Job Description

Job Posting:

Recreationist - Permanent Full Time (up to 35 hours per 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.

As a Recreationist, under the direction of the Active Living Manager, you will be responsible for assisting with the design, implementation, evaluation, and delivery of the Adult Day Program and/or The Social. You 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 Adult Day Program and/or The Social. You 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 Social and/or the Adult Day Program including planning, organizing, leading program initiatives, intake, 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 Active Living Manager and/or Active Living Coordinator through assisting with program intake 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. Maintain case documentation and service delivery statistical data entry in accordance with direct service policy requirements. Monitor and report serious changes in behavior or health to the designated care partner and to the Active Living 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. 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 Senior Recreation and Activation Programming
Experience:

Minimum 1 year of working experience with seniors with cognitive and physical disabilities, preferably in an Adult Day Program 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. Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office and AlayaCare is an asset.
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. Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills relative to client databases and use of virtual platforms (i.e. Zoom) 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 ADP participants with light personal care, on an infrequent basis. 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 by

July 18, 2025

, by 4pm to:

Hiring Manager

jobs@alzheimerdurham.com

Please include the job title in the subject line.

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

We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes 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 Metis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+ and neurodivergent.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $43,000.00-$50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking RRSP match
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-07-18