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.
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