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Recreation Assistant

About Us:

At McCormick Care Group, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support to our community, with services spanning McCormick Home, McCormick Dementia Services, and McCormick Dementia Research. As an innovative leader in long-term care and dementia services, we focus on enhancing quality of life through compassion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and contributing to the financial stewardship of an organization committed to care excellence, we want you on our team.

Job Overview:

  • 26 hours per week
  • Shift/Hours: 9am – 4pm, 9am – 1pm, 12pm – 7 pm
  • Every other weekend 9am – 4pm
  • Wage: $25.40

Reporting to the Department Manager and as an integral part of the Life Enrichment team, this position has responsibility for:

  • Supporting the planning, implementing, and evaluating programs aimed to enhance the quality of life of the residents; consulting with the Department Manager and Recreation Specialists and needed.
  • Assisting in the delivery of programs that address the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of the residents.

This position has close working relationships with the Leadership Team, Social Workers, all staff, visitors, residents, clients, families, volunteers, students, consultants, visiting professionals, and contractors.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Continually assess each residents abilities and needs using approved methods (including input from families) to establish individual goals on an ongoing basis.
  • Develop and maintain familiarity with resident individualized goals and care plans, delivering a relationship-centred recreation program to all resident.
  • Consult with the Department Manager and Recreation Specialists about outstanding resident needs or unusual occurrence or resident responsive behaviour(s).
  • Respond to individual recreation needs and in consultation Department Manager and Recreation Specialist, adapt programs to residents changing needs.
  • Plan, support the develop of, and implement a variety of recreation opportunities for all residents based on their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs and abilities, consulting with Recreation Specialist as needed.
  • Approach to programming should be structured (based on a plan) but also flexible in order to be able to respond to resident needs as they emerge during programming.
  • Constantly evaluate effectiveness of programs and interventions and adjust to meet resident needs.
  • Following resident’s care plan, engage residents in meaningful activities, individually or in groups, considering their past and present needs / interests and their changing abilities.
  • Work with recreation, nursing, and other McCormick staff to determine the optimal placement of individual residents in programs where the activities are appropriate for the resident’s level of functioning, ensuring the resident is compatible with the peer group.
  • Obtain and maintain contact with all residents through group and individual activities.
  • Ensure safety of residents while in recreation activities both inside and outside McCormick’s property.
  • Involve residents and / or caregivers in the evaluation of service delivery.
  • Assume responsibility for resident care while attending program.
  • Purchase, deliver, operate and maintain program supplies, equipment.
  • Liaise with other units within the Recreation to coordinate the use of equipment, supplies, facilities and resources.
  • Clean up program supplies at end of shift and ensure everything is back in its proper space.
  • Assist residents with personal care needs as necessary.
  • Help plan and implement special events and open houses.
  • Assist with maintaining special events files and utilize existing resources in a creative way.
  • Maintain accurate resident documentation / health records / charts using software / tools provided.
  • Participate in development of departmental policies and procedures.
  • Gather data, maintain statistics, and compile information for reports as required.
  • Responsible for supporting good communication flow within the department utilizing systems in place (i.e. E-mail, Communication Binders, Issues Forms, meetings, etc.).
  • Actively promote McCormick’s Services to residents, families, and in the community as appropriate.
  • Liaise with families / caregivers as necessary.
  • Participate on committees within McCormick and / or community at the discretion of the departmental manager.
  • Provide coverage for other program and services staff during absences.
  • Work cooperatively with and provide direction and guidance to volunteer / students.

Accountability Objective:

The Recreation Assistant has responsibility for ensuring compliance of self with all policies and procedures of the organization as well as any policy or procedure that is specific to this department. This position will also be responsible for ensuring a safe environment for all residents, visitors, and staff at all times, as well as be compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Compliance with the Code of Conduct and theAim, Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles of the McCormick Care Group are critical elements of this position.

The Recreation Assistant is also responsible for maintaining compliance with applicable Act(s) or legislation deemed necessary, including, but not limited to the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and Ontario Regulation 246/22, and CARF Accreditation Standards.

Qualifications:

  • Completion of a University Degree or College Diploma in Recreation, Recreation Therapy or a recreation designated field with eligibility for Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO), Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA), Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS), or Activity Professionals of Ontario (APO).
  • First Aid (preferred), or CPR certification at the Heartsaver level.
  • Completion of Food Handlers Certificate.
  • Completion of General Persuasive Approach (GPA) training – required (offered at McCormick).
  • Completion of Smart Serve Certificate – preferred.
  • Two (2) + years’ work experience with cognitively impaired and / or frail elderly populations providing recreation interventions.
  • Knowledge of symptoms associated with stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
  • Competency in working with residents with responsive behaviours, demonstrating compassionate and person / relationship-centred approach to care, focusing on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of these actions.
  • Skilled in designing and modifying engaging activities that cater to varying interests and abilities, and adjusting to changing moods and behaviours.
  • Works well with others in a multidisciplinary collaborative care setting, maintaining a positive attitude and managing personal emotions in challenging situations.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to connect emotionally, listen actively, and communicate clearly including verbal, non-verbal, written and visual with residents, clients, and colleagues.
  • Capable of following written and verbal instructions, providing clear direction to both colleagues and residents, while maintaining attention to detail and clarity.
  • Proficient in computer skills, including setting up, organizing, and running virtual meetings, effectively communicating on digital platforms, completing reports, and quickly learning new technologies.
  • Capable of meeting physical demands of the job.

Why Join Us?

  • Opportunity to work within a respected organization in long-term care and dementia services.
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Competitive wages.
  • Job Types: Part-time, permanent

How to Apply:

To apply, please send your resume to recruitment@mccormickcare.ca

McCormick Care Group is committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and potential employees, and a discrimination and harassment free workplace. McCormick Care Group is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, please let us know.