Director of Independent Living

Position Overview

The primary responsibility of the Director of Independent Living (DOIL) is to service all areas of Independent Living Sales, Housing and Resident Services on the assigned campus. The director will provide support and service to prospective customers ensuring they are well informed of the various living options within the community. The director will coordinate all independent living services and serve as an advocate for IL residents. The director will represent independent living in various meetings and coordinate the transition process for IL residents.

Essential Job Functions

Sales & Housing (40% FTE)

• Provide sales support to Independent Living Senior Living Advisor at Bluestem. Participate in sales events, perform campus tours and educate prospects on independent living offerings and services, guiding them into most appropriate independent living fit related to their social, financial, and health needs.
• Perform timely follow-up to prospects inquiring about independent living. Communicate prospect information to Senior Living Advisor Team (SLAT) if prospect inquiries include information for higher levels of care. Communicate prospect information to independent living team and record sales activities.
• Partner with Senior Living Advisor to achieve sales and resident census goals for Independent Living.
• Manage Independent Living refurbishment and closing processes including inspections and refurbishment plans, timelines, details, and costs.
• Work with maintenance department to coordinate special projects and repairs for IL homes.
• Direct the sales and planning process for construction of new homes. Serve as liaison between Bluestem, general contractor, and incoming residents to ensure a positive construction experience.
• Oversee construction budget for new homes ensuring appropriate margin and cost planning.
• Interpret independent living contracts, policies, and procedures to prospects
• Maintain a fiscally responsible budget for the sustainability of Bluestem.
• Utilize current software programs to store and manage independent living resident personal information, contracts, applications, and budget information.
• Be a positive representative of Bluestem Communities within the Hesston, Newton, and surrounding communities.
• Connect with local organizations and entities to remain aware of sales generating opportunities.
• Continued education and development related to the sales process and senior demographic.
  
  

Resident Services (40% FTE)

• Coordinate monthly resident council and town hall meetings.
• Perform timely follow up with resident service requests or concerns.
• Be an advocate for independent living resident information. Share information with staff and residents through available communication channels.
• Interpret independent living contracts, policies, and procedures to residents and help maintain resident updates. Facilitate independent living guidebook updates as needed.
• Educate independent living residents and families on Bluestem services and offerings in order to maximize the resident’s experience and independence.
• Build relationships with independent living residents in order to foster healthy and regular communication.
• Maintain an approachable, polite, and professional relationship with residents.
  
  

Transitions Coordination (20% FTE)

• Represent Independent Living in weekly transitions’ committee meeting, sharing resident health concerns and hospitalizations for transition forecasting to higher levels of care or rehabilitation.
• Use current software system to document observations and communication with residents and their families related to transition planning. Share status updates with staff.
• Interpret independent living contract information to residents, their families, and staff in order to prepare for a smooth transition experience to higher level of care.
• Engage in emergency resident placement situations as necessary. Document and communicate these situations to SLAT.
• Be an advocate to independent living residents and families as health needs change. Refer resident to SLAT to plan and complete transfers to higher levels of care.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Prefer an Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in management or sales related industry.
• Must be effective in use of online resources for problem solving and communication.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and Publisher.
• Must be capable of completing training and learn how to operate department specific software programs.
• Must have proven quality customer service and communication skills with ability to overcome objections.
• Must be effective with sales skills and have the ability to promote the services and offerings while maintaining strong financial stability for the organization.