Job Description:
I Position Summary
The Director of Community Life works to ensure the successful and smooth delivery of programs, resident services, and community life supports across The Jack Satter House (JSH). In addition to offering programs and services that are educational, recreational, cultural, social, wellness-oriented, and/or multigenerational in nature, the Director of Community Life creates, implements, and upholds administrative policies, procedures, and rules that conform to HUD and local housing authority guidelines, lease requirements, Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL) standards, and best practices. The Director serves as an integral part of an interdisciplinary team made up of, but not limited to, property management, facilities, resident services, wellness, programming, and other HSL and community partners. Additional areas of supervisory responsibility include, but are not limited to, the Community Life Team, Resident Services Coordinator, R3 Wellness Coordinator, Programming Coordinator, resident service coordination, wellness and life enhancement programming, R3/Integrated Services initiatives, annual HUD assessment/reporting processes, and the onboarding/welcoming process and related activities. The Director of Community Life is responsible for upholding and delivering the highest HSL and industry standards with regard to safety, professionalism, service, and quality of care for residents; supporting the emotional, cognitive, physical, social, and interpersonal needs of JSH residents; enhancing the quality of life of community members; and assuring that elderly residents, especially those who are frail or at risk, and non-elderly residents with disabilities are linked to the specific supportive services and community resources they need to continue living safely and independently at JSH. The role includes care coordination and case management to help residents maintain optimal functioning while supporting acceptance of and adaptation to decreased capacities.
II Core Competencies
- Possesses knowledge of core issues in aging, including theories regarding aging in place, resilience, chronic conditions of later life, dementia, caregiving, care transitions, relevant legal issues, mental health issues, loss, end of life issues, and ethics of practice.
- Has training and experience working with individuals, families, and groups.
- Possesses an understanding of group dynamics relevant to life in a supportive senior living community.
- Able to form trusting relationships with residents, families, colleagues, and team members.
- Possesses a commitment to ongoing personal education about theory and skills relevant to work with a senior population.
- Communicates verbally and in writing in a respectful, caring, supportive, honest, clear, and sensitive manner.
- Seeks professional consultation and advice on a regular basis.
- Commit to the organization's core values of respect, dignity and empowerment.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues, both within and outside the HSL continuum, and with external community partners and service providers.
- Listen attentively; speak respectfully; maintain confidentiality. Promote an emotional connection.
- Provide the highest quality of preparation and presentation.
- Have a can-do service mentality.
- Accept responsibility for all tasks assigned.
- Able to work autonomously, remain flexible, and prioritize appropriately.
III Position Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and direction at The Jack Satter House, toward the achievement of Hebrew SeniorLife's mission, strategy, goals, and objectives.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Community Life Department, including resident services, wellness, programming, and related community supports.
- Assure adequate coordination, appropriate communication, and maximum cooperation between all sources of support and services for residents to live safely and independently as long as possible.
- Ensure the Community Life Department delivers a wide range of support to residents, including information and referrals, care coordination, coaching, programming, and life enhancement activities in an effective and holistic manner.
- Responsible for the Department of Community Life budget.
- Supervise the Community Life team and other staff members as directed/needed; key areas of oversight follow:
- Work closely to establish goals, priorities, and R3/Integrated Services best practices, and oversee the timely implementation of associated initiatives, engaging staff and residents as appropriate.
- Design, lead, and schedule regular interdisciplinary meetings to allow relevant staff to discuss residents' progress in meeting care needs and wellness goals.
- Partner with Mystic Valley Elder Services and lead collaborative monthly case conference meetings.
- Mediate conflicts between residents and document these efforts.
- Establish and maintain resident and staff satisfaction and other quality improvement initiatives.
- Create reports to track R3 progress and goals, and ensure all documentation is up to date in AASC or other required systems.
- Collect, input, and submit data for annual HUD assessment and reporting requirements.
- Serve as a caseload/point person for residents as assigned.
- Assess residents' needs, interests, and abilities; monitor safety and well-being; and assist residents in pursuing opportunities and achieving life objectives.
- Conduct wellness assessments of residents to determine needs and goals, and develop wellness plans addressing physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, and mental health domains.
- Develop supportive professional relationships with residents to help them enhance the quality of their lives, empower them to develop life goals, and support them in taking steps to achieve self-sufficiency.
- Support residents in living safely and independently for as long as possible.
- Welcome new residents and establish contact with existing residents to ensure their understanding of the Community Life and resident services program and its offerings.
- Educate housing staff members, including office, maintenance, housekeeping, programming, and dietary staff, to identify and communicate concerning changes in residents' condition.
- Assist residents in understanding and accessing available resources such as The Ride, The Greater Boston Food Bank, SNAP, Mystic Valley Elder Services, The Personal Assistance Program, Therapy House Calls, SHINE, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, PACE, and other community resources.
- Make referrals for supportive services through health care providers and social service agencies.
- Identify areas of need/risk and provide intensive, individualized case management and support as needed and desired by the resident.
- Communicate with providers to relay important information, including changes in condition, transitions between settings, and changes in behavior or activity.
- Participate in discharge planning meetings with hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.
- Coordinate with residents to complete files including important health care information, end of life planning, and emergency contacts.
- Respond to questions, concerns, and requests from resident family members.
- Collaborate with the Wellness Coordinator, Resident Services Coordinator, and Programming Coordinator to develop wellness programming and activities that suit residents' interests and needs.
- Collaborate with the Property Manager and Director of Facilities to ensure residents have the necessary support to maintain a safe living environment in compliance with the terms of the lease.
- Facilitate effective cross-departmental planning to ensure success.
- Encourage resident involvement in program planning and implementation through committee processes and recognition activities.
- Help set a tone of inclusion and non-discrimination in the resident community.
- Use creative problem-solving to resolve conflicts and meet the needs of residents.
- Meet with colleagues internally and externally to garner ideas, program possibilities, resources, and partnership opportunities.
- Work within established safety guidelines, enforce house rules, and actively promote health and safety within JSH.
- Offer advocacy for residents and act as a liaison for their families.
- Graciously receive complaints and concerns, and act to correct issues by making requests of others as appropriate.
- Communicate with residents, families, visitors, and staff in a manner that conveys respect, caring, and sensitivity, and interact with them in a positive, supportive way.
- Participate in department and JSH meetings as required.
- Follow the rules as set by the HSL and Jack Satter House Employee Handbook and related policies.
- Perform other related duties as required or directed.
IV Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, gerontology, or a related field preferred.
- Three years of experience in a senior setting and knowledge of aging and disability issues preferred.
- Three years of management experience preferred.
- Computer proficiency, including ability to use MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, preferred.
- Must be able to teach and motivate elders and adults with disabilities effectively.
- Exceptional customer service, teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to promote good relations in-house and with outside vendors, community agencies, health care providers, and social service partners required.
- Must be professional, proactive, collaborative, conscientious, and results-oriented, with excellent oral and written communication skills, sound judgment, organization, and flexibility.
- Must be able to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and handle difficult situations.
- Ability to embrace diversity and treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
- Ability to work with and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Knowledge of HUD regulations a plus.
- Certification in Dementia Care preferred but not required
- Must care deeply about supporting and assisting adults as they age to maintain a healthy, happy, and fulfilling lifestyle.
V Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift, push and pull 25 pounds.
- Must be able to stand during scheduled work times.
Remote Type:
On-site
Salary Range:
$77,929.00 - $140,273.00