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Memory Care Program Specialist
Company : Post Acute Partners
Location : Cheektowaga, NY, 14227
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Salary
$23.00 - $29.90/HourOverview
Elderwood has an exciting opportunity for a Memory Care Program Specialist!
Do you have a degree in Recreation Therapy, or are you a Certified Occupational Therapist or COT/A? Are you interested in enhancing the lives of our residents in our Seasons Memory Care programs? This could be the position for you!
Position Overview:
- Provides therapeutic and social programming to meet the physical and emotional needs of residents, under the direction of the Director of Activities
- Responsible for input and completion of daily memory care calendar, resident participation reviews, daily attendance forms, monthly progress reports and assistance with meal service, as requested
Employee Perks!
401K Retirement Plan with Company Match, Free On-Site Parking, Free Uniforms, Generous PTO & holiday package, Increased Wages, Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, NEW Weekly Pay Schedule!, Point-earning employee reward program: redeem for prizes!, Substantial employee referral programResponsibilities
Essential Job Functions
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Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Education or related field OR Certified Occupational Therapist (COTA) OR Associates Degree (example COTA) with 1-2 years of experience in long term care Activities OR 1-2 years’ experience in recreational programming in another field is required.
- Current, valid state required certification or license in the state in which work is performed or must be willing to obtain National Certification in Activities within 1 year.
- Certification in dementia and/or behavior management (e.g. CDT) or (will obtain within 1 year of hire)
- Demonstrated computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and web-based applications
- Current, valid driver license (if applicable)
- Demonstrated supervisory experience preferred
- Experience with dementia population desired
- This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.
EOE Statement
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Certifications like dementia care training (e.g., CDT) and state-specific activity specialist licenses elevate a Memory Care Program Specialist's expertise in Cheektowaga. These credentials align with local healthcare standards, improving resident care quality and enhancing career opportunities within memory care facilities in the region.
A Memory Care Program Specialist primarily curates therapeutic and social activities tailored to dementia and memory-impaired residents, unlike general care coordinators who manage broader patient care plans. This role demands specialized skills in cognitive stimulation and behavioral management to address unique memory care needs.
Yes, Post Acute Partners emphasizes structured memory care programming with a focus on resident engagement and detailed progress documentation, which might differ from others emphasizing clinical interventions. Company culture and resource availability also influence specific responsibilities and care approaches.
Post Acute Partners integrates comprehensive social and therapeutic programming with employee perks like weekly pay and reward programs. Their commitment to safety, HIPAA compliance, and resident dignity shapes a specialist’s role beyond standard memory care duties, fostering a supportive work environment.
Cheektowaga's growing elderly population has increased demand for memory care specialists, but competition remains moderate due to specialized qualifications required. Candidates with certifications in dementia care and hands-on recreational therapy experience tend to secure positions more rapidly.
Memory Care Program Specialists in Cheektowaga typically earn between $23.00 and $29.90 per hour, consistent with regional healthcare wage standards. Factors like certifications, experience with dementia populations, and additional skills in therapeutic programming influence pay within this range.
Focusing on dementia-specific behavior management, recreational therapy techniques, and proficiency with Microsoft Office enhances a Memory Care Program Specialist’s effectiveness. Strong communication and empathy are essential for tailoring activities that improve residents’ mental and emotional well-being.
This role offers foundational experience in geriatric care, cognitive therapy, and program management, providing a pathway to advanced positions like Memory Care Manager or Clinical Care Specialist. Gaining certifications and supervisory experience accelerates career progression within healthcare organizations.
Memory care programs in Cheektowaga face challenges such as balancing resident safety with autonomy and addressing diverse cognitive impairments. Specialists must adapt activities to varying mental states while complying with local regulations and fostering a compassionate care environment.
While direct long-term care experience is highly preferred, Post Acute Partners also considers candidates with 1-2 years in recreational programming or related fields. Commitment to obtaining dementia certifications within the first year is crucial to meet the role’s specialized demands.