Recreation Manager

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 General Manager, the Recreation Manager leads the planning and delivery of recreation programs that support resident wellness, engagement, and quality of life. This role develops diverse programming based on resident interests and functional needs and fosters a supportive and engaging environment that promotes social interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation.
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
Leadership and Team Oversight
• Provides leadership, support, guidance and mentorship to the recreation team.
• Provides oversight and direction to the recreation team through coordination of work routines to meet the daily needs of residents.
• Conducts and attends team meetings; serves on committees as applicable.
• Ensures team members comply with all relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Creates a safe, pleasant, creative and inclusive recreational environment.
Core Deliverables
• Develops and evaluates diverse programs within the seven dimensions of wellness (i.e., social, physical, intellectual, emotional, vocational, environmental and spiritual needs).
• Oversees the implementation of recreation programming to meet the community needs.
• Maintains resident profiles, assessments as applicable, and attendance records in Welbi platform.
• Utilizes Welbi insight reports to inform and modify programming to reflect resident interests. Coordinates all aspects of the volunteer program.
• Develops and maintains communication tools such as newsletters, posters, notices and calendars.
• Participates in resident Care Conferences as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Coordinates and/or assists with Resident and/or Family Council as requested.
• Utilizes external community resources to assist in providing recreation opportunities where appropriate.
• Plans evening and weekend programs and activities as required.
• Operates company vehicle safely and in compliance with traffic laws, organizational policies, and licensing requirements inclusive of pre/post vehicle inspections if applicable.
Optima Community Engagement
• Ensures communication with residents, families and team members is managed effectively, with empathy and responsiveness.
• Collaborates with other team leads within the community to ensure that goals and planned changes are monitored and reviewed.
• Collaborates with the Sales/Marketing team to organize events that support the marketing plan and promote community activities.
• Ensures a high level of resident engagement.
• Solicits regular resident and family feedback from surveys and other means.
Budget and Financial
• Participates in the operational, budgetary, and capital planning processes.
• Forecasts budget requirements as well as monitors and approves expenditures.
Quality Assurance
• Performs and evaluates organizational audits and key performance indicators and shares the results for quality improvements.
• Investigates and documents incidents and complaints, ensuring prompt corrective actions.
• Manages risks, communicates problems and finds solutions for quality improvements and risk mitigations.
• Reviews external quality and inspection reports in collaboration with the General Manager.
• Maintains accurate records by ensuring necessary documentation and reporting systems are in place.
Operational and Administrative Systems
• Liaises with agencies and senior-focused organizations to coordinate services and organize special events and outings.
• Determines and maintains appropriate staffing levels (as per CBA if applicable) and interviews and hires qualified personnel in consultation with the General Manager.
• Oversees the onboarding and orientation of the team.
• Manages performance evaluations and improvement strategies.
• Ensures team members participation in the annual continuing education program.
• Resolves conflicts and takes appropriate corrective action as needed.
• Supports the Community Relations Coordinator in providing tours of the community as needed.
General
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.
Qualifications & Experience
• Graduate from a recognized Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation & Leisure Studies, Gerontology, Health Sciences program or diploma or degree in health and wellness activities Or two years of relevant experience in a seniors’ home
• Minimum of one (1) year leadership experience in a residential care or mental health environment is required.
• Maintains a valid Class 4 driver’s license or be willing to obtain.
• Active or eligible registration and professional membership with ATRA
• Knowledge of Labour and Employment Standards, including union and collective agreements, is an asset.
• Demonstrates understanding and appreciation of residents’ backgrounds and needs through a creative and engaging approach.
• Energetic and supportive leader who drives team engagement and morale while consistently leading by example.
• Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage priorities effectively.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to present professional documents with clarity.
• Experienced in crisis intervention.
• 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 legislations.
• Ability to operate all equipment safely following approved practices and protocols.
• Computer literacy skills required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts including weekends and evenings.
Conditions of employment
• Clear Police Information Check
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
• Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
• Proof of Class 4 driver’s license (or be willing to obtain) with clean driver's abstract