The Sault Area Hospital is currently recruiting a Full-Time Recreational Therapy Assistant for the new Inpatient Geriatric Consult Team. Reporting directly to the patient care manager of Geriatric Services, the Recreational Therapy Assistant will contribute to strengthening geriatric care through purposeful individualized therapeutic recreation based interventions founded on interest, need and ability, as directed by the Recreational Therapist. The Recreational Therapy Assistant will be an instrumental team member for the implementation of the Hospital Elder Life Program.

Based in hospital, the IGCT Recreational Therapy Assistant will work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, acute care partners, and family/caregivers to enhance the patient experience. This team member will embody compassionate, person-family focused values aligned with SAH’s Mission, Vision, Values and goals

Duties

• Be an active member of the interdisciplinary team to provide information and input into individual patient participation in recreational therapy programming.
• Provide activity programs and/or services under the direction of the full time Recreational Therapist(s)
• Assist in the planning, development, delivery and evaluation of appropriate activities (meal support, mobility support, communication, cognitive and social stimulation) for the various patient populations within an acute care setting.
• Maintain adequate resources to support the Inpatient Geriatric Consult Team and Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
• Collaborate and communicate with the Recreational Therapist(s) on all levels of programming and identify any opportunities for improvement.
• Compliance with legislative, organizational and departmental regulations, standards and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety and Infection Control.
• Onboarding and support of HELP volunteers to complete their assigned duties, as required.
• Maintain daily documentation to monitor and track patient participation and response to treatment/intervention in accordance with established protocols.
• Record and input statistical data, as required.
• Responsible for personal development and skill building.
• Responsible to maintain current status with all program communication, education and information.
• Engage in the annual self-evaluation and performance development process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Recreation and Leisure studies or related field.
• Certification in the Geriatric Education program such as P.I.E.C.E.S. and/or U-FIRST!, Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA), Montessori Methods or Dementiability Methods for Dementia Care, Mental Health First Aid for Seniors Training, Indigenous Cultural Competency Training or equivalent training, and Teepa Snow “Positive Approach to Care” Training.

Experience

• Experience in recreational programming.
• Recent clinical experience working with geriatric population

Knowledge, Skills, And Ability

• Proficiency in Microsoft office computer applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Demonstrated concern and interest in providing quality care and service for patients.
• Demonstrated behaviour consistent with the SAH Employee Standards of Performance.

Note: Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other responsibilities and duties may by assigned and qualifications may be adjusted from time to time. Only those selected for the test/ interview will be contacted.

Individuals will be selected on the basis of their ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume which they have attached to the posting application form. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview and/or testing where required.