Recreational Counsellor 1 Year Contract

Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) is dedicated to meeting the diverse, holistic health needs of the people of Scarborough by addressing the physical, mental, social, financial and environmental aspects of their health. Through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and delivery of a comprehensive range of culturally competent health and social services, we cultivate vital and connected communities.

We are currently looking to hire a:
Recreational Counsellor

full time permanent (35 hours per week)

The Adult Day Centre (ADC) provides service to the frail elderly as well as clients with cognitive disorders, dementias of aging, and/or physical disabilities. In a team-oriented environment, clients have the opportunity to participate in supervised group and individual activities helping them to maintain functions and skills, supporting their independence, offering socialization, and providing relief and support to caregivers.

**Reporting To: Community Health and Support Services Manager**

**Purpose**:
The Recreational Counsellor will work within a flexible and supportive team to assist in the daily operation of the ADC. They will plan and deliver client-centered social, recreational, and therapeutic programs to our membership, and collaborate with other staff, students, and volunteers. They will also be responsible for assisting clients with their activities of daily living.

**Key Areas of Responsibility**:

- Create and deliver group programs in person
- Evaluate client needs and functional abilities
- Develop and implement and evaluate suitable physical, intellectual, emotional, and social programs reflecting ministry guidelines
- Report and document individual progress and level of participation
- Assist clients with toileting, transferring, feeding, and ambulation
- Provide instruction and structure for clients,
- Ability to handle or attempt to defuse challenging behaviours
- Support clients through the daily routine
- Ensure nutritional requirements are met during the day with particular attention to supplements where required and monitor food intake, food allergies, and other dietary restrictions
- Support clients’ participation in programming according to their functional ability both within the centre and on field trips
- Monitor behavioural and physical changes, bring concerns to the coordinator, and participate in team huddles and case conferencing
- Provide information and referrals to clients and caregivers about other support services and community resources
- Provide day-to-day support and direction to staff, volunteers, and students and in the absence of the program coordinator
- Assist with food preparation, service, and cleanup

Housekeeping:

- Help maintain a clutter free environment to reduce the risk of falls
- Ensure all toxic substances and potentially dangerous tools are secured
- Help maintain a hygienic workplace
- Keep abreast of emergency procedures
- Administer first aid and CPR when required
- Assist clients with medication according to their care plan
- Keep abreast of medication management policies and procedures
- Review client care plans
- Document client status changes, updates, and medication assistance on EMR on a regular basis
- Complete client incident reports as needed
- Work cooperatively and with staff, caregivers, volunteers, and students
- Participate in regular training sessions and staff meetings
- Perform other duties as assigned that are reasonable within the scope of the job

**Scope and Accountability**:
The Recreational counsellor will be accountable to the Manager, while working as part of a client-centered team. He or she will provide day-to-day support and direction to other staff, students, and volunteers and feedback to help develop skills and knowledge.

He or she does not have responsibility for performance reviews or hiring.

**Education and/or Professional Qualifications**:

- Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in Recreation management and/or activation coordinator/gerontology, either attained from a degree or diploma from an accredited university or college program.
- PSW certification preferred and an asset
- Group Program development and evaluation
- Technology skills required
- Current certification in CPR/First Aid
- Current food handler certification or willingness to be trained

**Level of Experience**:

- Three plus years of experience working with seniors in the community, long-term care, or a day program setting
- One or more years of experience in a recreational / activationsit position working with large groups
- Experience/knowledge and understanding of persons living with cognitive disorders and/or dementia would be considered an asset

**Skills and Attributes**:

- Ability to work with seniors, particularly those suffering from dementia
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills
- Good problem solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgment
- Good conflict reso