Life Enhancement Assistant

Job Overview  

We are looking for a casual Life Enhancement Assistant to join our team.

The Life Enhancement Assistant (LEA), reporting to the Manager, Life Enhancement, serves Kensington Health’s LTC home (i.e. The Gardens at Kensington Health). This role supports and advances quality of care, safety and the experience of the people we serve. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the LEA will assist with and is responsible for planning and delivering person-centered, recreational programs. This role focuses on supporting the recreational goals and values of the person we serve; design and facilitate a variety of activities that promote overall well-being across multiple domains, including emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual health.

Responsibilities

• Completes life enhancement screening assessments and develop a care plan for those participating in life enhancement activities.

• Plans, develops and implements appropriate life enhancement programs for the residents, including but not limited to group activities, one on one visits, special events and celebrations.

• Documents resident attendance at life enhancement activities.

• Facilitates the involvement of appropriate community recreational resources at the request of the residents, caregivers, and team members.

• Ensures alignment between life enhancement programs and Kensington Health’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.

• Works in collaboration with the care team (e.g. nursing, allied health, behavioral support) to create a monthly life enhancement activity calendar that includes all domains of health (all domains of recreation therapy).

• Attends required training and education related to professional and skill development and keeps informed about new and relevant information related to best practices.

• Attends all required health and safety training; and follows all established safe work procedures.

• Fosters a culture of curiosity, integrity, and empathy to align with the values of Kensington Health.

• Supports the achievement of quality improvement goals and objectives by supporting the implementation of quality and safety initiatives.

• Promotes service excellence through role modeling and fostering relationships with the residents, families, external partners, volunteers and colleagues.

• Participates in committees and engagement forums as required by the organization.

• Supports orientation and learning by precepting students or onboarding new team members when requested.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities:  

• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written English.

• Ability to communicate in any other language is an asset.

• Ability to independently plan and facilitate individual and group recreational programs.

• Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills.

• Ability to adapt activities for various ability levels (e.g., mobility limitations, hearing impairment, visual impairment etc.).

Required Knowledge and Experience:  

• One-year work experience in a long-term care home (preferred).

• Experience working with older adults and people living in Long Term Care.

Required Professional Designation/Certificate:  

• Postsecondary diploma, degree or certificate in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, gerontology or another related field.

• Medical clearance declaring fitness to work.

• Certification in Gentle Persuasive Approaches an asset.

• Certification in Basic Life Support an asset.

Weekday availability is required.

Kensington Health is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from equity seeking groups. Kensington Health is committed to providing reasonable accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in your cover letter.