Position Responsibilities

Resident Assessment

• Individual resident assessments to be completed within the first 6 weeks of resident arrival
• Families and/or Power of Attorney to be contacted during assessment process

Leisure Awareness

• Educate residents and family about the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual benefits of recreation and leisure participation
• Host in – services for staff members regarding the importance of recreation and leisure
• Develop, Implement and Evaluate Resident Programs
• Research best practices and innovative programs
• Develop programs based on client needs
• Create program plans for ALL programs. Include plans for evaluation
• Collaborate with community groups to partner in program provision
• Identify community programs appropriate for the resident population. Enable connections between residents and program.
• Co-ordinate transportation options with appropriate community outings
• Adapt program implementation according to resident need
• Evaluate on-going programs through formal and informal mechanisms

Care Conferences

• Prepare report; including statistics, resident participation records, updates and graphs.
• File updated records on resident file

Program Promotion & Marketing

• Create monthly activity calendars
• Work in cooperation with social committee to create and/or contribute to resident newsletter
• Identify and utilized effective and efficient methods of advertising programs and events within residence
• Encourage community participation, when appropriate, through effective, efficient and cost – appropriate advertising
• Utilize ‘word of mouth’ advertising during interactions with residents

Resident Integration

• Provide opportunities for ALL residents to participate
• Provide residents with choice and a ‘voice’ by creating committees and councils around appropriate subjects.

Maintain Records in Compliance with Standards and Policies

• Report improvements and/or decline in resident participation
• Maintain records of participation
• Chart any unusual or exceptional incidents
• Report unsafe working conditions within the living and work environment

Professional Development

• Engage in networking opportunities with allied professionals
• Identify and engage in appropriate workshops and conferences

Job Specifications

The core competencies of the Recreation Therapist’s role consist of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Minimum Educational/Experience Requirements

• Post-secondary education required
• Diploma/Degree in Recreation studies or adapted Physical Education preferred
• In lieu of education, extensive work experience with seniors may be considered
• Experience with seniors and/or people with disabilities required
• Minimum of 1 year working in the area of recreation/activity programming
• First Aid and CPR Certificate an asset
• Ability to acquire a Class 4 Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task
• Exceptional time management skills, ability to prioritize
• Good judgment and ability to exercise discretion
• Motivated, creative and willing to take calculated risks
• Ability to self-initiate and also work well as a team member
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Compassionate, courteous and respectful
• Excellent observational skills and ability to determine urgency or reportable incidents

Special Requirements

• A current and clear Criminal Records Check
• Involves extensive standing, walking, bending and lifting (up to 10kg is often required) – dress should reflect this
• Requires the ability to critically assess the needs and abilities of the residents

Disclaimer

• This job description indicates representative responsibilities and specifications of the position only and should not be considered to necessarily represent all responsibilities and specifications of the position. The incumbent may perform other duties as assigned, which are not specified in this description. A review and update of this job description will take place at the yearly performance review.