Program Director

The Program Director is responsible for developing, directing, and ensuring that the activities program at Neuvant House of Lawrence is beneficial and enjoyable to the residents.

The Program Director will fulfill the mission and principles of the community and ensure the highest quality of services to a resident experiencing memory loss. At Neuvant House of Lawrence, the Program Director is committed to treating each resident with dignity and respect, being aware of the resident’s likes and dislikes, preferred routines and activities, and keeping in mind that each resident has a lifetime worth of experiences and interests. The Program Director will assist with the resident’s needs, personal schedule and program and will work to strengthen and enrich the resident’s life. The Program Director will interact with each resident in a manner that brings relief, comfort, dignity and joy and that includes the resident in daily decisions whenever possible, understanding the resident’s unique needs and preferences.

The Program Director may also assist residents of Neuvant House of Lawrence with activities of daily living, if appropriate. These activities may include but are not limited to ambulating, bathing, bed mobility, dressing, eating, personal hygiene, toileting and transferring. The Program Director will assist residents who are functionally, physically, and/or socially impaired and who need 24 hour support. The Program Director’s role is to assist the resident as needed but to foster at all times the resident’s independence and freedom of choice. The Program Director shall also assist with instrumental activities of daily living, which includes such activities as meal preparation, shopping, money management; transportation, use of telephone, laundry and housekeeping.

The Program Manager will also ensure that the needs of residents are being met and that the family members of the residents are being communicated with in a consistent and timely manner, specific to the resident’s participation with the NHL activities. The Program Manager also ensures that team members are well oriented to their duties to assist with the activities program. The Program Manager will complete administrative duties as assigned.

Minimum: A high school diploma or equivalent, ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight.

As a Program Director, completion of a course approved by the Kansas department of health and environment in coordination of resident activities and who receives consultation from a therapeutic recreation specialist, an occupational therapist, an occupational therapy assistant, or an individual with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in art therapy, music therapy, or horticultural therapy.

Relate to residents and staff in a courteous and diplomatic manner under all circumstances. Be a self-starter, have good judgment and leadership skills. Possess excellent organization and time management skills. Be able to provide awake and response care at all times. Possess a valid driver’s license, a good driving record and reliable transportation. Have an understanding and the ability to perform in all service positions at the community. Have excellent oral and written communication skills. Possess a full range of motion, physical strength and ability to achieve and maintain required training and certification to include Standard First Aid, and other trainings or certifications as required, specifically training on the treatment and appropriate response to persons who exhibit behaviors associated with dementia. Be at least twenty-one years of age. Comply with the tobacco-free policy of Neuvant House of Lawrence. Be able to pass state background check requirements.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, social work, or related human services field, or two years of professional work experience in a human service or health related field, or with individuals in an assisted living or memory support desired. A degree in therapeutic recreation; a license in Kansas as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic activity field in art therapy, horticultural therapy, music therapy, special education, or a related therapeutic activity field; certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body; or two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was full-time in an activities program in a health care setting.