Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, the role of the Nursing Home Activity Coordinator has become more crucial than ever.

As the aging population continues to grow, there’s an increasing demand for dedicated professionals who can enrich, engage, and elevate the quality of life for those in nursing homes.

But what does it truly mean to be a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day tasks of a nursing home activity coordinator,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Nursing Home Activity Coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Nursing Home Activity Coordinators play a crucial role in the well-being and quality of life of nursing home residents.

They develop and facilitate recreational and social activities tailored to the needs and interests of the residents.

The duties and responsibilities of a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator include:

• Assessing the interests, needs, and capabilities of each resident to develop personalized activity plans
• Planning, coordinating, and facilitating a variety of engaging activities, including social outings, crafts, games, fitness programs, and educational lectures
• Coordinating special events and celebrations for holidays, birthdays, and other milestones
• Promoting resident participation in activities and encouraging social interactions
• Maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all residents during activities
• Documenting resident participation and progress in activities, and making necessary adjustments to the activity program
• Communicating with the nursing staff, caregivers, and family members about the residents’ participation and progress in activities
• Procuring necessary supplies and equipment for activities
• Complying with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding nursing home activities

 

Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and creative Nursing Home Activity Coordinator to provide our residents with engaging and recreational activities.

Your responsibilities include organizing and facilitating social and recreational events, assessing residents’ needs and preferences to ensure activities meet their interests, and promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being among residents.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a passion for working with the elderly, has excellent interpersonal skills, and a creative mindset for planning diverse activities.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement activities that cater to individual and group needs of the residents
• Coordinate regular meetings with residents to discuss and schedule weekly and monthly activities
• Organize special events such as holiday celebrations, birthdays, and cultural programs
• Assist and encourage residents to participate in activities
• Work with other team members to ensure all residents’ needs are met
• Keep accurate records of residents’ participation in activities
• Ensure health and safety guidelines are followed during all activities
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Activity Coordinator in a nursing home or similar setting
• Strong knowledge of the needs and interests of seniors
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and holidays
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred
• Proficiency in basic computer applications
• Degree in Social Work, Recreation Therapy or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nursing Home Activity Coordinator
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a nursing home environment. Some weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nursing Home Administrator or Director of Recreation.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Do?

A Nursing Home Activity Coordinator primarily works in assisted living or nursing home facilities.

They are responsible for creating, organizing, and facilitating a variety of activities for the residents, aiming to enhance their quality of life, stimulate their minds, and keep them physically active.

They may plan a wide range of events from arts and crafts sessions, music and dance activities, to outdoor excursions and in-house celebrations.

They may also organize educational programs, religious services, or exercise sessions.

The Nursing Home Activity Coordinator works closely with the nursing home staff, residents, and their families, ensuring that the activities meet the individual needs and interests of each resident.

This often involves conducting assessments and surveys to gauge resident preferences.

They also manage the logistics of all activities, including arranging transportation, purchasing necessary materials, and ensuring the safety of the participants.

Often, they will document and evaluate the effectiveness of the activities, making necessary adjustments for future programming.

It’s important for a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator to foster a positive and engaging environment that respects the capabilities and limitations of each resident.

They often serve as advocates for the residents, ensuring their emotional and social needs are met.

 

Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Nursing Home Activity Coordinator must have a unique blend of skills and qualifications to ensure residents are engaged and stimulated, such as:

• Strong interpersonal skills to connect with a diverse group of residents, understanding their interests, abilities, and limitations.
• Good communication skills to liaise between residents, their families, and nursing home staff, ensuring all are informed of upcoming activities and any changes to schedules.
• Understanding of the physical and cognitive challenges that can come with age, disability, or illness, allowing them to adapt activities to meet various needs.
• Experience in planning and organizing events, ensuring a balance of recreational, social, creative, and physical activities that cater to the interests of the residents.
• Empathy and patience, providing a comforting and supportive presence to residents who may be dealing with a range of emotional and physical challenges.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt programs based on feedback or changes in residents’ conditions.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure all activities are safe for residents.
• Creativity to develop engaging, fun and stimulating activities that encourage residents to participate and interact.

 

Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Experience Requirements

Nursing Home Activity Coordinators typically need a minimum of one to two years of experience in a healthcare setting, often as a volunteer or in a part-time role.

This experience helps in understanding the specific needs and interests of elderly or disabled individuals, and the ability to manage and coordinate recreational activities that stimulate their physical and mental health.

Candidates with more than two years of experience often have backgrounds in healthcare, social work, or therapeutic recreation.

Their experience may include designing and implementing recreational and leisure activities in a nursing home or similar healthcare environment.

Those with five or more years of experience often have a deeper knowledge in gerontology and have developed strong organizational and leadership skills.

These candidates might have been involved in planning and coordinating large events, managing volunteers, and working closely with nursing home management.

They might also have extensive experience in monitoring the effects of activities on residents and adjusting programs accordingly.

Furthermore, some nursing homes may require their Activity Coordinators to hold specific certifications such as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Activity Director Certified (ADC), which require additional years of experience and education.

 

Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Nursing Home Activity Coordinators generally require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

However, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fields such as recreational therapy, gerontology, or social work is often preferred.

They are also expected to have experience in working with older adults, particularly those with disabilities or cognitive impairments.

This could be gained through prior employment in a care home, hospital, or community center.

Some states may require Nursing Home Activity Coordinators to be certified by a recognized body such as the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP).

This typically involves completing a certain number of hours of training and passing a written examination.

Voluntary certification, such as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), may also be beneficial.

This requires a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, completion of a supervised internship and passing an examination.

Moreover, it’s important for Nursing Home Activity Coordinators to undertake continuous professional development to keep up with the latest best practices in elderly care, dementia care, and recreational therapy.

Soft skills, such as empathy, creativity, and excellent communication, are also essential, and while they might not require formal education, they are often honed through experience and ongoing training.

 

Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Nursing Home Activity Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $37,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate depending on years of experience, the location of the nursing home, and the size of the institution.

 

Nursing Home Activity Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator need?

A Nursing Home Activity Coordinator should have strong organizational and planning skills to create and execute engaging activities for residents.

They also need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to understand the needs and interests of a diverse group of residents.

Patience and empathy are crucial, as is the ability to motivate and encourage residents to participate in activities.

 

Do Nursing Home Activity Coordinators need a degree?

A degree is not always required, but having a bachelor’s degree in fields like gerontology, health care administration or related field can be beneficial.

Experience in working with the elderly or disabled may be more important.

Some nursing homes may also require coordinators to be certified therapeutic recreation specialists.

 

What should you look for in a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator resume?

A resume for this role should highlight experience in planning and coordinating activities, especially for elderly or disabled individuals.

It’s also beneficial if they have experience in a nursing home or similar setting.

Look for certifications related to therapeutic recreation or senior care.

They should also have demonstrated skills in communication, empathy, and motivation.

 

What qualities make a good Nursing Home Activity Coordinator?

A good Nursing Home Activity Coordinator is patient, empathetic and has a genuine interest in improving the quality of life for the residents.

They should be creative, to be able to come up with a variety of activities that cater to different interests and physical abilities.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are important to encourage participation and understand the residents’ feedback.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator?

Finding the right Nursing Home Activity Coordinator can be challenging, as it requires someone with a unique set of skills, including empathy, creativity, and strong organizational abilities.

Moreover, they should have the physical stamina to conduct activities and a genuine passion for working with the elderly or disabled.

Offering competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we have provided you with an in-depth look into the dynamic role of a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator.

What’s the takeaway?

It’s not just about organizing activities.

It’s about enriching lives, one activity at a time.

With our detailed Nursing Home Activity Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re well on your way to making a difference.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every activity coordinated contributes to a brighter life for the elderly.

Let’s enhance those lives. Together.

How to Become a Nursing Home Activity Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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