Recreation Therapist, Adult Day Program - Casual

VON Canada; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Recreation Therapist to join their Adult Day Program team. This role involves onboarding new clients, fostering relationships with participants and caregivers, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Recreation Therapy and experience working with older adults, particularly those with cognitive challenges. You will play a crucial role in developing individualized program plans and guiding staff in delivering engaging activities that promote overall well-being. If you are passionate about enhancing the lives of others and have strong teamwork skills, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Degree in Recreation Therapy required, with experience in gerontology preferred.
• First Aid/CPR certification and strong computer skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of participants while maintaining a clean environment.
• Develop and maintain individual program plans for clients.

Skills

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Time Management

Prioritization

Education

Degree or Diploma in Recreation Therapy

Diploma in Gerontology

First Aid/CPR Certification

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Procura software

Job description

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Casual
Program Name: Adult Day Program
Work Schedule: Days
Union/Bargaining Unit: UNIFOR
On-Call: No
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.

Job Summary:

The Recreation Therapist is responsible for all processes involved in the onboarding of new clients to the Adult Day Program. The Recreation Therapist maintains and supports the team care model approach, consistent with VON mission statement, program operational goals, and individual participant goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Ensures the safety and security of participants and maintains a clean, tidy program environment.
2. Receives referrals in order to initiate Intake process.
3. Builds trusting relationships with clients and caregivers.
4. Develops and maintains individual program plans for clients.
5. Guides and directs front line staff in implementing the planned social and recreational activities as appropriate.
6. In collaboration with the Adult Day Program team, ensures expected outcomes of care are reflected in client care planning through interdisciplinary and client/family collaboration.
7. Organizes and directs staff to provide programs that meet the physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs of the clients and their overall well-being.
8. Acts as a role model for staff by training, orientating and mentoring along with supporting volunteers demonstrating knowledge and expertise as well as ongoing evidence of professional development.
9. Completes required documentation as per program policy set out by the Care & Service manager.
10. Provides assistance with Adult Day Learning (ADL) activity including transfers and incontinence care when required.
11. Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Home and Community Care.

External and Internal Relationships:

1. Collaborates with Manager- Home and Community Care, Home Support & Adult Day Program.
2. Communicates with community partners as it pertains to client care.

Education, Designations and Experience:

1. Degree or Diploma in Recreation Therapy.
2. Additional Diploma in Gerontology and or experience working with older adults, persons with Alzheimer Disease or Dementia an asset.
3. Current First Aid/CPR Certification and Food Handler's required.
4. Certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach and Montessori Methods an asset.
5. Strong computer skills including use of MS Word, Excel and Procura software.
6. Strong assessment and interview skills, knowledge of Inter RAI Assessment Tools.
7. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in planning and implementing a therapeutic program for persons with cognitive and physical challenges.
8. Experience in managing staff and volunteers preferred.

Skill Requirements:

1. Ability to problem solve, multi-task and prioritize.
2. Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
3. Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manage time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team and collaborates across disciplines.

Other:

1. Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance.
2. Willingness to travel regularly during the day to support sites and attend meetings.
3. Current criminal background check will be requested, including a vulnerable sector screen.
4. Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.

Attention Current Employees (Internal Applicants): If you are applying to a unionized position and you are a member of its bargaining unit, please be aware that this posting may remain open beyond the deadline if there are not enough applicants to fill the position(s). If the posting remains open after the initial deadline, VON may close the posting at its discretion or a rolling deadline equivalent to the posting period specified in your Collective Agreement will be deemed, and each successive period will be treated as a separate posting for purposes of comparing seniority between candidates.