POSITION SUMMARY
The Recreation Therapy Assistant (RTA), working as part of the Program and Support Services Team under the authority of the PSS Supervisor and the direction of the Recreation Therapist, facilitates and delivers recreation therapy programs while considering the resident’s individual strengths and abilities.
The RTA is responsible for supporting the Recreation Therapist and other adjuvants in the direct provision of recreational therapy programs designed to maintain physical, intellectual and emotional functioning through the use of therapeutic activities, both individual activities and in groups. They will work alongside the therapist(s) and contribute to the continuum of therapeutic services through the implementation of recreation therapy programs, both group focused and individual focused, to support residents living in LTC.
All RTA work must be performed in accordance with the mission, vision, values and philosophy of the County of Simcoe Long Term Care and Senior Services Division.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not listed in order of priority)
1. Report feedback and observations to the Recreation Therapist for inclusion in the resident’s comprehensive assessment.
2. Assist with the development of resident goals and intervention plans for recreational programming.
3. Ensure the resident’s goals and interventions are met through the provision of relevant programming.
4. Communicate feedback about the resident’s participation in programs to the Recreation Therapist.
5. Complete documentation in PCC as required (i.e. progress notes).
6. Complete program attendance tracking in ActivityPro.
7. Navigate the Volgistics Volunteer Program to support the Volunteer program.
8. In collaboration with the RT, the RTA will provide input into the monthly activity calendar.
9. Report observations from programs related to engagement and program success to the Recreation Therapist.
10. Assist organize and lead recreation programs for residents under the direction of the Recreation Therapist.
11. Implement interventions to meet specific needs of a residents considering his/her strengths and abilities.
12. Work with recreation therapist as part of a team that coordinates with volunteers, family, and other team members.
13. Assist residents to become involved in the community.
14. Contribute to the positive experience of students and volunteers.
15. Participate in in-service training and staff development sessions as offered.
16. Comply with provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
17. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
CORPORATE COMPETENCIES
Has knowledge of and demonstrated ability in our corporate competencies:
• Acts with the Customer in Mind
• Ensures Accountability
• Continuously Seeks to Improve Work Processes
• Collaborates
• Communicates with Impact
• Is Resilient
EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION
• Post-Secondary diploma or degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation or related field OR enrolled in a community college or university degree (mentioned above) that will be completed within three years of hire.
• Smart Serve (or willing to obtain).
• Food Handlers Certificate (or willing to obtain).
• GPA preferred.
• Montessori Methods for Dementia Training preferred.
• Strong inter-personal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Word processing and spreadsheets application skills.
• Criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening that is less than six months old at time of hire.
• As a condition of employment, candidates are required to submit documented results of TB testing, as per Public Health requirements.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset (Georgian Village Only).
EXPERIENCE
• Minimum six months in a LTC setting is preferred.
EFFORT
• Physical effort is required in this position, pushing, pulling, and lifting while assisting residents while doing activities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Exposure to infectious diseases, body substances/fluids, frequent physical contact.
• Work schedule to be determined and many include days, evenings and weekends.
