Recreation Aide

Description:

The Salvation Army in Canada, a long-standing organization serving communities for over 130 years, is seeking a Recreation Aide for its Meighen Health Centre located in Toronto, Ontario. The Salvation Army provides a wide range of essential services to individuals and families in need across Canada and Bermuda, upholding its mission of offering hope, dignity, and service to all.

The Recreation Aide will play a key role in providing recreation and therapeutic activities to residents in accordance with their assessed needs and care plans. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will enhance residents’ overall quality of life by planning, implementing, and evaluating leisure and therapeutic programs that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development & Implementation

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate recreation and leisure programs aligned with residents’ care plans and individual interests.

• Organize both on-site and off-site activities, ensuring safety and inclusion of all residents.

• Maintain accurate documentation of activities, participation, and progress in accordance with established policies.

• Monitor and replenish recreation supplies, advising the manager when replacements are needed.

Resident Care & Engagement

• Contribute to individualized care plans by identifying appropriate therapeutic recreation goals.

• Support residents with special needs, including those with dementia or cognitive impairments.

• Provide assistance during mealtimes and other daily routines as part of integrated care delivery.

• Build strong, compassionate relationships with residents and their families to foster trust and engagement.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with nursing staff, volunteers, and other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic resident care.

• Attend interdisciplinary care conferences and actively contribute insights on residents’ recreational needs.

• Seek guidance from the Recreation and Volunteer Coordinator when required.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

• Follow all organizational policies, including health and safety regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

• Maintain a safe and clean environment, adhering to infection control procedures.

• Participate in quality improvement and risk management initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) standards.

Community & Family Relations

• Promote a positive environment for residents, families, and visitors through respectful and courteous communication.

• Strengthen community relationships and support the Health Centre’s mission and values.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or degree in Recreation/Leisure Studies or Therapeutic Recreation from a recognized college or university (as per Ministry regulations).

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a long-term care environment.

• Strong understanding of programming needs for older adults, particularly those with dementia.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and healthcare software such as PointClickCare.

• Familiarity with computerized scheduling systems is an asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): Must be current (within 6 months) and acceptable to The Salvation Army.

• Tuberculosis Test: Proof of testing within the last two years required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Rate: $23.75 to $26.71 (based on experience and internal equity).

• Incremental wage increases as per the collective agreement.

• The Salvation Army provides reasonable accommodations upon request for individuals with disabilities.