Position: Community Life Services Director
Location: Essex, CT
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 based on experience
Who We Are:
Walk through our doors and see the difference in the future with senior living and care. Set against a beautiful 1,000-acre natural preserve and just minutes from the shoreline, Essex Meadows leads the way in comprehensive senior living in Connecticut. When you work at Essex Meadows, you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of an extraordinary company-one that's investing in the future of senior living by investing in you. Don't just do a job. Be part of an extraordinary life!
You Will Enjoy:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- AD&D insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Resident sponsored appreciation bonus
- Resident sponsored educational scholarships
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Employee assistance program
- Free electric vehicle charging stations
- Daily Pay – Work today, get paid today!
An exceptional work environment that is both engaging and fun
The Director of Community Life Services is responsible for the planning, coordinating and directing of a wide and varied scope of activities and programming which meet the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational, social, physical and environmental needs of the residents. The programming is designed to meet the needs and to develop future programs to help meet the wellness needs of the residents (including but not limited to intellectual, occupational, social, environmental, spiritual, emotional, nutritional and physical.)
Primary Job Duties:
- Interview, select, train, supervise and evaluate CLS coordinators, Fitness coordinators and private contractors.
- Plan, coordinate and direct a balanced program of spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational, social, physical and environmental activities with the intent of including all residents in some area of lifestyle activity.
- Develop and maintain relationships with lecturers, volunteers, community resources, performers, etc. who can provide programming to the residents.
- Plan, coordinate and direct a program of transportation to events and programs by meeting with residents to determine their needs and desires and then scheduling community drivers or outside resources.
- Publicize events, programs, presentations, activities, etc.
- Coordinate publication of the Community newsletter according to community branding standards.
- Ensure necessary supplies and resources are on hand for each program.
- Conduct new resident orientation, interacting with other departments to ensure a smooth transition.
- Serve as a resource person for new residents.
- Oversee the operation of the Community’s library.
- Oversee the implementation and operation of the Community’s in-house television channel.
- Oversee the Fitness Manager and the implementation of the physical fitness programming and educational programs.
- Coordinate services with other disciplines and involve other departments in activities as applicable.
- Provide individual and group educational opportunities for residents in the area of disease prevention and management in the holistic spirit of the Lifestyle and Health Services Wellness Program.
- Participate with other members of the community team in identifying and recommending additional services or a physical move within the continuum of care for residents whose needs have changed.
- Create annual plan, goals, budgets, pricing and performance standards; maintain appropriate records pertaining to the department budget; monitor and control cost expenditures, providing justifications/explanations for variances as appropriate. Submit all appropriate billings for services provided by the department.
- Provide resource and assistance to the Marketing Department to promote and support events.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies.
- Prepare and maintain required reports, records, studies and surveys.
- Network, plan, coordinate and contract with qualified educators, instructors and health professionals to provide program components.
- Participates in the Manager on Duty rotation.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreational Therapy or related field.
- Two years of appropriate professional experience in geriatrics, recreation, or social administration.
- At least three years’ experience in supervising staff.
All new hires must be able to pass our preemployment screening process, which includes a fitness for duty physical, criminal background check, drug test and employment references as required by a licensed residential care facility. Some of the roles in our community also require that we ask about your vaccination status.
EEO Employer
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or related field
- Two years of professional experience in geriatrics, recreation, or social administration
- At least three years' experience supervising staff
- Ability to pass preemployment screening (fitness for duty physical, criminal background check, drug test, employment references)
- Willingness to answer questions about vaccination status when requested
Vi Living Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vi Living and has not been reviewed or approved by Vi Living.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is complemented by optional protections such as life, disability, accident/critical illness, and hospital indemnity, plus access to mental‑health resources. Coverage typically begins the first day of the month after hire, reinforcing strong baseline healthcare support.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, paid holidays, sick time where applicable, bereavement, jury duty, parental bonding, and caregiving leave create a broad time‑off portfolio. Some locations add paid volunteer time and anniversary holidays, extending flexibility for time away.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match anchors retirement readiness, supported by tools like FSAs and commuter benefits that aid overall financial planning. Access to a credit union and early wage access provide additional day‑to‑day financial support within the total rewards mix.
Vi Living Insights
What We Do
Vi is dedicated to providing quality environments, services, and programs to enrich the lives of older adults. Our goal is for our residents to continually experience the finest in senior living. Throughout Vi’s history, we have maintained our commitment to not only help seniors live independent lives on their terms, but also provide a nurturing environment for our employees to build fulfilling careers of service and care. Today, we support more than 2,900 employees in our corporate and community offices who are deeply committed to the care of our residents. The future success of Vi depends on maintaining a standard of excellence in all phases of resident services and relations.
Why Work With Us
At Vi, we go beyond words; respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. We're devoted to fostering an environment where every employee feels a genuine sense of belonging, appreciation, and empowerment.
