Recreation Therapist, Adult Day Program - Full-time

Victorian Order of Nurses; Ontario; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Recreation Therapist to oversee onboarding for the Adult Day Program. This role involves developing individual program plans, ensuring participant safety, and guiding staff in therapeutic activities. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Recreation Therapy and experience with older adults. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and implementing therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive and physical challenges.
• Current First Aid/CPR Certification and Food Handler’s certification required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of participants and maintain a clean program environment.
• Develop and maintain individual program plans for clients.
• Guide and direct staff in implementing social and recreational activities.

Skills

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Prioritization

Organizational skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Recreation Therapy

Additional Diploma in Gerontology

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Procura software

Job description

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Permanent, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
Program Name: Adult Day Program
Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 75
Work Schedule: Days
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 onboarding new clients to the Adult Day Program. The Recreation Therapist maintains and supports the team care model approach, aligned with the VON mission statement, program operational goals, and individual participant goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Ensure the safety and security of participants and maintain a clean, tidy program environment.
2. Receive referrals to initiate the Intake process.
3. Build trusting relationships with clients and caregivers.
4. Develop and maintain individual program plans for clients.
5. Guide and direct front-line staff in implementing social and recreational activities.
6. Collaborate with the team to ensure care outcomes are reflected in planning through interdisciplinary and family collaboration.
7. Organize and direct staff to provide programs addressing physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs.
8. Act as a role model by training, mentoring staff and volunteers, and supporting professional development.
9. Complete required documentation as per program policy.
10. Assist with ADL activities, including transfers and incontinence care, as needed.
11. Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, Home and Community Care.

External and Internal Relationships:

• Collaborate with the Manager of Home and Community Care, Home Support, and Adult Day Program.
• Communicate with community partners regarding client care.

Education, Designations, and Experience:

• Degree or Diploma in Recreation Therapy.
• Additional Diploma in Gerontology or experience with older adults, Alzheimer’s, or Dementia is an asset.
• Current First Aid/CPR Certification and Food Handler’s certification.
• Certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach and Montessori Methods is an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Procura software.
• Strong assessment and interview skills, knowledge of Inter RAI Assessment Tools.
• Experience in planning and implementing therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive and physical challenges.
• Staff and volunteer management experience is preferred.

Skill Requirements:

• Problem-solving, multitasking, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to foster teamwork and commitment to quality client care.
• Organizational skills to set objectives, manage time and resources, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

Other:

• Must have a personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
• Willingness to travel during the day to support sites and attend meetings.
• Consent to a criminal background check, including vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability to wear PPE.

Physical demands include lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, sitting, standing, and climbing stairs, emphasizing good body mechanics.