Life Enrichment Manager & Cognitive Care Specialist

Why Kendal

At Kendal at Lexington our mission is to create a vibrant safe and welcoming community for residents and staff. The Life Enrichment Manager & Cognitive Care Specialist plays a critical role in shaping meaningful engagement and advancing cognitive care across our community. This position is ideal for a passionate innovative leader who is committed to enhancing quality of life for older adults while building strong teams and forward-thinking programs in a collaborative mission-driven environment.

Position Summary

The Life Enrichment Manager & Cognitive Care Specialist is responsible for the leadership development and strategic advancement of Kendal at Lexingtons Life Enrichment and Cognitive Care programs.

This role leads Life Enrichment programming within Health Services (Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living) and serves as the communitys Cognitive Care Specialist across all levels of care. The position is responsible for building a high-quality dementia-capable program that enhances resident engagement supports staff development and promotes a positive thriving environment.

This role also supports the ongoing development and alignment of wellness brain health and engagement initiatives across Kendal over time.

What You Will Do

• Lead the development and advancement of Life Enrichment programming across Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living ensuring a structured consistent and scalable approach aligned with Kendals mission.
• Introduce innovative evidence-based practices to enhance resident engagement and support the integration of wellness and brain health initiatives across the community.
• Serve as Kendal at Lexingtons Cognitive Care Specialist developing and implementing dementia-capable programming aligned with an integrated care model.
• Provide education and guidance to staff on dementia best practices behavior management through engagement and routine-based or environmental interventions.
• Communicate cognitive care strategies effectively to residents families and staff.
• Oversee daily Life Enrichment programming ensuring activities reflect person-centered care principles and resident preferences.
• Establish consistent programming standards across Health Services and ensure coverage for evenings weekends and holidays as needed.
• Oversee resident activity assessments MDS documentation and care planning processes ensuring alignment with resident needs abilities and diagnoses.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings and monitor engagement outcomes to continuously improve programming.
• Supervise coach and develop Life Enrichment staff including oversight of Borden Concierges and related roles.
• Support recruitment onboarding and retention efforts while fostering a positive team-oriented environment built on accountability collaboration and innovation.
• Partner with Nursing Therapy Dining and Social Services to support engagement-based care delivery and resident well-being.
• Assist with resident transitions including admissions and changes in condition.
• Ensure compliance with federal Skilled Nursing Facility regulations and Virginia Assisted Living requirements maintaining survey readiness and strong documentation practices.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance program effectiveness and resident outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with residents families and staff while promoting a positive engaging atmosphere across Health Services.

What You Bring

• Bachelors degree in Recreation Therapy Gerontology Social Work or a related field required.
• ADC (Activity Director Certified) or CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) certification required within 12 months of hire.
• Advanced dementia training and demonstrated experience in cognitive care programming.
• Experience in Skilled Nursing and/or Assisted Living preferred.
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to educate influence and inspire others.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams develop staff and build effective programs.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.
• Commitment to innovation continuous improvement and person-centered care.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living environments.
• Frequent standing walking bending and reaching.
• Ability to respond to dynamic resident needs and actively engage across the community.

Benefits

• Medical dental vision and supplemental insurance options
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
• Paid time off paid holidays and two floating holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Onsite wellness facilities including a fitness center and indoor pool
• Discounted employee meals
• Employee referral bonus program
• A respectful collaborative and mission-driven team culture

Required Experience:

Manager