain detailed records and documentation of resident participation, program effectiveness, and individual progress as required by company policy and state regulations.
Drive community vehicles to transport residents to and from scheduled outings, ensuring all safety procedures and licensing requirements are consistently met.
Collaborate closely with the dining services team to plan and integrate food-related activities, special meals, and social hours into the monthly calendar.
Proactively build and maintain positive relationships with residents, getting to know them on a personal level to better serve their needs and anticipate their desires.

Secondary Functions

Purchase, organize, and maintain an adequate inventory of activity supplies, equipment, and decorations, ensuring they are stored safely and are readily accessible.
Cultivate relationships with local community groups, entertainers, and organizations to bring new resources, guest speakers, and intergenerational programs into the community.
Act as the community's lead photographer and archivist, capturing moments during events for use in newsletters, social media, and family communications.
Assist the management team in marketing the community by showcasing the vibrant lifestyle and robust activities program during tours for prospective residents and their families.
Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings to provide insights on resident social well-being and collaborative care planning.
Solicit and respond to feedback from residents and families regarding the activities program, using their input to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Ensure all activity areas are kept safe, clean, and inviting, and promptly report any maintenance or safety concerns to the appropriate department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Event Planning and Logistics: Demonstrated ability to manage all aspects of event coordination, from initial concept to final execution, including scheduling, vendor management, and transportation logistics.
Budget Management: Experience creating and managing a departmental budget, tracking expenditures, and making fiscally responsible purchasing decisions.
Dementia & Memory Care Programming: Knowledge of and experience with therapeutic activities and communication techniques tailored for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
Resident Assessment: Skill in conducting interviews and assessments to understand individual needs, preferences, and functional capacities to guide program development.
Volunteer Management: Ability to recruit, train, schedule, and motivate volunteers to support departmental goals.
Computer Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher) for creating calendars, newsletters, and reports, as well as familiarity with social media platforms.

Soft Skills

Creativity and Innovation: The ability to think outside the box and consistently develop fresh, engaging, and imaginative program ideas.
Empathy and Compassion: A genuine and deep-seated desire to improve the lives of seniors, coupled with the ability to connect with them on a personal and emotional level.
Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to communicate warmly and effectively with residents, families, staff, and the public, both verbally and in writing.
Leadership and Motivation: An energetic and outgoing personality with the ability to inspire participation and lead groups with confidence and enthusiasm.
Superior Organization and Time Management: The capacity to juggle multiple priorities, manage a complex schedule, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The flexibility to adjust to changing resident needs and unexpected situations, with a knack for finding quick and effective solutions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED. Some states may require a specific Activity Director Certification or be in the process of obtaining one.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Therapeutic Recreation
Gerontology
Social Work
Human Services or Psychology
Hospitality Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-4 years of hands-on experience developing and implementing activity or recreation programs, ideally within a senior living, assisted living, skilled nursing, or long-term care setting.

Preferred:

A proven track record of creating and leading successful, resident-centered engagement programs. Direct experience working with individuals with cognitive impairments (dementia/Alzheimer's) is highly desirable. Experience managing a budget and supervising volunteers is a significant plus.