Let us Welcome you Home at Aster Gardens in Sherwood Park, AB.

Optima Living operates Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living and Memory Living communities in Alberta and British Columbia. Our communities are among the best places to live in Western Canada.

Our Vision: For every person to feel at home.

This is truly supported by our credo. “Let us welcome you home.” All of us here feel it is an honour to work with our residents and we advocate a resident-centered approach where the Resident, is the focus of all our endeavours.

Summary

Reporting to the General Manager and in collaboration with the Director of Care, the Memory Living Coordinator internally referred to as the "Spark Coordinator" takes a resident-centered approach for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, working closely with residents, families, and team members. They plan and manage programs that reflect each resident’s abilities and interests, foster a caring home environment, and provide hands-on leadership to ensure flexible, personalized support. The Memory Living Neighborhood is a safe, supportive community for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, focusing on social well-being rather than medical care. It is not a care unit, but rather a specialized community geared specifically to addressing the social impact of the disease rather than the disease itself.

Responsibilities

Core Spark Program Deliverables

• Leads the development and ongoing evaluation of the SPARK program goals, objectives, and outcomes in collaboration with the DOC.
• Oversees the implementation of the SPARK program in accordance with Memory Living standards.
• Monitors residents’ social assessments in the Welbi platform.
• Ensures residents’ daily activities are structured and well organized while supporting the program's flexibility and spontaneity.
• Meets regularly with team members to communicate any identified changes or concerns regarding residents’ status and activities, and assists in developing appropriate action plans.
• Ensures all required resident documentation is current and complete.
• Effectively utilizes SPARK tools and approaches to problem solve team responses to individual resident personal expressions (responsive behaviors).
• Coordinates the purchase of supplies and equipment, ensuring cost-effective usage and timely ordering.
• Coordinates and leads family conferences and related meetings.

Leadership

• Provides leadership, support, guidance and mentorship for the SPARK program.
• Provides oversight and direction to the SPARK program to meet the daily needs of the residents.
• Oversees the daily operation of the SPARK program through coordination of work routines.
• Conducts and attends functional (department) meetings.
• Ensures the SPARK program complies with all required health and safety standards and regulations.
• Creates a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for all residents and family members.

Budget & Financial

• Participates in the operational, budgetary, and capital planning processes.
• Maintains budget allocation for the function (department).

Community Engagement

• Ensures that effective communication systems are in place for residents, families and team members.
• Maintains positive resident relations by handling inquiries and concerns with empathy and responsiveness.
• Meets with residents daily, building relationships and prioritizing meaningful interactions with residents and their families over task completion.
• Works closely with the Director of Care and coordinates with other functions (departments) to ensure that goals and planned changes are monitored and reviewed.
• Solicits regular feedback from residents through variety of sources.

Quality Assurance

• Conducts and reviews organizational audits and shares the results to support quality improvements.
• Investigates and documents incidents and complaints, ensuring prompt corrective actions.
• Manages risks, communicates problems. and identifies solutions for quality improvements and risk mitigation.
• Reviews key performance indicators, quality reports and inspection findings with the GM and DOC.
• Maintains accurate records by ensuring necessary documentation and reporting systems are in place.

Operational and Administrative Systems

• Participates in community outreach initiatives and programs (e.g., Alzheimer’s Society).
• In consultation with the General Manager, determines and maintains appropriate staffing levels and interviews and hires qualified personnel for the function (department).
• Oversees the onboarding and orientation of the function (department).
• Works with the Director of Care on performance evaluations and improvement strategies.
• Identifies educational and training needs, and collaborates with the DOC to develop the SPARK program.
• Engages in work-related developmental programs and opportunities to foster continuous learning and professional excellence.
• Resolves conflicts and takes appropriate corrective action as required.

General Responsibilities

• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to the General Manager and/or OH&S Committee.
• Identifies and reports maintenance issues to the maintenance function (department).
• Responds quickly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports new team members through their orientation process.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Graduate of a post-secondary education program in recreation, nursing, gerontology, social work or equivalent related experience.
• Completion of a specialized behavioral education certification program (e.g., GPA, P.I.E.C.E.S, Montessori methods).
• Minimum of three (3) years of related experience in a retirement, long term care or health care environment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Minimum of one (1) year leadership experience in a health care setting is preferred.
• May require travel within the province.
• Warm personality with demonstrated empathy and understanding of the needs of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Proven ability to source and coordinate tools, information, and support systems to optimize SPARK program delivery.
• Ability to provide hands-on education and training.
• Energetic and supportive leader who drives team engagement and morale while consistently leading by example.
• Communicates in an approachable, open and courteous manner with the temperament to deal tactfully, effectively, and cooperatively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage priorities effectively.
• Experienced in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position, including TB screening and medical clearance from a Physician (or equivalent) upon hire.
• Ability to operate equipment safely.
• Computer literacy required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and evenings, and to take "on-call" responsibilities during off-hours.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check

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