Area Director of Memory Support Services

Joining the Benchmark Senior Living team means putting your passion to work. Our associates feel a sense of belonging with the care that they provide, empowered by the open and reliable team that surrounds them. Our diverse and skilled workforce takes immense pride in a shared commitment: a devotion to providing caring and dedicated service. In our supportive environment, associates can learn and grow. With professional and personal training programs, as well as education for career advancement, we empower associates to explore their interests, feed their passion, and pursue growth opportunities. We invite you to connect with your calling, find purpose in your career, and gain lifelong relationships through the power of human connection by transforming the lives of seniors! 

The Area Director of Memory Support Services works in partnership with the Corporate Director of Memory Care to establish and maintain consistent, effective, and evidence-based memory care programs and standards across Benchmark communities. The focus is within all components of memory care: behavioral expressions, programming, dining, and environmental aspects. The Area Director of Memory Support Services has the responsibility to advise and support the implementation and/or sustainability of each community’s memory care program. Also responsible for innovation and implementation of processes and procedures to enhance memory care in assigned communities. In addition, he/she will assist communities to recruit, hire, train and on-board the Mind and Memory Directors. In addition, this role will provide support, education, and oversight of assigned communities to ensure compliance with regulatory and Benchmark memory care and programming standards. 

Responsibilities:

• Supports Mind and Memory Directors in assuring that a successful move in process is in place for new residents
• Assures that the memory care program supports residents’ abilities by understanding that all aspects of care can be viewed as an activity
• Models and oversees therapeutic approaches, interactions and interventions of Harbor associates focusing on the person-centered empathetic care model of Harbor, which always reflects and supports the dignity, privacy, respect and honoring of the individual needs and choices of residents and families
• Serves as the educator/expert for memory care/dementia specific care concerns
• Partners with Regional Directors of Resident Care to ensure quality of care and quality of life objectives
• Partners with Regional Directors of Resident Care to facilitate memory care best practices throughout assigned communities, inclusive of cognitive and brain health initiatives, programming, and behavioral expressions
• Supports the Mind and Memory Directors in assuring proper staffing/ scheduling and care are provided to residents

• Uses growth oriented strategic planning skills to realize organizational goals and objectives related to our Memory Care and Resident Programs

• Provides prioritized recommendations for implementation of clinical, financial, and operational best practices for memory care 
• Develops and supports pilot programs to enhance quality care and customer experience 

• Supports Mind and Memory Directors in accountability for Harbor labor hours and overtime for Harbor Associates
• Works with Mind and Memory Directors to create an effective associate schedule based on residents’ needs

• Sets standards for resident service delivery including recommendation on staffing levels, roles, and responsibilities, as well as program differentiation and implementation
• Reviews effectiveness of current programs, processes, and profitability

• Assists Executive Directors to recruit, train and on-boards new Mind and Memory Directors on all Benchmark Processes and Procedures

• Develops and implements memory care training and education programs for all levels of the organization
• Provides professional development and training around marketing Benchmark’s memory care program

• Develops Mind and Memory Directors through profiling, training, and leadership development activities

• Assists the Executive Director, Mind and Memory Director and community team in developing

Experience:

• BA/BS degree, Masters preferred with certifications related to memory care
• Minimum of 5 years memory care leadership experience

• Must have demonstrated supervisory, leadership and management skills
• Valid driver’s license and willing to travel 80% to 100% of the time

• Must have strong mentoring and coaching skills; ability to inspire and develop others
• Previous experience of a year or more of managing multiple senior living communities or five years or more in a senior living community in a leadership or training role is preferred
• CDP or CADD is a plus

As a Home Office associate at Benchmark, you will have immediate access to a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, the following:  

• 10 paid holidays 

• Vacation and Health & Wellness Paid Time Off 

• Tuition Reimbursement Program 

• Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs 

• Medical, Vision & Dental Benefits provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield