Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

About You:

Are you an enthusiastic, energetic and highly organized individual with a passion for working with diverse groups of people and older adults including those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias? Are you looking for a position where you can utilize your skills and experience coordinating and facilitating therapeutic recreation programs in an environment that offers variety and job satisfaction? 

What We Offer: 

• Health benefits
• Pension plan
• Paid sick time
• Birthday off paid
• Generous vacation time
• Flexible work models
• Paid personal days
• Positive workplace culture

About This Position: 

Immediate Supervisor: Manager of Therapeutic Recreation 

Direct Reports: None 

Job Status: 

Full-time, Permanent, 35 hours per week.

Location:                  

Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners: Middlesex Site – 435 Windermere Road, London (some limited travel may be required within Oxford and Elgin counties). 

Summary:

The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners offers group-based recreation programs for clients living with dementia. Clients participating in recreation are typically in the early to mid-stages of the disease. These programs are designed to support client’s overall wellbeing, using the domains of Therapeutic Recreation through a holistic lens. The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners provides clients and care partners with the foundational knowledge, skills and awareness to support successful Therapeutic Recreation interventions both in programs and at home. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the set-up and clean-up of the group programming; 
  • during set-up: welcome participants collaboratively with volunteers, setting the tone’ to demonstrate a safe, stigma free, inviting environment; 
• Plan, prepare and implement engaging and appropriate recreation programming for participants, using a person-centered approach; 
  • identifying and utilizing modifications where necessary;
  • identifying skills, or barriers for client’s overall success;
  • using the leisure and well-being model to guide your practice;
• Completed mandatory education and training such as CSS Dementia Education, GPA training sessions and additional training as required;
• Maintain inventory of supplies, purchase new materials to ensure preparedness for program implementation; 
• Maintain client records, ensuring documentation, assessments as required and client information are accurate and complete;
• Complete administrative tasks related to intake, ongoing attendance and discharge from Therapeutic Recreation programs; 
• Provide in-service training to volunteers to ensure education and skills are supported for a positive experience;
• Supervise and provide ongoing support to volunteers, working within Therapeutic Recreation programs. 
• Active engagement and involvement in team meetings;
• Communicates effectively and professionally with direct team and interdisciplinary team to support an overall circle of care; 

Evaluations and Other Responsibilities: 

• Participation in quarterly performance management meetings and annual performance review with Manager of Therapeutic Recreation;
• A strong knowledge and understanding of clinical process;
• Work with program team to continually evaluate group programs by soliciting ongoing feedback from clients in groups as well as asking group participants to complete written questionnaires as appropriate;
• Always represent the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners in a professional manner, treating all associated individuals (colleagues, volunteers, internal and external clients and stakeholders) with respect and dignity;
• Always act in the best interest of the Society;
• As an employee of a non-profit organization, you are expected to participate in fund development activities as required;
• Other related duties as requested by the Manager of Therapeutic Recreation, Director of Programs and Services and/or CEO;

Required Qualifications:

• Therapeutic Recreation Degree and/or Recreation and Leisure Diploma, or, significant and relevant work experience or a combination of both;
• A minimum of two years of experience facilitating recreation group programs, comprised of diverse individuals with complex needs;
• Experience working with older adults, those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias preferred;
• Excellent observation skills and ability to assess environment and client’s functional abilities over short (a few hours) and extended (over multiple weeks) periods of time;
• Demonstrated leadership skills; 
• Experience working with volunteers an asset;
• Ability to work independently to develop curriculum for the program;
• Ability to work well and cohesively in a close team environment;
• Flexibility and adaptability in relation to program planning and delivery;
• Ability to use discretion, and judgment in handling sensitive or confidential information or situations;
• Valid driver’s license and access to own vehicle;
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification required;
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Police Check screening required;
• Senior Fitness Instructor Certification (as applicable);
• Safe Food Handler’s Certificate;

Preferred Qualifications:

• R/TRO or CTRS desired
• Dementiability 

Working Conditions: 

In office setting. General office duties, typing, filing, occasional lifting / carrying 25lbs, reaching, bending, walking, sitting, and standing. Freedom of movement throughout the day. Some travel required. Occasional, limited evening and weekend work required. 

About Us

Organization Overview:

The Alzheimer Society actively supports families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We advocate for and provide support services, education, and funding for research for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.  

Our Vision:

No one impacted by dementia goes unsupported. 

Our Mission:

We provide community and person-centered support and education to those impacted by dementia.

Our Values:

Collaboration, Excellence, Respect, Compassion and Belonging. 

Website:  www.alzswp.ca 

Required Qualifications:

• Therapeutic Recreation Degree and/or Recreation and Leisure Diploma, or, significant and relevant work experience or a combination of both;
• A minimum of two years of experience facilitating recreation group programs, comprised of diverse individuals with complex needs;
• Experience working with older adults, those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias preferred;
• Excellent observation skills and ability to assess environment and client’s functional abilities over short (a few hours) and extended (over multiple weeks) periods of time;
• Demonstrated leadership skills; 
• Experience working with volunteers an asset;
• Ability to work independently to develop curriculum for the program;
• Ability to work well and cohesively in a close team environment;
• Flexibility and adaptability in relation to program planning and delivery;
• Ability to use discretion, and judgment in handling sensitive or confidential information or situations;
• Valid driver’s license and access to own vehicle;
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification required;
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Police Check screening required;
• Senior Fitness Instructor Certification (as applicable);
• Safe Food Handler’s Certificate;

Preferred Qualifications:

• R/TRO or CTRS desired
• Dementiability