Location: Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners – 1 position for Oxford, 1 position for Elgin with occasional travel to all sites (Elgin, Oxford, Middlesex)
Status: Full-Time, 12-month Contract, 35 hours per week, occasional evening and weekend work required.
About you:
You are an enthusiastic, energetic, and highly organized people person with a passion for working with diverse groups of people, older adults, and those living with dementia or cognitive impairment. You have experience coordinating and facilitating therapeutic recreation programs. You enjoy working with a multi-disciplinary team and utilize your excellent interpersonal skills. You are an enthusiastic, highly organized individual with a demonstrated ability to deliver. You manage your time well and you can problem-solve through challenging situations and unexpected circumstances
Position Summary:
Recreation Programs at the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners are group-based recreation programs for clients living with dementia. Clients participating in recreation are typically in the early to mid-stages of the disease. The programs are designed to provide cognitive stimulation and social interaction for the person living with dementia. Care partners are also welcomed to participate in certain programs, providing the opportunity to build a support network and get in touch with the community and resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Oversee the set-up and clean-up of the of the program; during set-up, welcoming of participants, collaboratively with volunteers, ‘setting the tone’ to demonstrate a safe, stigma free and fun space
• Create engaging and appropriate recreation programming for participants, including proposed modifications for varied ability/mobility levels
• Attend mandatory AIS lite and GPA training sessions and additional training as required
• Maintain inventory of supplies and purchase new supplies as needed
• Complete Therapeutic Recreation Assessment and intake processes for clients
• Plan weekly sessions for clients to participate in, supported by volunteers
o Facilitators will ensure that preparation of program plans, materials, instructions, handouts, etc. are complete before the day of their program, and are encouraged to use the office for any photocopying/printing required
Evaluations and Other Responsibilities:
• Annual quarterly performance review with Manager of Therapeutic Recreation
• Work with program team to continually evaluate group programs by soliciting ongoing feedback from clients in groups as well as asking group participants to complete written questionnaires as appropriate
• Always represent the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners in a professional manner, treating all internal and external clients with respect and dignity and always act in the best interest of the Society
• As an employee of a non-profit organization, you are expected to participate in fund development activities as required
• Other related duties as requested by the supervisor or Director of Programs and Services/CEO
Required Qualifications:
• Valid driver’s license and access to own vehicle
• Therapeutic Recreation Degree and/or Recreation and Leisure Diploma with experience
• A minimum of two years of experience facilitating recreation group programs, comprised of diverse individuals with complex needs
• Experience working with older adults, those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias preferred
• Excellent observation skills and ability to assess behaviour changes over short (a few hours) and extended (over multiple weeks) periods of time
• Demonstrated leadership skills through professional or volunteer activities
• Experience working with volunteers an asset
• Ability to work independently to develop curriculum for the program
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Flexibility and adaptability in relation to program planning and delivery
• Ability to use discretion, and judgment in handling sensitive or confidential information or situations
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification required
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Police Check screening required
Preferred Qualifications:
R/TRO or CTRS desired
Immediate Supervisor:
Manager of Therapeutic Recreation
Indirect Supervisor:
Director of Programs and Services
Working Conditions:
Office Setting / Remote work from home. General office duties, typing, filing, occasional lifting / carrying 25lbs, reaching, bending, walking, sitting, and standing. Freedom of movement throughout the day. Some travel required.
To Apply:
Interested applicants will submit a complete application package including cover letter and resume in .pdf format to: amanda.jahn@alzswp.ca (with the job title listed in the subject line).
All applicants will be screened based on receiving a complete application package and according to the qualifications listed in the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Commitment to Equitable Recruitment:
The Alzheimer Society of Ontario recognizes the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions.
Our values include justice and connection and are the guideposts we use for decision-making of all kinds. We believe that this will guide the organization toward a place of inclusion for all - where equity and access to essential supports and services becomes the reality.
We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA. The Alzheimer Society of Ontario welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+.
Infection Prevention and Control & COVID-19 Considerations:
This position will require consistent wearing of proper PPE and completing education in proper Public Health guidelines surrounding PPE and Covid-19 protocols.
The Society requires that you be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, subject to any accommodation obligations you may have under human rights legislation.
