Rehabilitation Aide

Optima Living; Calgary; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima Living in Calgary, AB is seeking a Rehabilitation Aide to support residents in achieving mobility and functional goals. You will implement individualized plans, monitor progress, and assist with evaluations to promote independence and well-being.

Reporting to the Director of Care and under the physiotherapist's direction, you will work in a person-centered environment, following policies, ensuring safety, and contributing to quality improvement initiatives within a team-driven setting.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized recreation therapy or rehabilitation assistant program.
• Experience as a rehabilitation aide is an asset.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques, exercise programs, mobility support, and safe transfer practices is required.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong written communication and clear documentation abilities.
• Organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage difficult situations with tact and respect.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating rehabilitation and recreation programs.
• Follow physiotherapist directions to support routines, mobility, and therapy activities.
• Observe and document changes in residents’ cognitive and functional abilities.
• Demonstrate rehabilitation techniques and use assistive devices.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, trials and vendor communications.
• Assist with move-in assessments and participate in care conferences.
• Support safety, infection control, and confidentiality policies.
• Fulfill orientation and mandatory education requirements.
• Collaborate with the team and participate in meetings.

Skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Therapy techniques

Communication

Crisis intervention

Problem solving

Education

Rehabilitation/ recreation aide program completion

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

About Optima Living

Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.

Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 6,000 residents.

Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Care but under the direction of the Physiotherapist, the Rehabilitation Aide supports residents in achieving their mobility and functional goals by implementing individualized treatment plans and exercises, monitoring progress, and assisting with ongoing evaluations to promote independence and well-being.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides input on planning, implementing, and evaluating rehabilitation and recreation programs, incorporating routines and reporting feedback to the interdisciplinary team.
• Implements resident rehabilitation programs as directed by the physiotherapist, including activities of daily living, mobility, and therapy activities.
• Observes, documents, and reports changes in resident cognitive and functional abilities to the care team, adjusting treatment following the guidance of the physiotherapist.
• Demonstrates and guides residents, families, and team members in proper rehabilitation techniques, exercises and assistive devices.
• Coordinates equipment repairs, trials and modifications with vendors in consultation with resident and family members.
• Ensures therapy equipment and supplies are cleaned, maintained and updated and provides purchasing input as needed.
• Assists the physiotherapist in conducting move in and routine resident assessments in accordance with organizational policy.
• Supports the physiotherapist during resident care conferences.
• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
• Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
• Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports other team members through their orientation process.
• Respects and upholds the Resident Bill of Rights and the Assisted Living Rights of Residents.
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of a recognized recreation therapy or rehabilitation assistant program.
• Experience as a rehabilitation aide is an asset.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques, exercise programs, mobility support, and safe transfer practices is required.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to present professional documents with clarity.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
• Experienced in crisis intervention.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
• Active CPR and First Aid Certification