About Enso Village
Enso Village is a Zen-inspired community with a focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, sustainability and contemplative life and care for adults 60+. Enso Village is a collaborative endeavor between the Kendal Corporation—an esteemed, nationally recognized leader in senior living guided by the Quaker values of its founders—and the San Francisco Zen Center, one of the first Zen Buddhist organizations in the US, founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
Enso Village is informed by a set of nine Guiding Principles. These are based on the awareness that we are all connected. We share a commitment to compassion and strive to pay careful attention to the details of everyday life.
As America’s first and only Zen-inspired senior living community, Enso Village is a workplace like no other place you have ever worked. Here, our staff and residents engage fully and form close and meaningful relationships. We seek to uphold our professionalism and our humanity in equal measure. We listen with open minds and hearts. We learn something meaningful from every person and every experience. Sustaining others is what sustains us.
The Role
The Life Enrichment Assistant supports the Life Enrichment Specialist and Life Enrichment Director in creating and delivering engaging, person-centered programs for residents across Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Independent Living. This role plays a hands-on part in fostering joy, purpose, and connection through meaningful daily activities, supporting residents’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
This is a dynamic position that combines creativity, organization, and compassion, ideal for someone who enjoys making a difference through interaction, teamwork, and community engagement.
Position Responsibilities
Program Support and Facilitation
- Assist with planning, preparing, and implementing daily activity programs under the guidance of the Life Enrichment Specialist and Director.
- Lead or co-facilitate small group and one-on-one programs including art, music, exercise, crafts, games, and sensory activities.
- Conduct one-on-one visits and individualized engagement for residents who prefer smaller settings or are unable to participate in group activities.
- Set up and clean up activity areas, ensuring safety, accessibility, and readiness before and after programs.
- Escort and assist residents to and from activities, ensuring participation and engagement.
- Support in organizing community-wide events, holiday celebrations, and resident outings.
- Help maintain activity calendars, bulletin boards, and communication materials throughout the community.
- Collaborate effectively with Care Companions, Medication Technicians, Nurses, Rehabilitation Services, Dining Services, and other interdisciplinary team members to support resident care and well-being.
- Support volunteers, contractors, entertainers, presenters, and instructors to ensure activities and events are engaging, well-coordinated, and successful.
- Drive an Enso Village bus or other community vehicle, as assigned, to safely transport residents to activities and community outings.
Resident Engagement
- Build warm, trusting relationships with residents to encourage ongoing participation and a sense of belonging.
- Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and person-centered environment that reflects the values and Guiding Principles of Enso Village.
- Assist residents during activities, events, and outings while promoting resident choice, independence, dignity, and meaningful participation.
- Provide companionship and one-on-one visits with residents who may not participate in group activities.
- Observe and communicate changes in residents’ participation, mood, or abilities to the Life Enrichment Specialist or nursing staff.
- Adapt activities as needed to meet the individual physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of each resident.
- Utilize person-centered, dementia-supportive approaches when interacting with Memory Care residents.
- Support residents experiencing anxiety, confusion, isolation, or behavioral expressions by using person-centered engagement, validation, and redirection techniques.
- Create meaningful opportunities for purposeful engagement that foster independence, promote dignity, encourage success, and enhance each resident's quality of life.
Administrative and Compliance Support
- Accurately document resident attendance, preferences, and engagement levels in accordance with RCFE Title 22 and Enso Village policies.
- Maintain program supplies, equipment, and inventory, reporting needs to the Life Enrichment Specialist or Director.
- Assist with filing, scheduling, and preparation of materials for internal reports, audits, or inspections.
- Follow safety and infection control protocols during all activities and community events.
Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate with the Life Enrichment team, care staff, volunteers, and residents’ families to ensure cohesive and enriching programs.
- Assist with welcoming and orienting new residents to activity offerings.
- Support communication of upcoming events through flyers, newsletters, and digital postings.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute creative ideas to enhance the life enrichment program.
Qualifications and Position Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or certification in Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience working in senior living, recreation, hospitality, or customer service preferred.
- Experience supporting individuals with dementia or cognitive decline is highly desirable.
- Valid California driver’s license required; ability to drive community vehicles for resident outings preferred.
- Regular schedule consists of five (5) days per week.
- Position requires weekend availability, including partial or full weekend coverage, based on departmental needs and activity programming.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings, holidays, and special events is required.
- Work schedule may vary to support resident activities, outings, community events, and departmental staffing needs.
Skills and Competencies
- Enthusiastic, compassionate, and resident-centered approach to service.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with residents, families, and coworkers.
- Dependable, organized, and adaptable with a collaborative mindset.
- Ability to take direction and work effectively as part of a team.
- Proficiency with basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, scheduling tools).
- Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
Core Competencies
- Resident-Centered Care: Demonstrates patience, empathy, and respect for each resident’s individuality and preferences.
- Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with all departments to ensure seamless coordination of programs.
- Creativity and Engagement: Brings energy, enthusiasm, and creative ideas to every program.
- Reliability: Punctual, consistent, and accountable in supporting scheduled activities and resident needs.
- Safety Awareness: Maintains a safe and inclusive environment for residents and staff.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and kneeling to assist residents or set up activities.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Capability to push wheelchairs weighing between 50 and 250 pounds.
As a responsible organization, Enso Village is committed to maintaining a secure, drug-free work environment. All candidates must undergo a background check and drug testing as part of the hiring process to ensure the well-being of our team and guests.
Compensation & Benefits:
Enso Village is committed to equal pay and transparency. The salary range for this position is $22-$26 per hour. Compensation is based on experience, education, skills, and business considerations.
We provide team members with a supportive and inclusive work environment focused on health and well-being. Eligible team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on your first day of employment.
- Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
- Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for the future.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
- Healthy Meals: Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development within the organization.
We value applicants of all different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. If you think you could excel in this role (regardless of whether you meet all of the qualifications), we encourage you to apply. Enso Village is an equal opportunity employer which means that we consider applicants for hire and make employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who request accommodation.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
