Program Consultant

Job Description

Reporting to the Director, Recreation and Rehabilitation, this role is responsible for partnering with operational leaders in long-term care (LTC) homes and retirement communities across the Resident Care Division (the "Division") to enhance clinical, psychosocial and operational excellence.

The Programs Consultant will function as a collaborative facilitator and subject matter expert supporting therapeutic recreation, social work, and restorative care/rehabilitation practice. The role focuses on strengthening interprofessional collaboration, optimizing scopes of practice, and improving quality outcomes through education, training and proactive mitigation of safety issues. Additionally, the consultant will support implementation of quality improvement initiatives informed by resident, family and staff experience data, as well as quality and safety indicators. This role will also work in partnership with other corporate departments to support the successful design, implementation and sustainability of operational standards and best practices, and continuous learning opportunities resulting in high quality outcomes and an exceptional resident experience.

This position could be located in Ontario, Manitoba or Alberta.

Key Responsabilities include:

• Design, implement, and evaluate program and service standards aligned with best practices and regulations.
• Support safety incident processes, audits, root cause analyses, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Apply psychosocial and functional approaches to enhance resident dignity and quality of life.
• Develop and deliver standardized education and training that optimizes the scope of practice and roles related to therapeutic recreation, social work, restorative care and rehabilitation.
• Promote continuous quality improvement and share best practices across the Division.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange on psychosocial well-being, engagement, and restorative care.
• Identify and implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident well-being and participation.
• Monitor compliance with quality and safety frameworks, including Accreditation and regulations.
• Provide consultant support for operational decisions impacting resident experience.
• Analyze and share performance results to drive data-informed decision-making.
• Foster a culture of safety, learning, and performance excellence through coaching and mentoring.
• Collaborate with corporate teams to sustain operational standards and best practices

What we're looking for:

• Current registration as a Social Worker, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
• Undergraduate degree in health or social services required; relevant Master's-level education preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work, Restorative Care/Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy in long term care.
• Ability and commitment to regular travel across assigned provinces (i.e., 80% of role is the field); some national travel is required
• Demonstrated experience with restorative care models, functional maintenance, psychosocial interventions, and interdisciplinary practice
• Experience in project coordination and change management in relation to advancing resident-centred, restorative, and psychosocial programming
• Strong data literacy, including analysis of quality, safety, and experience indicators
• Ability to interpret and apply legislative, regulatory, and quality assurance frameworks related to LTC
• Demonstrated passion for resident and family-centred care, culture change, restorative approaches and service excellence

What Extendicare has to offer:

At Extendicare, we believe that working as a team creates an environment that allows us to reach our potential. We value each employee, encourage equal opportunity for growth and recognize achievement. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• Continuous mentorship, support for life-long learning and growth opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement and career growth within the organization
• A rewarding and meaningful work experience where you can enrich your life and the lives of others through your work.
• Employee Family Assistance Program.
• Robust benefits package

Extendicare is a leading provider of care and services for seniors across Canada, operating under the Extendicare, ParaMed, Extendicare Assist, and SGP Purchasing Network brands. We are committed to delivering quality care to meet the needs of a growing seniors' population, inspired by our mission to provide people with the care they need, wherever they call home. We operate a network of long-term care homes (both owned and under management contracts), deliver over 11 million hours of home health care services annually, and provide group purchasing services to third parties representing approximately 150,000 beds across Canada. Extendicare proudly employs nearly 30,000 qualified, highly trained and dedicated team members who are passionate about providing high-quality care and services to help people live better.

Time Type:

Full time

When you choose to build your career with Extendicare, you're joining a team dedicated to making a difference. By focusing our energy on enriching the lives of our residents every day, we transform both the quality of their lives and the quality of our own work experiences.

If you have a passion for caring, turn it into a rewarding career with Extendicare

Extendicare and affiliated organizations including our partner homes in Extendicare Assist, accommodate the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes upon request.