ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Apr 22, 2026. The Activities Director leads recreational programs in healthcare and assisted living settings. This role manages operations, budgets, staff, and compliance while delivering resident-centered activities. The position also designs engaging programs and supports resident well-being through strong leadership and communication.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Activities Director Resume

  • Activity Planning
  • Program Development
  • Budget Management
  • Data Reporting
  • Resident Assessment
  • Event Coordination
  • Staff Supervision
  • Care Documentation
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Inventory Control
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy
  • Decision Making
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Organizational Skills

Summary of Activities Director Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Gerontology with 4 years of Experience

  • Excellent writing and documentation skills.
  • Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience with computers and electronic medical records software.
  • Proven ability to lead employees in a positive and productive manner.
  • Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and communicate effectively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and EMR software.
  • Experience in skilled nursing, acute hospital, or similar healthcare settings.
  • Strong knowledge of skilled nursing regulations.
  • Experience working in a life planned community, continuing care retirement community, and or assisted living facility.
  • Experience developing and conducting social and recreational programs, including full-time involvement in a patient activities program within a healthcare setting.
  • Certified Activities Professional through NCCAP, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
  • Ability to design, create, and implement engaging and interactive activity programs to entertain and stimulate senior adults.

2. BA in Psychology with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in activities and or wellness for older adults in a supervisory role.
  • Current CPR certification.
  • Maintains knowledge of current wellness trends and research to promote a cutting-edge Vitality program.
  • Ability to read, write, communicate, and follow written and oral instructions in the English language.
  • Ability to motivate others and encourage participation in meaningful activities.
  • Computer competency, including Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to work well and cooperate with others.
  • Ability to communicate with empathy and compassion.
  • Ability to speak in public and articulate ideas clearly.

3. BS in Human Services with 2 years of Experience

  • Strong passion for customer service, with experience in handling and resolving guest concerns in a timely manner.
  • Strong verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with guests and vendors.
  • Ability to pass all binding indemnification tests from ski manufacturers in skier services.
  • Extensive knowledge of recreational activities applicable to Park City, with an understanding of industry trends.
  • Experience in Dementia care or in a Dementia-related environment.
  • Experience in conducting group activities and events, or completion of the CA Activity Certification course.
  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to follow up, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask.
  • Experience working in a group setting with elders.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications used in job functions.
  • Experience in documentation, including MDS, progress notes, and participation records.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and use supplies economically.

4. BS in Healthcare Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Demonstrates knowledge of activities essential to age-specific care for adult and geriatric populations, including identifying the need for additional safety measures, assessing physiological values, skin integrity, behavior, motor skills, and risk-related activities, with clear and effective communication.
  • Knowledge of regulatory guidelines for skilled nursing and sub-acute care.
  • Effectively manage and motivate the continuum of skilled care services.
  • Proven ability to solve problems at multiple levels with effective outcomes.
  • Ability to process information from multiple sources and levels to provide effective leadership.
  • Demonstrates ability to work independently at all levels.
  • Ability to organize and systematize various concepts.
  • Demonstrates ability to listen and utilize suggestions appropriately from subordinates.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work in a union environment.
  • Experience in a 100+ bed community in a skilled nursing facility (SNF).

5. BA in Recreation Therapy with 3 years of Experience

  • Basic understanding of the needs of the ill and elderly, with an empathetic approach to residents and their needs.
  • Experience working with elderly individuals and conducting activities, including crafts, games, and other recreational activities.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English.
  • English proficiency to support resident communication of wants and needs.
  • Demonstrated experience in scheduling activities and following up on scheduled activities.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written directions.
  • Experience in social or recreational programs, including therapeutic recreation programs, or qualification as an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant, or CPR certification.
  • Certification in Life Enrichments, Activities, Recreation, or related field.
  • Experience in a long-term care or residential setting.

6. BA in Social Work with 7 years of Experience

  • Certified Activities Professional through NCCAP, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
  • Experience developing and conducting social and recreational programs, including full-time involvement in a patient activities program within a healthcare setting.
  • Excellent writing and documentation skills.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with computers and electronic medical records software.
  • Proven ability to lead employees in a positive and productive manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and communicate effectively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and EMR software.
  • Experience in skilled nursing, acute hospital, or similar healthcare settings.
  • Strong knowledge of skilled nursing regulations.
  • Experience working in a life planned community, continuing care retirement community, and or assisted living facility.

7. BS in Occupational Therapy with 9 years of Experience

  • Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS through NCTRC)
  • Activity Director Certified (ADC through NCCAP)
  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
  • Experience in social or recreational programs, including full-time involvement in a patient activities program within a healthcare setting.
  • Ability to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Activity Department in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations.
  • Ability to ensure an ongoing program of activities designed to meet the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident in accordance with comprehensive assessments.
  • Experience in social or recreational programs, including full-time employment in a resident activities program in a long-term healthcare setting, or experience in a supervisory role within a recreation program.
  • Direct experience with special needs and limitations of elderly and disabled individuals, including methods and techniques to involve residents in activities.
  • Experience managing departmental budgets.
  • Experience managing an activities department in an assisted living facility.
  • Excellent time management and multitasking skills.

Editorial Process and Content Quality

This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.

Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.

Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.

Learn more about our editorial standards.

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