Recreationist

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Recreationist - Permanent, Full-time (35 hours/week)

The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region (ASDR) is a community support service organization that provides programs and services to people living with dementia and their care partners in Durham Region. We work closely with other service providers to ensure quality care and support for our clients to achieve our mission to improve the quality of life of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and their care partners.

We employ administrative and fund development staff, educators, social workers, social service workers, nurses, occupational therapists, recreation staff, and volunteers who work together as a team to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their care partners.

We promote an equitable and inclusive environment that is healthy and discrimination-free and recognizes and respects the personal worth, dignity and diversity of our staff, volunteers, students, and Board members. We respect the values and beliefs of all who gather in our organization.

Our values include collaboration and respect and are the guideposts we use for decision-making of all kinds. We believe that this will guide the organization toward a place of inclusion for all - where equity and access to essential supports and services becomes the reality.

Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Education, Active Living & Wellness (Senior Manager), the Recreationist will be responsible to assist with the design, implementation, evaluation, and delivery of the Active Living Programs, including Adult Day Program, Minds in Motion ® and The Social, as well as additional social and recreational programs as required. The Recreationist will provide hands-on direct client programming, assisting with the creation and monitoring of care plans and performing day-to-day operational tasks within the Active Living Programs. They will also maintain records in the Client Database. The role of Recreationist will also fulfill all expectations outlined in agency Policies and Procedures.

What you will be doing

Service Delivery Responsibilities

• Ensure that programs operate in accordance with regulatory requirements, best practice guidelines, and aligns with the vision, mission, and core values of the organization
• Contribute to the effective day-to-day operation of the Active Living Programs including planning, organizing, leading program initiatives, light cleaning, and other duties.
• Provide volunteers and students with orientation, and ongoing supervision to maximize their involvement in assisting program participants
• Responsible for the creation, implementation and updating of individual client care plans; monitoring client progress as it relates to the care plan and potential discharge/transition and communication with client care partners
• Provide support to Senior Manager and/or Active Living Coordinator through assisting with program initial assessments and regular reassessments as required
• Assist in creating an environment of comfort and security for clients
• Assist in planning and evaluating the program activities to ensure that they remain safe and appropriate to the participants served and conduct continuous quality improvement
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of volunteers and students, including training, supervising, and supporting the delivery of the programs.
• Monitor and report serious changes in behaviour or health to the designated care partner and to the Senior Manager for follow up to the Client Support team
• Participate in data collection, statistical reporting and program evaluation
• Assist participants with activities of daily living, as required
• Escort participants on outings, as required
• Promote and maintain a high standard of customer service that is client and family focused
• Assist with planning and preparing meals and refreshments for participants
• Provide coverage for team within other Active Living Programs as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Administrative\ Organizational Responsibilities

• Maintain case documentation and service delivery statistical data entry in accordance with direct service policy requirements
• Active participation in agency related meetings as required, providing follow up action and involvement as designated
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in a positive team centered approach
• Participation and involvement in key agency annual fundraising events as required
• Represent ASDR on community and provincial committees as assigned

Other duties

• Perform other duties consistent with the job classification, as required.

What you will bring along

Education:

• Post secondary degree/diploma in Gerontology, Activation/Recreation, or a related field
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Recreation and Activation Programming

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of working experience with adults with cognitive concerns, preferably in an Adult Day Program type setting
• Proven skills in therapeutic social and recreation programming
• Experience working with individuals with young onset dementia or rare dementias is considered an asset
• Experience in working with families and care partners of persons living with Dementia or a related neuro-degenerative disease is preferred
• Demonstrated awareness of crisis de-escalation, behaviour management and intervention/adaptation techniques

Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications:

• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience working with persons living with a dementia and their care partners
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification
• Certification in U-First!
• Certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach, Montessori Methods, Crisis Prevention Training an asset
• Ontario Food Handlers Certificate
• Demonstrated skills in communication (oral and written) and teamwork
• Proficiency with client database systems (AlayaCare considered an asset), Microsoft Office, and virtual communication platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Clear vulnerable persons check

Travel Requirements

• Valid Ontario “G” driver’s license with daily access to a vehicle
• Must have insured vehicle and be able to travel throughout Durham Region

Physical Demands

• Expectation that there may be the need to assist program participants with light personal care, on an infrequent basis. Limited to non-weight bearing assistance and verbal queuing.
• Physical activity may be required in various recreation programs. May require standing/sitting for long periods of time. Some heavier objects (such as fitness weights/furniture) may need to be moved or re-organized.

To Apply

Please submit your , no later than June 10, 2026 by 4:00pm to:

Hiring Manager

jobs@alzheimerdurham.com

Applications will be accepted by email only. We thank all those that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The position is for a new vacancy.

To be eligible, you must:

· Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment

· Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region recognizes the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process, in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA.

The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+.

Pay: $46,000.00-$50,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person