Recreation Therapy Assistant (RTA-RV20-003) - Bethany Riverview

BCS Bethany Care Society; Riverview, Bethany; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Bethany Care Society is seeking a Recreation Therapy Assistant to support resident-centered care at Bethany Riverview in Calgary, AB. The role involves delivering therapy-related activities, documenting progress, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to tailor programs to each resident’s goals.

You will assist with mobility, self-care and cognitive activities under therapist direction, while communicating changes and maintaining compassionate, dignity-based care in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent.
• Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One year Recreational experience in a Therapy setting.
• A working knowledge of a variety of Recreational program modalities required.
• Prior related experience with dementia or long term care residents preferred.
• Able to work effectively in a physically and mentally demanding environment.
• Excellent observation, communication and problem solving skills.
• Must be able to operate simple tools to maintain or fix equipment.

Responsibilities

• Promotes service excellence through active participation with the Interdisciplinary Team to achieve and maintain quality resident care within the scope of Recreation Therapy as directed by the Therapist.
• Provides services as indicated by Recreation Therapy assessment and resident goals.
• Informs the Therapist when resident needs alter and assists in implementing change.
• Provides functional support and assistance in the area of mobility, comfort, self-care and intellectual stimulation under the direction of the Therapist.
• Works collaboratively with the resident while maintaining an understanding of the resident’s need to make choices consistent with their own values and preferences.
• Ensures that any change in the resident’s appearance, condition or behavior is immediately reported to the supervisor and nursing staff as appropriate.
• Remains sensitive to using the appropriate method of approach to meet each resident’s emotional and psychological needs, and intervene as appropriate.
• Uses knowledge and flexibility in recognizing the needs of the group and change the program plan to accommodate increased agitation or excess lethargy.
• Accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of resident care interventions and outcomes in alignment with Bethany policies and procedures.
• Documents in healthcare records, including resident centered care plan.
• Documents summary of resident’s progress, involvement in groups, and 1:1 programs as required.
• Communicates resident changes and unusual occurrences as appropriate.
• Contributes to a safe environment for residents, team and self by understanding and adhering to safety guidelines and practices at all times.
• Cares for and actively participates and assists the Interdisciplinary Team to achieve and maintain a responsible atmosphere of resident centered care.
• Assists in the review of therapy programs and actively participates in the implementation and evaluation of new therapy programs and services.
• Contributes to the establishment of short and long term goals for the resident.
• Assists in coordinating and guiding volunteers who participate with therapy programs and orientates them to programs.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent

Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Simple tools

Job description

About The Role

With a passion for care towards residents, families and team members, the Recreation Assistant is accountable for providing opportunities for the residents to realize their maximum potential. The Recreation Assistant provides services responsive to the holistic needs of the residents and promotes choice while maintaining dignity and facilitating independence.

What You Will Do

Resident Centered Care

Promotes service excellence through active participation with the Interdisciplinary Team to achieve and maintain quality resident care within the scope of Recreation Therapy as directed by the Therapist. Promotes and is responsive to the resident’s holistic needs. Provides services as indicated by Recreation Therapy assessment and resident goals. Informs the Therapist when resident needs alter and assists in implementing change. Provides functional support and assistance in the area of mobility, comfort, self-care and intellectual stimulation under the direction of the Therapist. Works collaboratively with the resident while maintaining an understanding of the resident’s need to make choices consistent with their own values and preferences. Ensures that any change in the resident’s appearance, condition or behavior is immediately reported to the supervisor and nursing staff as appropriate. Remains sensitive to using the appropriate method of approach to meet each resident’s emotional and psychological needs, and intervene as appropriate. Uses knowledge and flexibility in recognizing the needs of the group and change the program plan to accommodate increased agitation or excess lethargy.

Documentation

• Accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of resident care interventions and outcomes in alignment with Bethany policies and procedures.
• Documents in healthcare records, including resident centered care plan.
• Documents summary of resident’s progress, involvement in groups, and 1:1 programs as required.
• Communicates resident changes and unusual occurrences as appropriate.

Safety

• Contributes to a safe environment for residents, team and self by understanding and adhering to safety guidelines and practices at all times.

Team Work

• Cares for and actively participates and assists the Interdisciplinary Team to achieve and maintain a responsible atmosphere of resident centered care.
• Assists in the review of therapy programs and actively participates in the implementation and evaluation of new therapy programs and services.
• Contributes to the establishment of short and long term goals for the resident.
• Assists in coordinating and guiding volunteers who participate with therapy programs and orientates them to programs.

What You Bring

• Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent.
• Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One year Recreational experience in an Therapy setting.
• A working knowledge of a variety of Recreational program modalities required.
• Prior related experience with dementia or long term care residents preferred.
• Able to work effectively in a physically and mentally demanding environment.
• Excellent observation, communication and problem solving skills.
• Must be able to operate simple tools to maintain or fix equipment.

Position Information

• Location: Calgary, Alberta
• Site: Bethany Riverview
• Site Address: #200 2915 26 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2B 2W6
• Classification: Recreation Therapy Assistant (RTA-RV20-003) - Bethany Riverview
• FTE: 1.00
• Non-Union/Union: Department/Unit: Therapeutic Services - Riverivew
• Time Type: Full time
• Position Type: Permanent
• Shift & Hours of Work: Days (0815-1630)
• Shift per Cycle: 20 x 7.75 hour shift in a 4 week cycle
• Position Start Date: 2026-10-01
• Position End Date:

Company Culture

Bethany is one of Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit providers of care, housing, and community services for seniors and persons with disabilities. Since 1945, Bethany has provided high-quality, person-centred care focused on the unique physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our residents and tenants. At Bethany, our employees are the backbone that supports our model of quality care. We celebrate a workforce rich in diversity, and our employees are rewarded through meaningful work experiences. Our employees are a part of something bigger than themselves—we are a team of multidisciplinary professionals committed to Creating Caring Communities.

Bethany Care Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Successful candidates will be required to obtain a Criminal Background Check and provide proof of all mandatory immunizations.

Bethany Care Society complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

By forwarding your resume to Bethany you are consenting to the collection and use of your personal information for this job competition.

Your information will be kept strictly confidential.