Recreation Programmer

at  Silver Lights Senior Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the Recreation Programmer is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia through engagement in purposeful and meaningful recreational activities. The Recreation Programmer utilizes various techniques and interventions (mainly the DementiAbility Method) to enhance cognitive, emotional, physical, and social abilities of the clients, helping them maintain existing skills and develop new ones. The Recreation Programmer will work to minimize agitation, improve mood, reduce responsive behaviours, enhance social interaction, and promote overall well-being for individuals living with dementia. Their interventions are tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each individual, providing personalized care and support. Ultimately, the goal is to maximize the individual’s overall functioning and quality of life while promoting a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment.

QUALIFICATIONS

A degree in Gerontology, Therapeutic Recreation, or related post-secondary education.
Up-to-date CPR Level C and First Aid, Food Handler’s certificate, DementiAbility (formerly known as Montessori Methods for Dementia), Gentle Persuasive Approach, and a clean Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector.
Silver Lights’ Adult Day Program for Dementia is a DementiAbility Certified facility. Preference will be given to candidates with DementiAbility training and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lift up to 50lbs.
• Be on your feet for up to 7hrs per day.
• Employee is expected to make quick decisions (coming up with meaningful activities on the spot, if needed), problem solve, read or write, and speak publicly.
  Why Work for Silver Lights Senior Services?
  Excellent work environment: At Silver Lights Senior Services, our employee’s well-being is a priority. We provide you with a flexible schedule and match you to clients with similar interests to encourage the bond between you and the client. It is a small, private business led by the owner who is a friendly, fair and approachable leader.
  Be a part of something bigger: As an important member of our team at Silver Lights Senior Services, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of the company and the people we serve. You can be a part of the change for seniors living in our community!
  If you want a supportive and caring boss, flexible work schedule, opportunities for growth and development and the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of our vulnerable seniors, then Silver Lights Senior Services is the place for you!
  Job Type: Full-time
  Pay: $20.00-$24.00 per hour
  Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Language:

• English (preferred)

Work Location: In perso

Recreation Programmer will be the lead staff member of the Adult Day Program and will be responsible for the following:
- Helping to advertise the Adult Day Program in the local community to increase participation (this may include speaking at events during work hours or in the evenings, putting up flyers throughout town, networking with others in the community, etc);
- Planning, facilitating, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs in the Adult Day Program;
- Creating monthly activity calendars and distributing them to clients and their families;
- Creating monthly newsletters and distributing them to clients and their families;
- Decorating the monthly bulletin board at the entrance;
- Booking weekly intergenerational visits with local daycare;
- Create fun and innovative intergenerational programs involving local schools;
- Find a Pet Therapy service that will visit clients at the Day Program;
- Booking special entertainment where possible;
- Planning fun and innovative themed days or parties;
- Creating and updating client care plans monthly as needed;
- Evaluating programs on a bi-monthly basis
- Ensuring program supply shopping list is up to date and completed by the end of each month (give to Day Program Manager);
- Creating an activity binder complete with activity descriptions to have available;
- Maintain a quota of 8-9 clients per day at the Adult Day Program;
- Day Program staff are asked to take your lunch on site for client and staff safety;
- Assist clients with personal care in the washroom as needed;
- Assist other Day Program staff with closing shift duties (cleaning and sanitizing).