Cottage Care Director (Memory Care Activity Director / Recreational Therapist)

Cottage Care Director (Memory Care Activity Director / Recreational Therapist) – Spring Arbor of Kinston Kinston, NC | Full-Time Lead with purpose. Create moments of joy. Make Memory Care feel like home. Do you have a passion for enriching the lives of seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia? Spring Arbor of Kinston is looking for a compassionate, creative, and experienced Cottage Care Director to lead our Memory Care programming and create meaningful moments for our residents every single day. This role blends leadership, team development, resident advocacy, and innovative programming into one deeply meaningful career. We're Looking for Someone Who: Has 5+ years of experience working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia Has experience as a Recreational Therapist, Activity Director, Memory Care Program Director, or in a similar leadership role Holds an LPN or Med Tech certification (highly preferred) Is passionate about creating engaging, person-centered programming that promotes dignity, purpose, and joy Thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys leading and inspiring a team Leadership & Team Development Lead and oversee all Memory Care team members, including Med Techs, CNAs, and caregivers Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop your Cottage Care staff Conduct onboarding, ongoing education, and state-required training Build a positive, collaborative, resident-centered team culture Partner with the Executive Director and Resident Care Director to drive operational excellence and regulatory compliance Memory Care Programming & Resident Engagement Develop and oversee innovative, person-centered activities and life enrichment programming Create meaningful opportunities that support cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being Incorporate life skills, sensory experiences, reminiscence programs, and therapeutic engagement into daily routines Honor each resident's unique story, preferences, and abilities while encouraging participation Champion an environment built around the specific needs of residents living with memory impairment Resident Care & Quality Assurance Complete resident assessments and ensure timely, accurate documentation Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans Collaborate closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure exceptional care Monitor physician orders and follow through on resident care needs Audit Medication Administration Records (MARs) and coordinate with pharmacy partners Oversee medication administration processes and support resident safety initiatives Partner with the interdisciplinary team to monitor wellness and coordinate services Community Leadership Serve as an active member of the community leadership team Support Manager-on-Duty responsibilities as assigned Participate in family meetings, community events, marketing initiatives, and resident engagement opportunities Build strong, lasting relationships with residents, families, team members, and community partners Additional Qualifications: Must be at least 21 years of age Strong understanding of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive impairment Experience reviewing incidents, changes in condition, and fall prevention strategies Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities A genuine commitment to resident confidentiality and HIPAA compliance Why Spring Arbor of Kinston? At Spring Arbor, we believe Memory Care is about more than providing care — it's about creating moments of joy, connection, purpose, and belonging. As our Cottage Care Director, you'll lead a dedicated team committed to excellence while helping residents truly thrive every single day. Spring Arbor of Kinston, NC | Full-Time, ExemptLeadership Role | Meaningful Career ImpactApply today or message us directly to learn more about this rewarding opportunity! The Cottage Care Director (CCD) plans, directs and assists as needed in all cottage care (Memory Care) staffing and service needs.   JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervisory role of all MTs, CNAs and other cottage staff Recruit and hire, manage and direct cottage care staff Orient, monitor progress and reinforce training of cottage care staff, including state required training Collaborate with Resident Care Director (RCD) and Executive Director in implementing state regulations as required Function as part of the management team (manager on duty coverage, presenting the community, planning and participating in staff meetings, planning and implementing marketing and community events) Develop a care team and residential living environment that supports overall Cottage Care philosophy Create and coordinate implementation of ongoing person-centered activities and life skills programming Monitor physician orders to assure follow-through and completion Audit Medication Administration Records (MAR) and notify pharmacy of changes Complete resident assessments in a timely manner and train designated team members in assessment skills Develop and implement resident care plans to meet the needs of residents Monitor all aspects of the medication administration program Direct and coordinate resident care service needs in collaboration with care team and community department heads as appropriate See full job description for additional job duties   KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Experience in and knowledge of diagnoses Knowledge of medication and administration procedures Knowledge in diagnostic review of resident falls Knowledge in skillfully conducting resident assessments and creating appropriate Plans of Care Educational background in understanding cognitive impairment Ability to coordinate with medical providers with understanding of physiology Ability to conduct professional care plan meetings with families as a licensed advocate for resident’s needs Knowledge of effective supervisory and management practices, techniques, and methods Knowledge of resources for seniors and of related agencies Understanding of the social, psychological, and recreational needs of Alzheimer’s and memory impaired residents Ability to exercise confidentiality following HIPAA guidelines   QUALIFICATIONS: Must be 21 years of age or older Experience or training in an equivalent setting preferred RN or LPN required and in good standing with state licensing authority General understanding of and concern for the needs of seniors Aptitude and previous experience with Alzheimer’s and memory impaired residents