Recreation Assistant

Hillel Ltc; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillel Lodge in Ottawa, Ontario seeks a Recreation Assistant (full-time, permanent) to deliver person-centered recreation and leisure programs that address residents' emotional, cognitive, spiritual, psychosocial and cultural needs.

The role operates within a team and independently; schedule is Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm, with occasional evenings and weekends. Relevant tech knowledge and English proficiency are valued.

Qualifications

• Preferred: post-secondary diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Diplomas or degrees in Leisure Studies, Gerontology, or a related field from a recognized college or university will also be considered
• Experience with elderly, geriatric, and vulnerable populations is desirable
• Knowledge of methods used by recreation therapists to gather pertinent leisure information about residents
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English

Responsibilities

• Deliver person-centered recreation and leisure programs of all sizes and formats
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate resident-focused programs
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize resident care
• Maintain positive relationships with residents and families
• Document assessments and calendars; complete Welbi and PointClickCare records
• Develop and implement new programs reflecting changing resident needs
• Set up equipment and lead programs for groups or individuals

Skills

Compassion toward elderly

Interpersonal communication

Leadership

Time management

Excellent English (verbal & written)

Education

Post-secondary diploma/degree in Therapeutic Recreation

Diploma/degree in Leisure Studies or Gerontology

Tools

Welbi

RAI-MDS

PointClickCare

Job description

Join Our Recreation Therapy Team at Hillel Lodge

Are you passionate about bringing joy and meaningful engagement to others? Join our vibrant team at Hillel Lodge as a Recreation Assistant (Full Time, Permanent) and help deliver programs that enrich the lives of our residents through creative, person-centered activities and events.

Posting Date: July 3, 2025
Tentative Start Date: As soon as possible

Position Term: Permanent, full-time

Positions to Fill: 1

Staff Classification: Union, Group A

Schedule Rotation: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, occasional evenings and weekends.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the leadership of the Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor, the Recreation Assistant is responsible for delivering person-centered recreation and leisure programs of all sizes and formats that help ensure the emotional, cognitive, spiritual, psychosocial, and cultural needs of the residents are met and maintained on an individual and group basis. This role is part of a team but also operates independently to deliver programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of resident-focused programs in accordance with care plan goals and the strengths, needs, and preferences of the residents.
• Implement and monitor program goals and care plans to meet resident recreational needs and promote independence and self-esteem.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize resident care.
• Maintain positive working relationships with residents and families.
• Using appropriate observational techniques, conduct and document assessments of residents during program delivery to ensure that program objectives are being met.
• In collaboration with the Recreation Supervisor, develop and implement new, innovative programs to reflect changing residents' needs and/or upon request.
• Encourage and motivate resident participation.
• Direct or lead programs.
• Deliver programs to residents on a one-to-one basis or in groups.
• Set up equipment and supplies for programs.
• Ensure appropriate utilization of all supplies and equipment.
• Maintain recreational equipment and supplies in good working condition.
• Adapt programs (equipment and supplies) to meet the needs of the residents.
• Maintain accurate resident and department records, including attendance, statistics, and assessments.
• Provide input into the development of the monthly recreation calendars.
• Input the monthly calendar on MSTV and update programs as necessary.
• Complete Welbi and PointClickCare documentation.
• Engage in reflective practice to ensure appropriate and thorough programming is taking place.
• Perform other duties as required to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the Home.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred: post-secondary diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Diplomas or degrees in Leisure Studies, Gerontology, or a related field from a recognized college or university will also be considered
• Experience and desire to work with, and demonstrated compassion towards, elderly, geriatric, and vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of the methods used by recreation therapists to gather pertinent leisure information about residents.
• Effective interpersonal communication and strong leadership skills.
• Creative, energetic, and positive team player with an ability to manage time efficiently, be organized, and prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrated good listening skills.
• Computer literate with an understanding of Welbi, RAI-MDS, and PointClickCare.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Constant walking, bending forward, reaching, and movement of arms and wrists during programs and outings.
• Frequent sitting and standing while conducting programs.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of equipment and supplies.
• Occasional carrying of tables and chairs for program setup.
• Rare foot pedal action and writing on a whiteboard during programs.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS

• Developing and adapting programs daily to meet resident needs.
• Coordinating with other departments and running programs in small or large teams.
• Influencing and engaging residents daily.
• Spending time reading and documenting on screens.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Loud or crowded environments during programs.
• Work in areas with natural and artificial lighting.
• Working with moving objects daily.

SENSORY DEMANDS

• Listening and responding to residents and colleagues.
• Being aware of surroundings for safety and security.

ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS

• Conducting four resident programs per shift.
• Programs are run in various spaces within the facility and may require rearranging furniture.
• Equipment and supplies are transported using a rolling cart.