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Position Summary

The Engagement Specialist brings curiosity, creativity, and meaningful engagement to Oakwood Creative Care's Day Clubs by designing and leading immersive learning experiences that inspire conversation, spark curiosity, and celebrate lifelong learning. At Oakwood, we believe every person has the ability to learn, contribute, and experience success, regardless of cognitive changes.

Through engaging topics such as history, science, travel, geography, culture, literature, nature, innovation, and the arts, the Engagement Specialist creates opportunities for members to remain intellectually engaged while building confidence, social connection, and purpose. Success in this role is less about formal teaching experience and more about the ability to create memorable experiences, inspire curiosity, and foster meaningful moments of connection through lifelong learning.

As part of our interdisciplinary team, the Engagement Specialist develops and facilitates programs that support members' cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being. This role also contributes valuable observations to individualized care plans, helping ensure each member experiences a day filled with purpose, creativity, and joy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Create Meaningful Experiences

• Design and facilitate immersive learning experiences that inspire curiosity, conversation, creativity, and connection.
• Transform topics such as history, science, travel, culture, literature, nature, and the arts into engaging experiences that encourage participation and discovery.
• Encourage members to share their own stories, perspectives, and life experiences, recognizing that every class is an opportunity for meaningful connection.
• Adapt each experience to meet members where they are cognitively and physically, ensuring every individual can participate with confidence and success.
• Create an atmosphere where learning is joyful, interactive, and centered on each person's strengths and abilities.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to contribute to individualized care plans and complete progress notes documenting members' participation and engagement.

Support

• Welcome members with warmth and enthusiasm, helping them feel comfortable and excited to participate.
• Assist members as they transition between activities, helping them remain engaged and confident throughout the day.
• Support daily routines, including helping with meal and snack preparation and service, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Offer respectful assistance with personal care needs, including restroom support, always maintaining dignity, privacy, and compassion.
• Work collaboratively with team members to cultivate a positive, creative, and engaging Day Club environment.

Qualifications & Attributes

• A natural storyteller with the ability to captivate a room and inspire curiosity.
• Passion for lifelong learning and creating meaningful experiences through history, science, travel, geography, culture, literature, nature, innovation, or the arts.
• Ability to transform educational topics into immersive, conversation-driven experiences rather than traditional lectures.
• Comfortable speaking to groups and adapting presentations based on members' interests, abilities, and participation.
• Creative, energetic, and engaging with a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with older adults.
• A compassionate, patient, and person-centered approach when working with individuals living with dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and other cognitive or physical challenges.
• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Flexible, creative, and adaptable, with the ability to think on your feet and create meaningful moments throughout the day.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; experience in education, museums, parks and recreation, theater, interpretation, history, science, communications, recreation therapy, gerontology, or a related field is a plus.
• Experience working with older adults or individuals living with dementia is preferred but not required.
• Must have current DPS clearance and successfully pass a background check.