Recreation Programmer

If you take pride in being compassionate, honest, professional, and safe, consider an exciting and rewarding career at Shannex. Our communities offer more than a place to work – they welcome and celebrate Great People who inspire meaningful connections while Leading the Way to Better Living.

With the anticipation of opening a new building in March 2026, we are searching for a Recreation Programmer to join our Shannex Transitional Health Services Limited team providing transitional care services at West Bedford Transitional Health in West Bedford, Nova Scotia.

Through an innovative partnership with Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Shannex proudly operates the province's first transitional health facility in West Bedford. This facility provides specialized care for NSH patients in the central zone who no longer require hospital care but need additional support and services before safely returning home or to their community.

Meaningful Benefits

You will be surrounded by supportive and talented team members who make our communities great places to live, work and visit. As an established and respected organization in the healthcare sector, Shannex offers opportunities for growth, development and advancement. And at the end of every day, you will know you've made a measured difference in the lives of our patients. Additional benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits plan, including an Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Life, travel, and other insurances
• Access to virtual healthcare 24/7 for FREE through the group health benefit plan
• RRSP program (5% employer matching)
• Vacation accrual (begins immediately) and travel insurance
• Free onsite parking
• Access to thousands of perks vendors and discounts through our WorkPerks program, including excellent discounts for apparel, restaurants, technology, fitness, travel, and tickets to some of your favorite sports and entertainment events
• Access to continuing education and training through Shannex's Centre of Excellence
• Opportunities to be part of sector innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Recognition and Rewards for service excellence and safety

About the Opportunity

• Part of the allied health team, working in collaboration with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Recreation Therapists, Recreation Programmers, Social Workers, Dietitians, nursing team, care team, and Nurse Practitioners, to support patients' functional goals for discharge.
• Plans, implements, delivers, and evaluates internal recreation and evaluates internal and external recreation programs focusing on physical, social, cultural, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of the clients. 
• Conducts recreation programs in a variety of settings, such as large groups, small groups and one-to-one. 
• Administers and assists patients with therapeutic intervention programs as developed by the Recreation Therapist.
• Collaborates with client and family to meet their program expectations and needs. 
• Demonstrates effective communication strategies and skills when relating to clients, family, and team members. 
• Demonstrates respect for the client 's needs and their spiritual, cultural, moral and ethical values, and lifestyle preferences. 
• Modifies service delivery to support the changing health status or responsive behaviours of the clients. 
• Demonstrates a rapport with clients and families that reflects an understanding of the importance of respecting client's choices, privacy, promoting independence and the right to refuse services. 
• Prepares rooms and equipment for recreation programs; lays out material for clients' use; cleans up recreation areas; maintains proper care and level of supplies and equipment. 
• Motivates and facilitates client participation in recreation programs and client involvement with the community. 
• Collaborates with clients and Substitute Decision Makers in developing recreation-related goals and interventions. 
• Documents client progress evaluations, admission assessments and other reports as required. 
• Maintains accurate client participation records; analyzes data to assist in the development of appropriate programs. 
• Transporting patients to events and outings as scheduled. 
• Assists in the training, education, supervision, and evaluation of volunteers and student placements. 
• Promotes a safety culture by continuously working safely including but not limited to identifying and reporting hazards, following safe work practices and procedures, wearing personal protective equipment, supporting others to work safely and completing safety education. 
• Additional duties as assigned

About You

• Two-year post-secondary diploma in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Proof of valid CPR and First Aid certification is required. 
• Basics Food Safety Training/ Food Handlers Course. 
• Class 4 Driver's License is required if clients are being transported by facility vehicle. 
• Previous experience working in acute care or with seniors is considered an asset.  
• Ability to meet or exceed service needs and expectations and to provide excellent service in a direct and indirect manner
• Having the knowledge and ability to use computers and information technology to improve efficiency.
• Ability to provide a clear criminal record and vulnerable sector check upon hire

About Us

Shannex is a family-owned organization with a vision of Better Living for every stage of life. Since 1988, Shannex has grown from a single nursing home in Cape Breton to a trusted partner across healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle sectors. With locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, Shannex continues to build communities designed for connection, wellbeing and longevity. Shannex-owned brands include Allbright Life, Parkland Retirement Living & Lifestyle Residences, Parkland at Home, Faubourg du Mascaret, and Shannex Enhanced Care. Shannex also provides Transitional Health Services, in partnership with Nova Scotia Health. For more information, visit

If you're ready to join the Shannex team of Great People, apply today

Great People is a core value at Shannex based on the belief that our team members are the spirit and foundation of the organization.  Shannex believes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging is about creating a culture that embraces the uniqueness of individuals, where every person is treated fairly and where racism and discrimination are not tolerated. At Shannex, every team member belongs.

All applications are kept in strict confidentiality.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.