Recreation Coordinator

Alzheimer Society; Kingston; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

RRSP matching

Paid vacation

Professional development

Job summary

The Alzheimer Society Kingston branch is seeking a Recreation Coordinator to develop and facilitate meaningful recreation and social engagement for people living with dementia and their care partners. You will lead group activities, community programs, and in-home visits to promote inclusion and quality of life.

This role prioritizes person-centred care, strong relationship building, and adapting programming to diverse needs.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Gerontology, Social Work, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience facilitating recreation, wellness, or social programs for older adults or individuals with complex needs.
• Experience working with people living with dementia and their care partners preferred.
• Understanding of person-centred care and dementia-inclusive programming.

Responsibilities

• Assess participant interests and needs to develop engaging recreation opportunities.
• Plan, coordinate, facilitate, and evaluate dementia-inclusive recreation and social programs.
• Lead recreation, wellness, creative arts, cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement activities.
• Adapt activities to support participants with varying abilities and needs.
• Prepare materials and manage program setup, facilitation, and cleanup.
• Develop and facilitate recreation opportunities in community settings across Kingston and KFL&A.
• Collaborate with clients, care partners, volunteers, and staff to identify meaningful goals and opportunities.
• Maintain accurate client records, track participation and outcomes, and support evaluation.

Skills

Communication

Facilitation

Relationship-building

Time management

Adaptability

Education

Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation

Job description

Recreation Coordinator

Location: Kingston, ON

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Program Manager

About the Role

The Alzheimer Society is seeking a compassionate, creative, and energetic Recreation Coordinator to develop and facilitate meaningful recreation and social engagement opportunities for people living with dementia and their care partners. The Recreation Coordinator will lead a variety of therapeutic recreation, wellness, social, and community-based programs that promote inclusion, independence, social connection, and quality of life. Programming will be delivered through group-based activities at Society locations, community settings throughout KFL&A, and individualized in-home recreation visits for clients who are unable to attend community programs. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about person-centred care, enjoys building relationships, and can adapt recreation experiences to meet the diverse interests, abilities, and needs of people living with dementia.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Facilitation

• Assess participant interests, strengths, abilities, and needs to develop engaging and meaningful recreation opportunities.
• Plan, coordinate, facilitate, and evaluate dementia-inclusive recreation and social programs.
• Lead therapeutic recreation, wellness, creative arts, cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement programs for people living with dementia and their care partners.
• Ensure programs promote dignity, choice, independence, inclusion, and person-centred care.
• Adapt activities to support participants with varying cognitive, physical, emotional, and social abilities.
• Prepare materials and manage program setup, facilitation, and cleanup.

Community Engagement

• Develop and facilitate recreation opportunities in community settings throughout KFL&A.
• Foster partnerships with community organizations, recreation providers, cultural groups, and local businesses to increase dementia-friendly opportunities and community participation.
• Support public-facing programs and initiatives that promote awareness, inclusion, and social connection for people living with dementia.

In-Home Recreation Support

• Conduct individualized in-home recreation visits for clients who are unable to attend community-based programs.
• Develop personalized recreation plans that support engagement, enjoyment, social connection, and quality of life.
• Collaborate with clients, care partners, and other Alzheimer Society staff to identify meaningful recreation goals and opportunities.

Client Documentation and Program Administration

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records and program documentation.
• Track program participation, outcomes, and client feedback.
• Assist with program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in team meetings, organizational events, and professional development opportunities.

Volunteer and Student Support

• Assist in the orientation, training, and support of volunteers and student placements involved in recreation programming.
• Foster a positive and collaborative learning environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Community Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience facilitating recreation, wellness, or social programs for older adults or individuals with complex needs.
• Experience working with people living with dementia and their care partners is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of person-centred care and dementia-inclusive programming.
• Experience supporting volunteers, students, or community partners is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong facilitation, group leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage participants with diverse abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and commitment to client-centred service.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt programming based on participant needs and changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

Travel Requirements

This position is based out of the Kingston office and requires regular travel throughout Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A). Access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver's licence are required. Mileage reimbursement will be provided for approved work-related travel, including in-home visits and community programming.

Physical Requirements

The position requires participation in recreation activities, program setup and takedown, and occasional transportation of program materials. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Extended health care
• Life insurance and disability insurance
• RRSP matching program
• Paid vacation and personal time
• Professional development opportunities
• Meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of people living with dementia and their families

The Alzheimer Society welcomes and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.