Recreationist (40) Uc-rec04

**Division**:
Long Term Care Homes

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that effective February 12, 2023 mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required as per the Niagara Region’s amended COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. As a result, you will not be required to submit verification of your vaccination status before starting employment with the Niagara Region. However, the Niagara Region continues to reserve the right to reintroduce vaccination requirements in the future if necessary to respond to changing public health advice and\or government direction. The Niagara Region continues to strongly encourage everyone to remain up-to-date with vaccinations.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
Responsible to plan, coordinate, implement, promote, and evaluate a diversified program of resident-focused recreation activities for Long Term Care residents based on and responsive to their abilities, strengths, needs, interests, and former lifestyles. Works according to all applicable standards, acts and governing bodies.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**EDUCATION**:

- Diploma or Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies or Therapeutic Recreation
- Completed courses in special populations and therapeutic recreation preferred
- Valid First Aid Certificate required
- Safe Food Handling preferred
- Certification in the SAM S.T.E.P.S model of exercise preferred
- Proof of training/certification in GPA, DementiAbility preferred

**KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE**:

- A minimum of 6 months current experience in the recreation field working with special populations, preferably in a long term care setting
- Knowledge of community resources
- Knowledge of and experience with Dementia Care and dealing with Responsive Behaviours preferred
- Experience in creating therapeutic care plans and progress notes

**SKILLS**:

- Commitment to resident centred care and compassion for the family/population being served
- Demonstrated leadership, collaboration and organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team in a respectful manner
- Enthusiasm, flexibility and ability to cope with change
- Ability to develop meaningful programming based individual residents’ needs
- Must have an excellent rapport with people and demonstrated working ability with Senior Citizens
- Good computer knowledge and skill. E.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook

**SPECIAL CONDITIONS**:

- In accordance with the Corporate Policy and applicable Legislation/Regulation(s), the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Police Record Check and submit a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check, as well as complete any subsequent declaration or check as required by legislation/Act, regulation, and/or policy
- Compliance with any requirements, including immunization and screening measures, of the infection prevention and control program as required by applicable legislation/Act, regulation or policy; some measures are only recommendations (not requirements)
- Staff are required to be screened for Tuberculosis in accordance with the applicable legislation/Act
- Must be physically and mentally capable of performing the duties of the position
- Good attendance record
- May be required to work at various locations

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Develop, coordinate, implement, promote, and evaluate the daily, monthly, and annual activities and events, both within the facility and in the community. Ensure that the interests and capabilities of the residents are met, providing individualized and meaningful activities.
- The program shall include services for residents with cognitive impairments and residents who are unable to leave their rooms.
- Ensure accessibility to leisure activities, encouraging and motivating residents to attend.
- Perform activities of daily living as needed for residents.
- Assess and re-assess interests, needs and abilities of all residents.
- Serve food and snacks to residents, being aware of special diets and needs.
- Give guidanc