Recreation Assistant (Community Alzheimer Program)

Recreation Assistant (Community Alzheimer Program)

Job Number: 4646

Job Type: Part-Time Unscheduled*

Vacancy Reason: Net New

Location: 247 Franklin St N - Sunnyside Home

Number of Positions: 1

Division: Community Services

Hours of Work: No guaranteed hours. Shift times vary.

Union: Unifor 1106

Grade: Unifor 1106 Grade 004

Salary Range: $28.64 - $30.08 per hour

• Part-time unscheduled employees will be required to provide availability for fifty-six (56) hours (28x2) per pay period. Availability must be provided for at least two shift variances (i.e. days, afternoons and/or nights). Employees who do not submit minimum availability as per above may be scheduled for up to fifty-six (56) hours per pay period based on operational needs. Part-time unscheduled employees must be available three (3) of six (6) weekends (both Saturday and Sunday) in a scheduling period. Part-time unscheduled employees must be available the Saturday and Sunday of two (2) of the following weekends: Victoria Day weekend, weekend deemed closest to July 1, Civic Holiday weekend, Labour Day Weekend. Part-time unscheduled employees shall be required to be available one of the following: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, or New Years Eve and New Years Day. All employees are required to accept and work the shift wherever the work is available in Seniors’ Services, having regard for continuity of care, no stipulations. Once a shift has been assigned to an employee and posted on the schedule, it is the requirement of the employee to work the shift. If the employee is unable to work the shift the employee must find their own replacement and must receive approval from their Supervisor.

Join the Team at Sunnyside Home

At Sunnyside Home, care is personal.

As the first long-term care home in Waterloo Region certified in The Butterfly Approach , we are recognized for creating a warm, home-like environment where relationships, emotional well-being, and resident choice come first.

Here, you’ll be part of a compassionate and innovative team that is committed to meaningful connections, person-centred care, and making every day matter for residents and families.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, and want to be part of a workplace where kindness, collaboration, and dignity are at the heart of the work, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information about Sunnyside Home and our approach to care, visit: Person Centred Care, Region of Waterloo

About the Region of Waterloo

The Region of Waterloo is a diverse and growing community committed to creating opportunities for current and future generations.

Waterloo Region is part of the Dish With One Spoon wampum, a treaty grounded in sharing, sustainability, and respect:

• Take only what we need
• Leave some for others
• Keep the dish clean

These principles continue to guide our commitment to reconciliation, inclusion, and community well-being.

The Role

Assists Recreation Therapist to implement and monitor programming for Community Alzheimer Program participants.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides direct care and programming for participants in the Community Alzheimer Program. Organizes and implements recreation programs designed for program participants living with dementia.
• Monitors program participants, ensuring their safety and well-being. Works individually with participants to assist with activities and provides assistance (e.g., transferring, toileting, feeding).
• Promotes participation in one-on-one and group settings.
• Documents participant observations in progress notes and at service planning meetings.
• Keeps knowledge and skills current by participating in in-service programs, staff meetings, and seminars.
• Monitors program supplies and purchases same, as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the aging process, specifically the stages, manifestations, and behaviours of dementia; as well planning and implementing activities for persons living with dementia, normally acquired through a Community College Diploma in Recreation or equivalent plus directly related experience implementing social and recreational programs.
• Knowledge of best practices in caring for persons living with dementia (e.g., gentle persuasive approach, U-first, Montessori).
• Knowledge of and ability follow corporate policies, procedures, and standards.
• A tuberculosis (TB) test and annual influenza immunization are required.
• Human relations and communication skills to respond pleasantly and professionally to demands; communicate effectively with staff, participants, and their families; interact with and have a basic understanding of the geriatric population; and participate as an effective member of a therapeutic team.
• Ability to write progress notes on participant behavior, per guidelines. Ability to read articles and communications to keep knowledge current.
• Computer skills using software such as Microsoft Office, electronic health records, and the internet.
• Must provide an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (level 3).
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays as part of a set schedule.
• Ability to travel to locations within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and project the Region’s values.

Region of Waterloo is committed to building a workforce through fair, equitable, and accessible hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve and to promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
• persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please contact View email address on ca.workus.org, or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at phone number View phone number on ca.workus.org.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process: Region of Waterloo may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency during the recruitment process. However, applications will also be reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. AI does not make final hiring decisions.

Candidates who are asked to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) as part of the due diligence process are required to do so in support of our obligations under the Long-Term Care Act and our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for residents. If police services are unable to process a VSC, candidates will then be asked to provide a Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) so that we can complete appropriate due diligence.

Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).