Memory Care Specialist

Memory Care Specialist
Job Description
Function: Memory Care Specialist supports older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. The Memory Care Specialist provides person-centered support to the residents with cognitive impairments, ensuring safety, dignity, emotional well-being, and engagement.   
Responsible for implementing Memory Care Programming in group and individual settings. 
Provides educational topics and conferences to the front-line staff as well as the outside communities and families.
Qualifications:
•    Education — High school diploma or equivalent, PCA, CNA, or HHA preferred
•    Certifications —Dementia specific certifications (e.g., Alzheimer’s Association® CARES, Teepa Snow PAC, or CDP) required.
•    Experience — Prior experience in memory care, personal care, assisted living, skilled nursing, or behavioral health settings.
•    Skills — Strong communication, patience, crisis de escalation, activity facilitation, and documentation skills
Core Competencies:
•    Empathy — Ability to connect with residents experiencing confusion, anxiety, or memory loss.
•    Person Centered Care — Commitment to honoring each resident’s history, preferences, and identity.
•    Problem Solving — Ability to respond calmly and creatively to behavioral challenges.
•    Cultural Sensitivity — Respect for diverse backgrounds and communication styles.

 
Key Responsibilities
•    Resident Support — Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility while maintaining dignity and independence.
•    Cognitive Engagement — Lead memory enhancing programs such as reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation, music therapy, and structured social activities.
•    Behavioral Observation — Monitor changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function; document observations and report concerns to nursing or clinical leadership.
•    Care Planning — Participate in developing and updating individualized care plans tailored to each resident’s cognitive abilities, history, and preferences. Attends care plan meetings
•    Assessments- Participates in securing the DME and Preparation of the Support Plan (RASP).  Conducts resident chart audits
•    Safety Management — Maintain a secure environment, implement fall prevention strategies, and follow protocols for wandering, elopement, and emergency response.
•    Family Communication — Provide updates to families, offer emotional support, and collaborate on care decisions.
•    Team Collaboration — Work closely with nurses, therapists, social workers, and administrators to ensure holistic care.
•    Staff Evaluations-Prepares and provides staff evaluations yearly
•    Documentation — Maintain accurate records of care activities, behavioral notes, and incident reports in compliance with regulatory standards.
•    Programming-Developing and Implementing Person-Centered Programs using Evidence Based Practice for the St. Barnabas Memory Care Communities and Outreach to enrich and enhance quality of life. Maintains yearly training requirements.
•    Participate in On-Call Schedule.  Other duties as assigned.
 Work Environment:
•    Specialized SDCU/MC, Personal Care Setting, Skilled Nursing Setting, and community programs.
•    Requires physical stamina, emotional resilience, and adherence to infection control and safety protocols.
 

Qualifications

EOE