Recreation Therapist

Key Accountabilities:

Resident Assessment

• Ensures the Therapeutic Recreation Assessments are completed for all Memory Care and Supportive Living residents on intake, annual, or as needed basis
• Contacts families and/or Power of Attorney during the assessment process for clarifications and further information

Recreation and Leisure Awareness

• Educate staff, residents, and family regarding the “7 Dimensions of Wellness” and the benefits of recreation and leisure participation
• Assist with the evaluation of Recreation Programs and Services at all sites
• Research best practices and innovative programs
• Participate in the creation of Program Plans

Care Conferences

• Communicate therapeutic outcomes at family and physician care conferences (it unable to attend pass information onto the Wellness Manager or Team Lead prior to conference)
• Prepare report; including statistics, resident participation records, updated care plan, and expected outcomes
• File updated report in resident chart/binder

Team Leadership and Communication

• The Recreation Therapist will provide leadership to the Recreation Coordinators in the capacity of programming expertise. They will guide and share knowledge when requested
• Care plans will be shared with the Recreation Coordinators to ensure an understanding of program procedures with individual residents
• Attend scheduled team meetings, ability to lead or organize when requested

Recreation Programming

• The Recreation Therapist engages in one-to-one programming, based on resident assessment
• Develops small group therapeutic programming for identified residents and trains the Recreation Coordinator to deliver and meet the outcomes of the resident care plan
• Provides ongoing contributions to the structuring and development of recreation departmental goals
• Maintains records of resident participation within the care plan
• Considers and applies program adaptations to ensure equal access for high acuity residents who would benefit, from the recreation program offered. This may involve extensive collaboration with Wellness Team.
• Assists socially isolated residents with gradual integration into community programs of choice

Volunteers

• Manages the Community Volunteer Program
• Ensures Volunteer Application packages are available
• Develops “Job Descriptions” with the assistance of the Recreation Coordinators

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 dementia and/or disabilities required
• Minimum of 1 year working in the area of recreation/activity programming
• AFLCA Older adult certification an asset
• 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

Other Bona-Fide Occupational Requirements

• A current and clear Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is required for all new site-based employees.
• 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
• Must own and properly register and insure own vehicle

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.