Job Status: Permanent Casual Union: UNIFOR (RVG) Number of Positions: 1 Hours of Work: as scheduled Location: Riverview Gardens, LTC Closing Date: July 20, 2026, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is currently accepting applications for permanent casual Recreation/Restorative Aides for Riverview Gardens Long-Term Care facility with the Seniors Services division.

 Job description

The Recreation/Restorative Aide assists with the assessment, programming, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic recreation, leisure and restorative needs within an interdisciplinary team for resident care.

 Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Work with individual residents to carry out specific exercise or independence restorative training under the guidance of a registered staff member or professional therapist
• Prepare or assist with the preparation of monthly activation calendars and ensure all programs are meaningful and planned to meet the interests, abilities, needs and lifestyle preferences of the residents including intellectual, cognitive, social, spiritual, and physical
• Prepare descriptions and Program Protocols for resident programs
• Prepare and plan for programs including resources and supplies required
• Mentor students from local education institutions while on placement
• Encourage and motivate residents to participate in activities; provide meaningful opportunities based on choice, preferences and interests
• Participate in multidisciplinary conferences as required
• Administer Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation Assessments to determine interventions for quality care
• Interact with volunteers and community resources; effectively utilize their contributions to enhance residents' lives
• Demonstrate leadership abilities and supervise volunteers during programming
• Complete documentation (initial assessments, progress notes, care plans, quarterly reviews, care conferences, RAI coding, RAPS and Resident Triggers), entering into computerized charting system
• Track and maintain resident participation/attendance records
• Complete feedback/audits on resident programs ensuring desired outcomes are achieved
• Participate in audits and on workplace quality committees as assigned

Essential qualifications

• Possess a secondary school graduation diploma or equivalent education (i.e. GED certificate)
• The successful applicant will possess:
  • College diploma or university degree in recreation therapy or therapeutic recreation, recreation and leisure studies, kinesiology, or other related field; or;
  • Is enrolled in a community college or university in a diploma or degree program in such a field

Note: The Ministry of Long-Term Care requires that a long-term care home shall cease to employ as a recreational and social activities staff member, a person who was required to be enrolled in a program described under (b) above if the person ceases to be enrolled in the program, or fails to successfully complete the program, within three years of being hired.

• At least one year experience in an activation department in a health care setting
• Strong ability to work independently and with other staff implementing home-wide activities, special events, in-neighbourhood programming, small group focus programs, 1:1 programs and programs geared towards current age and population of residents
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Basic computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) (or similar software program)

Other qualifications

• Gentle Persuasive Approach training an asset
• Gerontology specialty courses would be an asset
• Several years' experience working with clients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and/or dementia would be an asset

Certifications, memberships, licenses

• Current Safe Food Handling Certificate required within six (6) months of hire
• Restorative Care Education Certificate Training (RCET through Centre of Activity and Ageing or equivalent) or be enrolled in such a Restorative Care program required
• TRO (Therapeutic Recreation Ontario) Registered member or Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) member an asset
• Smart Serve Certification an asset

Work environment/hours of work

• This position works mostly indoors
• There are no guaranteed hours for this position, however you must be available for a minimum of 22.5 hours and work 3 of 4 weekends a month 
• This position works weekday hours, with afternoon, evening and weekend hours
• casual positions, must be able to accept, on short notice, call-in hours for days, afternoons, and weekends, which may include four hour shifts and statutory holidays

Background check requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check. This position works with vulnerable residents in a position of trust and authority, on a sustained and regular basis, in a largely unsupervised capacity. A Vulnerable Sector Screen is required (Fixing Long-Term Care Act Section 252 O. Reg. 246/22) prior to being accepted for employment. You must be 18 years of age or older to obtain a vulnerable police check.

As per the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, all staff members shall promptly provide the employer with a signed declaration disclosing new charges, convictions, orders and restraining orders, consistent with Ontario Regulation Section 253 O. Reg 246/22, with respect to the period since the date the person’s last criminal reference check under subsection (2) was conducted.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

• Annual Flu immunization is required
• 2 step TB skin test to be completed within two weeks of starting position
• The employer may request a “Physical Task Analysis”
• Bending: frequent stooping, squatting (up to 4.55 kgs or 10 lbs.) (assesses the needs and abilities of a resident (restorative & recreational); works with individual residents to carry out specific exercise programs; exercise programs may include the use of therapeutic equipment and adaptive aids)
• Walking: frequent walking on level surface (up to 22.73 kgs or 50 lbs.) (plans and implements home-wide activities and special events; resident activities may include the set up and tear down of equipment and/or furniture; portering of residents to and from activities; participates and assists in bus trips for residents)
• Reaching: frequent lifting below shoulder (up to 22.73 kgs or 50 lbs.) (works with individual residents to carry out specific exercise programs; exercise programs may include the use of therapeutic equipment and adaptive aids; resident activities may include the set up and tear down of equipment and/or furniture; portering of residents to and from activities)
• Lifting: frequent lifting waist to shoulder, pushing below shoulder, pulling below shoulder (up to 22.73 kgs or 50 lbs.) (works with individual residents to carry out specific exercise programs; physical ability to lift residents during exercise and walking programs; physical ability to use arms to do passive exercises and range of motion exercises; operation of mechanical lifts and wheelchairs (manual and electric); resident activities may include the set up and tear down of equipment and/or furniture; portering of residents to and from activities)
• Standing: frequent standing inside (up to 4.55 kgs or 10 lbs.)
• Hands: frequent gripping, mousing (up to 4.55 kgs or 10 lbs.) (works with individual residents to carry out specific exercise programs; physical ability to lift residents during exercise and walking programs; physical ability to use arms to do passive exercises and range of motion exercises)
• Climbing: infrequent climbing stairs (participates and assists in bus trips for residents)

Benefits

As per the UNIFOR (RVG) (2022-2024) collective agreement, this permanent casual position would receive $21.50 per hour in addition to 15% in lieu of benefits and 4% vacation pay.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.