Recreation Restorative Aide

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent casual Recreation/Restorative Aide at Riverview Gardens Long-Term Care Home.

Job description

The Recreation/Restorative Aide assists with the assessment, programming, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic recreation, leisure and restorative needs within an interdisciplinary team for resident care.

Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
• Work with individual residents to carry out specific exercise or independence restorative training under the guidance of a registered staff member or professional therapist
• Prepare or assist with the preparation of monthly activation calendars and ensure all programs are meaningful and planned to meet the interests, abilities, needs and lifestyle preferences of the residents including intellectual, cognitive, social, spiritual, and physical
• Prepare descriptions and Program Protocols for resident programs
• Prepare and plan for programs including resources and supplies required
• Mentor students from local education institutions while on placement
• Encourage and motivate residents to participate in activities; provide meaningful opportunities based on choice, preferences and interests
• Participate in multidisciplinary conferences as required
• Administer Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation Assessments to determine interventions for quality care
• Interact with volunteers and community resources; effectively utilize their contributions to enhance residents' lives
• Demonstrate leadership abilities and supervise volunteers during programming
• Complete documentation (initial assessments, progress notes, care plans, quarterly reviews, care conferences, RAI coding, RAPS and Resident Triggers), entering into computerized charting system
• Track and maintain resident participation/attendance records
• Complete feedback/audits on resident programs ensuring desired outcomes are achieved
• Participate in audits and on workplace quality committees as assigned

Essential qualifications

• Possess a secondary school graduation diploma or equivalent education (i.e. GED certificate)

• The successful applicant will possess:

• College diploma or university degree in recreation therapy or therapeutic recreation, recreation and leisure studies, kinesiology, or other related field; or;

• Is enrolled in a community college or university in a diploma or degree program in such a field

Note : The Ministry of Long-Term Care requires that a long-term care home shall cease to employ as a recreational and social activities staff member, a person who was required to be enrolled in a program described under (b) above if the person ceases to be enrolled in the program, or fails to successfully complete the program, within three years of being hired.

• At least one year experience in an activation department in a health care setting
• Strong ability to work independently and with other staff implementing home-wide activities, special events, in-neighbourhood programming, small group focus programs, 1:1 programs and programs geared towards current age and population of residents
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Basic computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Other qualifications

• Gentle Persuasive Approach training an asset
• Gerontology specialty courses would be an asset
• Several years' experience working with clients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and/or dementia would be an asset

Certifications, memberships, licenses

• Current Safe Food Handling Certificate required within six (6) months of hire
• Restorative Care Education Certificate Training (RCET through Centre of Activity and Ageing or equivalent) or be enrolled in such a Restorative Care program required
• TRO (Therapeutic Recreation Ontario) Registered member or Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) member an asset
• Smart Serve Certification an asset

Work environment/hours of work

• This position works mostly indoors
• This position works weekday hours, with afternoon, evening and weekend hours
• Casual positions must be able to accept, on short notice, call-in hours for days, afternoons, and weekends, which may include four hour shifts and statutory holidays
• There are no guaranteed hours for this position, however you must be available for a minimum of 22.5 hours up to full-time hours
• This position works 3 of 4 weekends a month

COVID-19 Vaccination

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent no longer requires a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. Although it is not mandatory to be vaccinated, it is highly encouraged.

Background check requirements

This position works with vulnerable residents in a position of trust and authority, on a sustained and regular basis, in a largely unsupervised capacity. A Vulnerable Sector Screen is required (Fixing Long-Term Care Act section 252 O. Reg.