Recreation Assistant

About Optima Living
Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.
Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 6,000 residents.
Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Recreation Manager, the Recreation Assistant assists in planning and implementing therapeutic programs to meet the social, cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the residents.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self-determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.
Responsibilities
• Contributes to the design and delivery of person-centred recreation programs that reflect all dimensions of wellness.
• Assists in coordinating and implementing recreational initiatives through engaging and purposeful activities.
• Collaborates in developing resident profiles and assessments to establish meaningful short and long-term goals.
• Interviews residents and/or families as necessary to gain information on residents past activities and lifestyles as directed by the Recreation Manager.
• Monitors and evaluates resident progress and makes recommendations on placement of residents in appropriate recreation programs.
• Informs the Recreation Manager of all significant aspects of service planning and resident activities.
• Maintains required documentation practices.
• Maintains accurate progress notes reflecting any significant changes in residents’ condition as applicable.
• Assists with monthly recreation reports as needed.
• Provides one on one support to residents as applicable.
• Reviews resident care plans regularly as applicable.
• Collaborates and assists with newsletters, calendars, activities and events.
• Assists with the setup and takedown of seasonal and special events.
• Maintains recreation equipment and keeps areas clean, tidy and safe reporting any concerns to Recreation Manager.
• Assists residents to and from recreation programs.
• Ensures residents have appropriate clothing and equipment for participation in offsite recreation programs.
• Purchases recreation supplies directed by the Recreation Manager as needed.
• Participates in the supervision of volunteers and students.
• Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
• Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
• Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
• Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
• Supports other team members through their orientation process.
• Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.
Qualifications & Experience
• Completion of a recognized recreation and leisure program is an asset.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in recreation programming or activities.
• Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
• Maintains an active CPR and First Aid certification.
• Maintains an active Food Safe certification.
• Maintains an active Serving It Right certification. Valid Class 4 driver’s license is an asset or willing to obtain.
• Ability to apply creative and adaptable approaches in executing recreation activities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to present professional documents with clarity.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
• Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.
Conditions of employment
• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
• Active CPR and First Aid Certification