Assistant - Recreation

Position Summary:

The Recreation Assistant supports the Recreation Coordinator in planning, organizing, and delivering therapeutic and social programs designed to enhance the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of residents in the long-term care facility. The Recreation Assistant helps ensure residents experience meaningful engagement and improved quality of life through participation in individualized and group activities.

Key Responsibilities: Program Implementation and Support

• Assist in planning, organizing, and conducting daily recreation and leisure activities that promote residents' independence and well-being.
• Lead or co-lead activities such as music therapy, arts and crafts, exercise programs, games, sensory stimulation, and special events.
• Adapt programs to meet individual residents' cognitive and physical abilities, particularly for those living with dementia or other impairments.
• Encourage and motivate resident participation while maintaining a positive and inclusive environment.

Resident-Centered Care

• Develop supportive and respectful relationships with residents, encouraging social interaction and engagement.
• Provide one-on-one visits for residents who are unable or unwilling to attend group programs.
• Observe and report residents' responses, participation levels, and changes in mood or behavior to the Recreation Coordinator or nursing staff.
• Support residents with mobility and transfers to and from recreation areas as required.

Program Preparation and Maintenance

• Prepare and organize program materials, decorations, and equipment before and after activities.
• Maintain recreation areas, equipment, and supplies in a clean, safe, and organized condition.
• Assist in planning and coordinating facility-wide special events, seasonal celebrations, and outings.
• Assist with documentation, including attendance records and resident progress notes as directed.

Teamwork and Communication

• Collaborate with other departments, including nursing, dietary, and housekeeping, to coordinate programs and resident care.
• Participate in care conferences, staff meetings, and ongoing training related to recreation and resident care.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the facility's policies and procedures at all times.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education in Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, or Health Care Aide training preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and assist residents with mobility as needed.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, reaching, and participation in light physical activities.

Core Competencies:

• Resident-centered approach
• Empathy and patience
• Creativity and adaptability
• Team collaboration
• Professionalism and integrity
• Communication and documentation
• Experience working with seniors in a long-term care or health-care setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and motivational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassionate, patient, and creative in engaging residents with varying needs and abilities.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with documentation systems.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required.
• Valid Class 4 driver's license (if responsible for resident transportation) is an asset.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00-$21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• McLennan, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• recreation aide: 1 year (preferred)

Language:

• English, French and Cree (preferred)

Work Location: In person