Recreation Programmer

Job Description

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.

We are searching for a Recreation Programmer to join our Parkland At The Lakes 1 team based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

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 residents. Additional benefits include:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits plan including an Employee and Family Assistance Program Life, travel, and other insurancesAccess to virtual healthcare 24/7 for FREE through the group health benefit planRRSP program (5% employer matching)Vacation accrual (begins immediately) and travel insurance Free onsite parkingAccess 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 eventsAccess to continuing education and training through Shannex's Centre of ExcellenceOpportunities to be part of sector innovation and continuous improvement initiatives Recognition and Rewards for service excellence and safety

About the Opportunity 

Plans, implements 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. 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 membersDemonstrates respect for the client 's needs and their spiritual, cultural, moral and ethical values, and lifestyle preferencesModifies 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 communityCollaborates with clients and Substitute Decision Makers in developing recreation-related goals and interventionsDocuments client progress evaluations, admission assessments and other reports as required. Maintains accurate client participation records; analyzes data to assist in the development of appropriate programsTransporting residents to events and outings as scheduledAssists 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 educationEnsures client safety by following and applying all standard operational procedures, safe work practices and training providedAdditional duties as assigned

About You

In addition to placing high value on continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability, you bring:

Two-year post-secondary diploma in Recreation/Leisure StudiesProof of current, valid CPR and First Aid certification is requiredBasics Food Safety Training/ Food Handlers CourseClass 4 Driver's License required if clients are being transported by facility vehicleKnowledge of techniques and equipment needed for a variety of recreation programs used in a therapeutic settingKnowledge of human behaviour as related to the recreational needs of the client population. Strong computer literacy skills (including word processing, spreadsheet and database software)Ability to maintain records related to the recreation programs of institutional clients. Ability to read and write the English languageDisplays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficientlyWorks with minimal supervisionDemonstrates responsible behaviour and attention to detail

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.

---