Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY:

The Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator is responsible to develop, plan, implement and evaluate the strategic plans, goals and objectives of the therapeutic leisure, recreation and exercise programs and policies specific to client’s physical, nutritional, recreational, therapeutic health and social needs. The program is developed in collaboration with the Manager, staff and volunteers of the Family Respite Centre.

JOB DUTIES:

1. Develop and plan the therapeutic leisure and recreation program. In collaboration with other staff, implement and actively participate in the therapeutic leisure and recreation activities of the program. Evaluate program, adapt and modify activities as identified to support clients in program.

2. Develop and plan a recognized therapeutic exercise program for fragile seniors that improve strengthening and balance. In collaboration with other staff, implement and actively participate in the program, monitor and document each client’s participation and abilities. Evaluate program, adapt and modify activities as identified to support clients in program.

3. Responsible for written strategic plan, goals, objectives and policies for therapeutic recreation program and each activity group.

4. Responsible to develop programs, evaluate existing and new programs and provide feedback, statistics and reports to Manager on meeting therapeutic recreation goals and objectives.

5. Develop and plan advance monthly activity schedules and distribute.

6. Observe and discuss with team, physical changes and/or new social/psychological indicators in clients. Document client participation level in activities in progress notes and care plans.

7. Responsible for and work within own budget by monitoring expenditures. Follow up on anomalies and take action to resolve problems. Purchase goods up to authorized limit and discuss with Manager for other expenses and authorization. Provide input to annual recreation budge submission.

8. Develop research activities to monitor and improve services and systems. Identify and strategize resolution of risk management issues in collaboration with the Manager.

9. Assign duties and supervise staff while allocated to the Adult Day Program during programs and activities; provide feedback to Manager.

10. Identify needs for volunteers in collaboration with other staff. Develop criteria for the recruitment of volunteers for the Family Respite Centre. In collaboration with Manager, Volunteer Program, interview volunteers, provide orientation, assignment of duties, supervise and provide evaluation/feedback of the assigned volunteers during program activities to the Manager, Volunteer Program and Manager, Family Respite Centre.

11. Participate in staff meetings, team care review meetings and family conferences to provide input for relevant activities and adjust program to fit needs of clients.

12. Consult with community groups and health care professionals to identify trends, needs and priority health issues.

13. Assist clients to safely access scheduled transportation when arriving or leaving the Centre according to client needs.

14. Schedule self and staff to lead/participate in program activities to provide the most therapeutic benefit to the client.

15. Assist clients with physical needs and activities of daily living, such as toileting, feeding, dressing, lifts and transfers.

16. Order program supplies and plan activities such as Indoor Take-Out lunches within budget guidelines and in collaboration with Manager. Complete and maintain related documentation.

17. Participate in menu planning and obtaining client feedback for specialty meals such as Chinese Meals on Wheels Program.

18. In collaboration with Manager, assist with organizational functions such as volunteer appreciation, seasonal gatherings and annual general meeting.

19. Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.
• Four years recent related experience working in progressively senior positions.
• Two years recent experience working with a physically and/or mentally frail adult population.
• Current First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Current Food Safe Level 1 certificate.
• Valid Class 4 driver’s license an asset.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities
• Ability to work in a flexible and collaborative manner with the team.
• Demonstrated initiative and innovative approach to problem solving.
• Ability to demonstrate respect for the rights, confidentiality, dignity and self-esteem of those who are elderly, physically disabled or cognitively impaired.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to follow instructions and to work independently.
• Ability to plan, implement and structure work for others.
• Ability to supervise and provide leadership.
• Ability to analyze and do research.
• Ability to develop programs, evaluate and implement changes.
• Ability to word process at 40 wpm.
• Ability to operate and maintain software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.