Therapeutic Program Specialist

AFA History:  AFA was founded in 2002 by a family caregiver to ensure families affected by Alzheimer’s disease always had a place to turn for guidance, support, and services. 

AFA Mission Statement:  The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure. 

Position Summary: The Therapeutic Program Specialist will plan, direct, organize, and facilitate therapeutic programs and events. The Therapeutic Activity Specialist will use a variety of modalities, including the creative arts, drama/theater, music, dance/movement, horticultural therapy, pet therapy, and therapeutic recreational activities to help maintain and improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementia.  

Responsibilities: 

• Assess individual needs through observations, evaluations, and connecting with community members and families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementia.
• Develop and facilitate creative programs that meet individual needs and interests; Engage community members and caregivers in therapeutic programs, such as live music performances and creative-interactive group activities.
• Implement programs that provide various forms of stimulation and socialization for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Schedule and attend community outreach opportunities with various organizations and professionals through individual meetings, attending symposiums/workshops, and other community-based networking events.
• Data collection and analysis of therapeutic programming through daily and monthly evaluation forms. Create and update evaluation forms.
• Manage and maintain the cleanliness and organization of the therapeutic space.
• Manage registration, check-in process, contracts, and consent forms for therapeutic programs.
• Assist in photography/videography of therapeutic programs for social media and graphic design for marketing materials in collaboration with Communications and Media Relations departments.
• Other job duties as deemed necessary and appropriate, directed by direct supervisor

 Qualifications: Required:

• Minimum of 3 years relevant full-time work experience with older adults, caregivers, and health professionals in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
• Specialized experience in developing and facilitating programs and activities involving art, music, or another creative outlet.
• Computer/Technology proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint & TEAMS), Zoom.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Self-starter with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, other departments, and community of professionals.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.

 Legal Disclaimer:  This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Management may at its discretion assign or re-assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description does not change the at-will employment relationship existing between the organization and its employees.