Memory Care Program Director - OTA, Recreation Therapist

Our mission at Watermark Retirement Communities is to create extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. For Watermark, community includes more than just the wonderful residents we serve on a daily basis. It also includes our dedicated team of professionals who bring our mission to life. We are excited you are considering joining our team. At Watermark we believe a new era of Senior Living starts with you! We have been a leader in senior housing for over 30 years, but we are not content to rest on our reputation. As a Watermark associate, you will have the opportunity to deploy your talents to their fullest as we drive the next 30 years of innovation in the senior housing industry. At Watermark we believe the next era in Senior Living excellence starts with you! At a Watermark Memory Care neighborhood, our care associates are lovingly referred to as “NAYAS”. The term Naya means Guide, Person of Wisdom, and Leader. We are recruiting for the special Nayas that LOVE our residents with dementia and promote tranquility with gentle persuasion. Do you see yourself as someone with more to give? We are currently looking to hire a Memory Care Program Director who wants to make a positive impact on the lives of those we care for. Your career should provide a sense of accomplishment, joy and gratification. Bring us your passion and we can provide that for you! Our Memory Care Program Director will not only provide supervision of the care delivered by our Nayas but will also have time to develop meaningful relationships with our residents. At The Hacienda at the Canyon, our goal is simple: elevate the daily lives of our members through meaningful connection, dignity-driven care, and innovative memory support with our signature Memory Care programming. We are seeking a dynamic Memory Care Program Director to lead our dementia engagement initiatives with expertise, creativity, and heart. This role is ideally suited for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or candidate with similar clinical and therapeutic programming experience—someone passionate about translating functional skills into vibrant, person-centered days for residents living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. What You’ll Do:

• Design, adapt, and lead engagement programming based on cognitive, sensory, and functional strengths
• Collaborate closely with care teams, therapists, and family members to create individualized resident engagement plans
• Coach and train associates to deliver daily interactions that promote purpose, comfort, and joy
• Observe and document resident responses, behavioral changes, and program participation to inform care
• Champion an inclusive, strengths-based culture in our memory care neighborhood

What You Bring:

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or background in therapeutic recreation, activity coordination, or related field
• Experience with dementia care programming or cognitive therapy interventions
• Strong understanding of person-centered care, ADLs, sensory and motor planning
• Ability to guide a team with empathy, positivity, and clinical insight
• Skilled in modifying environments and routines to support success in memory care
• Familiarity with evidence-based frameworks such as Montessori for dementia, Teepa Snow’s GEMS®, or Validation Therapy

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

• A leadership role with the opportunity to shape meaningful, daily experiences for those living with memory loss
• A supportive, mission-driven team committed to excellence
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Ongoing education and dementia certification support
• Beautiful campus, wellness-focused culture, and high engagement from our member families

If you have a passion for working with seniors and have experience as a Manager or Director in assisted living or memory care, then come on board with us and experience the most extraordinary community in the area! We look forward to meeting you! Job Requirements:

• Managerial role in a Memory Care facility preferred
• 2-4 years of experience in Assisted Living or memory care preferred
• Proven survey history
• Exceptional knowledge of State Regulations
• Proven Leader
• Team Builder
• Experienced Educator
• Excellent computer skills with Word, Excel and online systems
• Great communication skills
• Bachelor Degree preferred, Associate Degree considered with experience

What you will get from us:

• Competitive Wages
• Competitive Benefits
• Get Immediate Access to Earned Income Through Dayforce Wallet
• Easy Shift Scheduling with Mobile App
• Recognition and Rewards Program
• Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Pay
• 401k Program
• Associate Discounts
• Education and Training Programs Available

Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc, is an equal opportunity employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/LGBTQ/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression-proudly embracing diversity in all of its manifestations Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any associate at Watermark or its affiliates via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Watermark as a result of the referral or through other means.