Recreation Assistant

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:  
Under the supervision of the Recreation Therapy Manager, the Recreation Assistant works as a member of the Interdisciplinary Care Team and provides Recreation Therapy services in accordance with the standards of practice defined by the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). The Recreation Assistant provides input and assistance to the Recreation Therapy Manager on matters relating to therapeutic recreation programs and activities.

All activities of the Recreation Assistant are consistent with The Salvation Army’s Mission and Values

ACCOUNTABILITIES: 
•    Assist Recreation Therapy Manager/Recreation Therapist to develop, implement and execute approved group and individual programs.
•    Assist Recreation Therapy Manager/Recreation Therapist with compilation and completion of monthly statistics and calendars.
•    Assists Recreation Therapy Manager/Recreation Therapist in implementing and monitoring therapeutic recreation techniques for residents, puts Resident Care Plan in action.
•    Provides input to develop and make needed changes to the resident therapeutic recreation care plan.
•    Complete requisitions for supplies as required by the department
•    Cleans and maintains designated therapy areas and equipment.
•    Records daily attendance and participation of residents and forwards information to the Recreation Therapy Manager/Recreation Therapist.
•    Where applicable, takes responsibility for handling cash related to therapeutic programs.
•    Recreation Assistant will be required to transport residents using Program Vehicle.
•    Assist in the orientation and/or supervision of new staff, practicum students, and volunteers.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Internal:
•    Works closely with residents, staff, volunteers, families, and visitors.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
•    This position reports directly to the Recreation Therapy Manager. 
•    No managerial responsibility, no direct report

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
•    Post-secondary education in Recreation Therapy or experience working in Recreation Therapy with senior populations
•    CPR and Standard First Aid
•    Current Safecheck Food Safe certificate
•    Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
•    Recreation Assistant must have Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:
•    Experience working with individuals with mental health conditions
•    Able to assess residents’ responses and recognize changes in resident health status
•    Has the knowledge and ability to define learning needs in conjunction with the Recreation Therapy Manager on an ongoing basis. 
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office

Skills and Capabilities:
•    Able to organize and complete program planning according to timelines
•    Provides safe and competent care within her/his scope of practice as defined by this position description.
•    Demonstrates appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication and reporting skills.
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
•    Handle stressful situations in a professional manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 
The performance of the job requires a frequent amount of standing, moderate amount of lifting, carrying supplies, walking
 
The incumbent’s work environment is typically at work sites within residential settings, and will require working under the following disagreeable conditions:
 
•    Dealing with angry and abusive people
•    Verbal abuse
•    Exposure to bodily fluids, bodily waste
•    Exposure to drugs, alcohol and solvents
•    Physical attacks by others 
•    Exposure to infectious diseases
•    Sharp objects (i.e. needle sticks, knives and weapons)
•    Other dangerous situations
•    Universal precautions
•    Immunization for Hepatitis B 
•    Vaccination against Tuberculosis
 

This job description/task list will be reviewed by the employee and supervisor on a regular basis.  Amendments can be made at any time at the discretion of the employer.

This is Part-time position 0.6 FTE.

Weekly scheduled hours: 24

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $25.36 to $26.29 with a maximum of $27.22.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.