Recreation Assistant

**Our Story**: Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect, and innovation. This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen. **Description of Duties**: Assists the Recreation Therapist in implementing and monitoring leisure activities and programs for the residents of Sunnyside Home. Works collaboratively with the Resident Care Team to provide complementary leisure activities to meet resident goals as identified in the resident's care plan. - Provides direct care and programming for the residents of Sunnyside Home. Organizes and implements leisure activities designed specifically for program participants. - Prepares regular reports on progress and behaviour of participants for the Team Leader, Resident Care or Registered Nurse. Provides input to the Resident Care Team regarding resident needs. - Monitors the leisure activities of residents, ensuring their safety at all times. Works one on one or in groups with residents to assist them with leisure activities, which may involve transferring, toileting, and feeding. - Assists the Recreation Therapist (Resident Care) by participating in special events, such as bus trips, outings, seasonal social events, teas and pub night. - Serves meals/snacks and assists residents with eating during programming. Feeds residents as directed. Cleans residents as required following meals. - Adapts leisure activities/programs provided to the specific needs of residents on a given shift and works collaboratively with the Registered Nurse on duty in making the changes required. - Operates the Home's wheelchair accessible van for specific planned resident programs. - Performs other related duties, as assigned. **Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required**: - Knowledge of the aging process, specifically the stages, manifestations and behaviours of Alzheimer disease; as well as planning and implementing activities for cognitively impaired individuals, normally acquired through the attainment of a Community College Diploma in Recreation, or equivalent, with emphasis on Alzheimer Disease; plus directly related experience in implementing social and recreational programs. - Ability to implement therapeutic programs, and adapt activities to level of functioning of individual participants. - A tuberculosis (TB) test and annual influenza immunization are required. - Human relations and communication skills sufficient to prevent and/or manage challenging behaviours. Ability to exhibit understanding and empathy for the cognitively impaired and their families; to provide a calm, professional demeanor under stressful situations; and to provide support and participate as an effective member of a therapeutic team. - Computer skills using software such as Microsoft Word or Presentations. - A valid class "F" driver's license and acceptable driving record are required in order to transport residents using a Regional van/bus. - Must provide an acceptable Police Records Check in order to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable populations. - Ability to read articles, journals, and memos in order to remain up to date and participate in professional development activities. - Ability to write reports, purchase requisitions, thank you notes, and to document behaviour, both in writing and through the use of a personal computer. - Ability to communicate with cognitively impaired participants, requiring tact and patience and the use of specific communication techniques. Contributes to in-service presentations. - Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization. All staff working in Seniors’ Services are required to wear PPE appropriate to their role and meet all legislated infection control and COVID vaccination requirements. Regular and reliable attendance required for consideration. All terms and conditions of the current Unifor 1106 collective agreement apply. Qualified applicants having seniority in this union local will receive consideration first. Please note that although both full and part-time applicants are welcome to apply, priority will be assigned to applicants as per the existing Collective Agreement language. We thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview. The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our di