Recreation Assistant

**Who we are**: Excelcare Nursing Services Inc. is a BC based, locally owned and operated healthcare management company, providing 24-hour contract nursing care and support services for seniors residential and assisted & independent living care homes for over a decade. Our teams are managed by a group of dedicated leaders who have a strong passion for delivering the highest quality care. We strive to grow individually and as a team to meet the changing needs of the residents and care homes that we serve. - **Our Mission Statement**:_ - "We are committed to providing excellent care and maximizing the health and safety of our seniors. We work together as a team to establish a home-like, caring, and warm atmosphere for our residents by interrelating background experience, interests and diversity. We encourage independence to our residents while respecting their individuality and their choices."_ **Job location**: Coquitlam (Maillardville area) **Employment type**:Full-time 37.50 hours/week **POSITION OVERVIEW**: Reporting to the Recreation Coordinator, the Recreation Assistant is responsible for the delivery of social, recreational and therapeutic programs that support the cognitive stimulation and functional levels within the five domains: cognitive, physical, emotional, spiritual and social. The Recreation Assistant is supportive of achieving program goals for the specialized populations, and within the Social Model of Care utilizing the person-centered approach. **KEY ACTIVITY SUMMARY**: Delivers programs relevant to the needs, abilities, interests and choices of the residents within the specified program area and as identified on the care plan. Ensures programming is appropriate to the needs, interests and functional abilities of a changing resident population. Respects and promotes the dignity and individuality of each resident by recognizing them as whole individuals with unique cultural, spiritual and psychosocial needs; Participates as a member of the program team, makes recommendations related to programming, and reports on resident participation, achievements and level of perceived enjoyment. Supports programming by working with community groups and organizations to secure varied entertainment and coordinate visits to the community at large as directed; Facilitates, encourages and supports resident participation in a variety of activities and therapeutic programs. Adjusts program delivery to the functional level of participants to enhance enjoyment and opportunities for success. Provides leadership and direction to program staff and volunteers involved in the provision of social and recreational services; Conducts resident activity programs including arts and crafts, music, woodworking, cooking, gardening and physical exercise as directed; sets up and organizes supplies and equipment for activity projects; demonstrates the techniques of related activities for residents; oversees resident activities and documents participation observations; Participates in the development and preparation of communications tools such as newsletters, posters, notices and activity schedules designed to provide residents with information related to recreational activities and special events; Supports programming and fundraising efforts by assisting with coordination of all aspects of the volunteer program including volunteer recruitment, orientation and evaluation; and Attends in-service education in order to keep up to date and informed of current trends. Participates in program planning and quality improvement activities that measure performance against program goals and objectives. Performs other related duties assigned by the Recreation Coordinator and/or Program Manager. **EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS** - Recreation Assistant Certificate - Current First Aid and CPR C/AED certification - Food Safe Level 1 and Serving It Right certifications - Empathic and patient when working with seniors; - Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint; able to create visually appealing and informative materials such as activity calendars and event posters, etc. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills; fluent in English with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; - Skilled in the delivery of social/recreational programs that respond to the needs, functional ability, interests and choices of the persons in care; - Demonstrates a genuine interest in and concern for the well-being of the persons in care and committed to the provision of services through a social model of care; committed to maintaining high standards of care; - Solid understanding of the intent and philosophy of the programs; - Demonstrates success working in a team environment and with volunteers; - Able to plan and deliver programs effectively; - Able to work and manage time efficiently and effectively with mínimal supervision; - Physical ability to carry out the duties of this posit