Memory Wellness Program Associate - Wesley Willows Campus - Wesley Willows Corporation

Summary:

The Memory Wellness Program Associate will be responsible for facilitating, maintaining, and documenting the Kirk’s Place Day Program for residents with cognitive impairment and related types of dementia living in our Kirk’s Place Memory Care Unit. The Memory Wellness Program Associate will work closely with the Program Manager to provide a routine-based activity schedule, including a range of sensory and purposeful activities for the engagement and enrichment of our residents. The Memory Wellness Program Associate will ensure a therapeutic dementia-friendly environment that maintains the highest level of well-being for each resident's body, mind, and spirit, meeting their personal interests and highest capabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assumes the responsibility, under the direction of the Memory Wellness Program Manager and the Director of Memory Wellness, for implementing and facilitating the Day Program schedule to meet the assessed needs, interests, and capabilities of the unit residents.
• Assesses and documents resident’s abilities, behaviors, and participation levels daily and consistently.
• Ensures that all residents have the opportunity to participate in activities and experiences throughout each day, demonstrating creativity and inclusion in resident approach strategies.
• Follows a monthly, weekly, and daily activity program calendar created and distributed by the Memory Wellness Program Manager.
• Participates in related programs with other departments and interfaces with all personnel required to provide optimal care and engagement for residents
• Utilizes community resources and best-practice research in the delivery of programs and activities.
• Relates positively to residents and maintains positive behavior at work, delivering quality care and compassion to residents.
• Demonstrates professionalism and pride in performance.
• Exhibits a willingness to adapt to changing environments; flexible in work assignments and demonstrates ability to perform as a part of the corporate team.
• Maintains a safe and productive work environment.
• Maintains a safe and dementia-friendly unit environment.
• Orients and trains new employees in activities, acting as a positive teammate by assisting in onboarding and supporting unit staff as assigned.
• Utilizing creativity and improvisational skills to implement stimulating experiences and activities.
• Protect and promote residents’ rights in all interactions with families and residents, acting as a role model for the unit.
• Participate with the interdisciplinary team in developing and maintaining the social service, behavioral support, and activity portions of the resident Care Plan.
• Contribute to resident social history assessments as assigned by the Memory Wellness Program Manager to support a person-centered approach to care.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities and regular in-services to ensure up-to-date best practices of dementia care.
• Maintain a current and active healthcare certification and licensure within the state of Illinois (per CNA applicants).
• Provide assistance with resident care needs as needed and when appropriate, working closely and collaboratively with Nursing staff within the activity room (per CNA applicants).
• Performs all other special assignments as the Director of Memory Wellness &/or Memory Wellness Program Manager requires.

Minimum Education/Skills/Experience/Credentials:

• 1+ years previous experience in a Senior Living or Dementia Care/Rehab setting required
• 1+ years previous experience working with persons living with dementia required
• High School Diploma/GED required
• Current and active CNA or related healthcare certification and licensure in the state of Illinois required
• College Degree in Healthcare, Occupational/Physical Therapy, or a related field desired
• Computer literacy required
• Good interpersonal relations with proven communication skills, both verbal and written
• Must be able to interface with residents, family members, employees, and community members.

Professional & Physical Requirements:

• Demonstrates strong inter- and intra-personal skills
• Ability to handle multiple priorities
• Possess written and verbal skills for effective communication and the ability to facilitate small group presentations/activities
• Competent in organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrates good judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Windows, Outlook, Excel), with the ability to learn new applications
• Ability to work weekdays 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Ability to work weekends 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Ability to work holidays on a rotation basis
• Ability to lift, move, and carry 25lb+
• Ability to stand for approx. 4-5 hours at a time during an 8-hour workday
• Ability to sit for approx. 1-2 hours at a time during an 8-hour workday
• Ability to ambulate/mobilize short and long distances on various terrains and flooring, including stairs, elevators, inclines, etc.

Other federally regulated requirements:

• Must be willing to undergo pre-employment background checks, including (MVR) moving vehicle records.

• Must have or be willing to receive the Flu-Shot Vaccine and TB testing.

• Must be willing to undergo pre-employment drug screening, including cannabis.

• Must be willing to undergo biometric screening.