Recreation Assistant, Recreation Therapy

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Recreation Assistant works in a team-based environment to carry out recreation programs in consultation with the Therapist team. Duties include carrying out individual or group programs and outings, demonstrating techniques of recreation activities, carrying out prescribed adaptations to recreation activities to enable patients to maintain maximum potential for independence as per the instruction of the Therapist team, providing functional direction to volunteers, and reporting relevant observations of patient’s progress/participation to the Therapist(s) or interdisciplinary team, organizing supplies and equipment for designated activities, and maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies. Operates a bus with a passenger seating capacity of 11 to 25 passengers to transport patients to and from community participation activities.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Carries out individual or group activity programs such as arts and crafts, cooking, music, sports, games, gardening, socio-cultural events, both inside and outside the facility in consultation with the Recreation Therapist, by methods such as organizing necessary supplies and equipment, setting up the environment where the activity is to be held, portering patients to and from the program, conducting the program, putting supplies and equipment away after the program.
2. Carries out activity programs by methods such as overseeing/accompanying the patients, demonstrating/teaching the techniques of recreation activities, encouraging participation by all patients, providing personal care support to patients, such as feeding and assisting with toileting needs, during outings if required.
3. Monitors and evaluates patient’s progress through activity programs and reports relevant observations such as emotional well-being and social behaviors by methods such as communicating concerns and/or changes of patient’s condition to the Recreation, Aquatic, and Music Therapist(s), and other health care professionals, as appropriate; provides suggestions for change or modifications to existing programs.
4. Sets up and organizes furnishings and equipment for activity programs by methods such as arranging rooms, providing direction to volunteers, and obtaining appropriate equipment for the activity.
5. Makes appropriate adaptations to recreation activities and equipment as recommended by Recreation, Aquatic, and Music Therapist(s), and other health care professionals, to enable patients to achieve and maintain maximum potential for independence.
6. Maintains inventory of equipment, designated supplies and tools for recreation activities. Identifies missing items and reports malfunctioning equipment and supply needs to designated personnel/department to ensure proper and safe usage of equipment.
7. Prepares patients for activities by methods such as assisting them with appropriate clothing and personal supplies, and checking with other health care providers for potential contradictions to patient’s participation including dietary restrictions, medical conditions and behaviour concerns, to ensure patient’s comfort and safety during activity.
8. Provides functional direction to volunteers during activity programs by methods such as communicating established plan and demonstrating related techniques. Communicates with Volunteer Resources as volunteer needs change.
9. Transports patients on group outings by operating a passenger bus with a seating capacity of 11 to 25 passengers including the driver. Conducts pre-trip inspection of vehicle. Maintains records of distances travelled, gas expenditures and inspections; notifies Clinical Practice Supervisor of any vehicle maintenance needs.
10. Completes required reports by methods such as recording workload statistics in accordance with established procedures for program reporting purposes. Attends program/practice and other related meetings as directed.
11. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
12. Liaises with Recreation, Aquatic and Music Therapist(s) to support student placements.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
Grade 12, completion of a Recreation Therapy Program plus two (2) years' recent, related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid class 4 vehicle license (unrestricted) as required per vehicle(s).
Skills and Abilities
(i) Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
(ii) Ability to deal with others effectively.
(iii) Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
(iv) Ability to teach.
(v) Ability to organize work.
(vi) Ability to operate related equipment.