Activities Specialist (Independent Living – Club Unity)

　　$18.21 to $21.91 (Salary based on years of experience)  

　　Full time, first shift, Mondays – Fridays with occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.

　　Be part of a unique opportunity to shape a new activity program for residents with early-stage memory loss. We are currently seeking someone who is passionate, driven, and eager to make an impact!

　　We’re a Life Plan Community in the Chicago suburbs. Lake Forest Place is no ordinary place; our employees work as one team and aspire to deliver a personalized experience to our residents through collaboration and knowledge sharing of their expertise.  We are looking for candidates that would like to lead by example, creating a positive work environment and community living experience that inspires wellness, independence, joy and security for our residents and families. At the heart of Lake Forest Place are people who know there’s so much more to life — and they choose to pursue it here.

　　Why choose us? 

　　Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, & Vision plans  

　　Long-term and Short-term Disability Plan 

　　Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

　　Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)! PTO rollover & PTO sell back options.

　　403(b) retirement plan with employer match and baseline.

　　Scholarship programs include tuition reimbursement. 

　　Essential Duties

　　Support the implementation of a full, varied, constructive activities program for residents in the Dementia Enrichment Program commensurate with each individual’s cognitive and physical ability. Participants will have a range of early to middle stage dementia. The priority of program facilitation is to support residents’ independence and encourage use of their highest possible functional abilities while considering individual challenges and personal preferences.

　　Directly facilitates group activities.

　　Develop quality, professional relationships with participants, learning and understanding their stories, responding to changing choices, meeting their preferences, wants and needs.

　　Monitors provide well-being and provide individual support when needed. Individual support may include companionship, reminders, wayfinding, and accessing appropriate clinical assistance when needed.

　　Gathers residents for programs and provides instruction, motivation and assistance with programs and projects.

　　Assists with meals, snacks and hydration including setting tables, serving food and encouraging intake with verbal cues.

　　Works closely with care partners and cross-departmentally to provide the most beneficial quality of life for the participants.

　　Works closely with supervisor to request supplies as necessary for programs and projects within a budget set by the supervisor.

　　Works in close collaboration with Community Life staff and attends and participate in Community Programs team meetings, meetings with supervisors, and other meetings as necessary.

　　Assists with recruiting new participants and sustaining current ones by consistently portraying the program positively.

　　Skills/Qualifications

　　Ability to be resourceful and creative in planning activity programs for seniors with early-stage memory loss.

　　Leadership qualities, organizational ability, and ability to work independently and collaborate with a team.

　　Basic computer skills: willingness to learn and use audio-visual technology; good written and outstanding verbal communication skills in English.

　　Creative, initiative, energetic, & positive attitude.

　　Able to push residents in wheelchairs, able to push loaded carts, able to lift objects over 20 lbs., and able to be on your feet most of the day.

　　High School Graduate. Associate degree preferred.

　　Some experience with working with older adults and persons with dementia is preferred.

　　Motivational abilities, flexibility, resourcefulness, patience, and creativity.

　　Group and individual program planning experience.