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 Lexington’s Life Enrichment and Cognitive Care programs.

This role leads Life Enrichment programming within Health Services (Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living) and serves as the community’s 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 Kendal’s 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 Lexington’s 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, or a related field required.
• Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification or Activity Director Certified (ADC) through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals strongly preferred at time of hire.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Advanced dementia training and demonstrated experience in cognitive care programming required, with prior direct experience in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care, and/or Senior Living environments strongly preferred.
• Supervisory or leadership experience required.
• 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