Memory Care Specialist

The Memory Care Specialist is an experienced, hands-on leader who supports communities during Director of Memory Care vacancies, leadership transitions, and other periods of operational need. The Specialist quickly assesses neighborhood operations, stabilizes performance, and ensures ESL’s mission, vision, Memory Care philosophy, standards, and processes are consistently demonstrated. Working in partnership with community and divisional leadership, the Specialist strengthens resident care, team performance, family communication, regulatory compliance, and resident experience while preparing the department for a successful transition to permanent leadership. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following essential functions are fundamental job duties of the position and are to be performed with or without appropriate reasonable accommodation(s). Interim Leadership and Community Stabilization Provide temporary day-to-day leadership of a Memory Care neighborhood during vacancies, leaves, transitions, or other operational needs. Assess resident care, staffing, scheduling, compliance, team engagement, family satisfaction, programming, dining, and the physical environment; identify immediate risks and resource needs. Develop and execute prioritized action plans with the Executive Director, Health and Wellness Director, and divisional leadership. Establish clear structure, accountability, and communication; provide regular progress updates and recommendations. Maintain effective operations until permanent leadership is hired, then provide a documented transition plan, onboarding, training, and support. Adapt to each community while consistently applying ESL’s Memory Care philosophy, standards, policies, and processes. Leadership and Team Member Experience Maintain a visible presence in the neighborhood, model servant leadership, and assist with resident care or staffing gaps when needed. Evaluate staffing levels, team capabilities, schedules, communication practices, and culture; implement sustainable improvements. Participate in recruiting, selection, hiring, onboarding, coaching, counseling, performance reviews, and team development. Provide hands-on dementia-care training, lead crossover meetings and in-services, and reinforce ESL’s mission, values, and Memory Care standards. Build trust quickly and partner effectively with community leaders while modeling calm, flexible, and solution-oriented leadership. Resident Care and Quality Assurance Ensure residents receive individualized, dignified, and person-centered care consistent with ESL’s Memory Care philosophy. Participate in resident assessments and care planning, incorporating history, routines, preferences, strengths, and sources of joy and purpose. Review assessments, service plans, care documentation, medication practices, and related records for accuracy, completeness, regulatory compliance, and alignment with resident needs. Partner with the Health and…