Recreation Aide - Part-Time

Position Responsibilities

• Provides on-going contributions to the structuring and development of recreational department goal.
• Welcomes and orientates new residents to the facility. Introduces residents to the recreation program and facilitates introduction into social groups.
• Maintains records of resident participation rate and individual responses to the programs offered. Encourages and supports participation in recreation programs. When necessary, accompanies residents to programs.
• Engages in program planning which is life stage appropriate, highly innovative and reflective of the recommendations of resident feedback mechanisms.
• Considers and applies program adaptations to ensure equal access for all people who would like, and/or would benefit, from the recreation program(s) offered. This may involve extensive collaboration with the Recreation Therapist.
• With minimal-to-moderate Recreation Therapist assistance, the Recreation Coordinator develops, promotes, implements, and evaluates a variety of recreation and leisure programs based on the 7 areas of wellness – physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, environmental, and creative/occupational. The majority of these should be implemented on a cyclical basis.
• Engages in all areas of recreation programming including, but not limited to: set-up, take down, volunteer recruitment, implementation, charting (if appropriate), and participation tracking.
• Collaborates with committees to provide guidance and assistance with resident-led activities.
• Practices safety consciousness with the residents and maintains a reasonably safe environment for the residents. Ensures no undue risk beyond that associated with thoughtful program participation.
• Complies with safety regulations and policies.
• In coordination with the Recreation Therapist, the Recreation Aide identifies and orders appropriate program supplies and equipment.
• Engages in one-to-one visitations, particularly when a resident is unable or unwilling to attend programs.
• Facilitates the provision of information and education on special topics of interest to residents and/or families.
• Facilitates resident orientation by communicating monthly, weekly, and daily schedules through a multitude of mediums which may include the use of calendars, announcements, postings, and whiteboard notifications.
• Reports unsafe conditions within the living and work environment; takes required action to decrease the risk of injury immediately and/or notifies the Wellness Manager of the concern.
• Be accountable for personal education and development; attend relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences. Incumbent will apply learning to the workplace.
• Demonstrates commitment to learning new skills, methods, and ideas: broaden experience through work on projects and committees.

Minimum Educational/Experience Requirements

• Post-secondary education required.
• Diploma/Degree in Recreation studies or adapted Physical Education preferred.
• In lieu of education, extensive work experience with seniors may be considered.
• Experience with seniors and/or people with disabilities required.
• Minimum of 1 year working in the area of recreation/activity programming.
• First Aid and CPR Certificate an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task.
• Exceptional time management skills, ability to prioritize.
• Good judgment and ability to exercise discretion.
• Motivated, creative, and willing to take calculated risks.
• Ability to self-initiate and also work well as a team member.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Compassionate, courteous, and respectful.
• Excellent observational skills and ability to determine urgency or reportable incidents.

Bona-fide Requirements

• A current and clear Criminal Records Check.
• Involves extensive standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 10kg is often required) – dress should reflect this.
• Requires the ability to critically assess the needs and abilities of the residents.

Disclaimer

• This job description indicates representative responsibilities and specifications of the position only and should not be considered to necessarily represent all responsibilities and specifications of the position. The incumbent may perform other duties as assigned, which are not specified in this description. A review and update of this job description will take place at the yearly performance review.