Organization Background

Shepherd Village is Toronto’s largest not-for-profit senior community and has been dedicated to the well-being of seniors since 1961. We’re committed to meeting the changing physical, spiritual and social needs of seniors through quality care and compassionate service. Everything we offer is designed to enhance the quality of life and peace-of-mind of our residents, and their family and friends.

What You Will Work On

The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team setting with other Recreation Assistants and actively involve the Residents, families, students, volunteers and other staff to provide optimal quality of service to our Residents and families. The Recreation Assistant will work closely with the Behavioral Supports Ontario (BSO) team to ensure our Residents are receiving exceptional Dementia care.

You will be expected to represent Shepherd Village courteously and professionally while maintaining amicable relationships with peers, subordinates, Residents & families in keeping with the Shepherd Village Mission, Vision & Values.

What You Can Expect from Us

• Great culture as confirmed by the Organization having receive the Great Places to Work certification in October 2024.
• An opportunity to participate in and contribute to the work of the largest seniors care community in Toronto.
• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive Extended Health Care and Dental coverage.
• Enhanced with vacation time plan starting at 2 weeks plus additional float days each year supporting work-life balance.
• Matching contributions to a group RRSP.
• Location on a major transit line with a bus stop positioned at the Organization’s property.

How You’ll Create Impact

• Maintain efficient and effective performance of all aspects of the Recreation Assistant position for Shepherd Village. Maintaining amicable relations with residents, family members, other parties, and staff.
• Complete comprehensive individual resident recreation assessments
• Plan, facilitate and evaluate all activities for the assigned unit.
• Providing activities that meet the residents’ social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical needs.
• Implementing Montessori activities for residents who have dementia and require extra support.
• Plan and schedule an outing and entertainment
• Develop monthly activity calendars and posters. Distribute calendars to each resident and post them on designated display boards.
• Support Resident Council
• Complete written and computerized documentation, electronic charting, resident attendance, statistics, and other reports as requested.
• Participate in the development and coordination of the required resources, including equipment and supply orders (E.g., room set-up and take-down.)
• Identify volunteer needs and provide leadership to the volunteers assigned to the Resident Home area and mentor students
• Implement programs according to the Ontario Long Term Care Standards, Shepherd Village Mission & philosophy of care, accreditation standards and departmental policies and procedures.

What Are Your Skills and Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation from a community college or university, required
• Minimum three (1-2) years experience working in a Recreation setting, required
• Demonstrated experience in designing, planning, executing and evaluating recreational activities and therapeutic programs for Seniors.
• Ability to initiate new, creative and innovative programming ideas
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language are required.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, or in a cooperative team environment
• Competency in documentation practices and computer applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Activity Pro, Point Click Care, MDS)
• Positive attitude, compassionate and energetic personality to represent Shepherd Village professionally and positively.

How To Apply**:**

Interested candidates should apply at: https://shepherdvillage.org/work-here/

Deadline: September 1, 2025

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are committed to accessibility in the candidate application and selection process. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, providing the applicant has met the bona-fide requirements of the vacant position. Applicants are asked to please make their accommodation requirements known when contacted.

Successful candidates must provide a complete and current (i.e. within six months prior to hire date) Vulnerable Sector Check (including a Criminal Background Check) or be willing to obtain one.