Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

Organizational Overview:

The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners actively supports care partners and individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We advocate for and provide support services, education, and funding for research for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 

Our Vision:

A world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Our Mission:

To alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia’s and to promote research.

Our Values:

Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

Position title:         Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator  

Location:                

Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners – Elgin and Oxford Sites

Sessions run at both sites each week 

(some periodic travel to Middlesex required).    

Status:                   

Full-Time, permanent, 35 hours per week, occasional evening and weekend work required. 

About you: 

You are an enthusiastic, energetic, and highly organized individual 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 within your direct team as well as within a multi-disciplinary team. You consistently utilize your excellent interpersonal and introspective skills to support a positive and efficient workplace culture. You demonstrate an ability to deliver tasks in a timely and professional manner. You manage your time well and you can problem-solve through challenging situations and unexpected circumstances. You are an active advocate for individuals living with dementia, and the organization’s cause. 

Position Summary:

The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners offers group-based recreation programs for clients living with dementia. Clients participating in recreation are typically in the early to mid-stages of the disease. These programs are designed to support client’s overall wellbeing, using the domains of Therapeutic Recreation through a holistic lens. The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners provides clients and care partners with the foundational knowledge, skills and awareness to support successful Therapeutic Recreation interventions both in programs and at home, 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the set-up and clean-up of the of the program; 
  • during set-up: welcome participants collaboratively with volunteers, ‘setting the tone’ to demonstrate a safe, stigma free, inviting environment; 
• Plan, prepare and implement engaging and appropriate recreation programming for participants, using a person-centered approach; 
  • identifying and utilizing modifications where necessary;
  • identifying skills, or barriers for client’s overall success;
  • using the leisure and well-being model to guide your practice ;
• Completed mandatory education and training such as AIS lite, GPA training sessions and additional training as required;
• Maintain inventory of supplies, purchase new materials to ensure preparedness for program implementation; 
• Maintain client records, ensuring documentation, assessments and client information are accurate and complete;
• Complete administrative tasks related to intake, ongoing attendance and discharge from Therapeutic Recreation programs; 
• Provide in-service training to volunteers to ensure education and skills are supported for a positive experience;
• Active engagement and involvement in team meetings;
• Communicates effectively and professionally with direct team and interdisciplinary team to support an overall circle of care; 

Evaluations and Other Responsibilities: 

• Quarterly performance management meetings with Manager of Therapeutic Recreation;
• As an employee of a non-profit organization, you are expected to participate in fund development activities as required;
• A strong knowledge and understanding of clinical process;
• 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 associated individuals (colleagues, volunteers, internal and external clients and stakeholders) with respect and dignity;
• Always act in the best interest of the Society;
• Other related duties as requested by the Leadership Team; 

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. Travel required.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 environment and client’s functional abilities over short (a few hours) and extended (over multiple weeks) periods of time;
• Demonstrated leadership skills; 
• Experience working with volunteers an asset;
• Ability to work independently to develop curriculum for the program;
• Ability to work well and cohesively in a close 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 driver’s license and access to own vehicle;
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification required;
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Police Check screening required;

Preferred Qualifications:

• R/TRO or CTRS desired
• Dementiability