JOB TITLE: Recreation Therapist Manager
DEPARTMENT: CLINICAL
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF CARE
Job Summary:
This position is a 12 month Maternity Coverage posting – Temporary
The Recreation Therapist Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Recreation Services at Tabor Home and Valhaven. Reporting to the Director of Care, this position is responsible for leading and managing recreation therapy programs, ensuring resident engagement and well-being, and fostering positive resident relations through recreational activities. The manager is expected to align their efforts with the vision, mission, philosophy, and goals of Tabor Village, thereby enhancing the overall care experience and improving the quality of life for residents.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Resident Care:
Resident Relations and Recreation Therapy
- Actively participate in weekly interdepartmental meetings to collaborate with teams such as nursing, social work, and administration, ensuring a holistic approach to resident care.
- Support resident documentation requirements, including conducting Resident Assessments/Re-Assessments, Care Planning, MDS Coding, and Progress Notes.
- Based on assessments, create individualized care plans in Point Click Care and design recreation therapy programs to address these needs.
- Lead or co-lead Resident Council meetings to gather resident feedback and concerns.
- Create a monthly calendar of recreational and social activities that reflect residents’ interests, needs, and cultural diversity, ensuring that activities are engaging, inclusive, and suitable for all residents.
- Plan and facilitate a variety of recreational activities, including special events, outings, and entertainment programs. This includes overseeing the purchase of recreational supplies while adhering to budget constraints.
- Lead therapeutic activities that could include physical exercise, arts, crafts, music therapy, or other activities designed to improve mobility, social interaction, or emotional well-being.
- Assess residents’ progress through regular observations and feedback from other healthcare professionals. Update care plans as necessary in Point click care.
Leadership and Recreation Team oversight
- Provide direction for Recreation Services at Tabor Home and Valhaven, ensuring that programs align with organizational goals and enhance resident well-being.
- Supervise and provide guidance to the Activity Coordinator (Valhaven), ensuring that all recreational and social activities are effectively planned, coordinated, and executed.
- Provide orientation, mentorship, training, and support for the recreation staff, including the Activity Coordinator (Valhaven) to promote growth and professional development.
- Participate in the development and execution of operational strategic plans, ensuring that recreation services align with the overall strategic objectives of Tabor Village.
- Regularly assess the effectiveness of recreation programs through resident and staff feedback, evaluations, and audits, ensuring continuous improvement and resident satisfaction.
- Evaluate staff performance, including conducting annual appraisals, recognizing achievements, and implementing progressive discipline when necessary. Foster a supportive and positive work environment.
- Manage the recreation team by conducting regular departmental meetings to ensure smooth communication and coordination among staff.
- Encourage staff to generate new and innovative programming ideas to enhance resident engagement and satisfaction.
- Travel to Valhaven at least once a week to meet with the Recreation Team/Activity Coordinator, ensuring effective leadership, support, and collaboration across locations.
Budget and Financial
- Ensure compliance with the approved budget for the Recreation Department. Manage the staffing budget, making sure resources are allocated efficiently to meet residents’ needs.
- Coordinate the purchase of supplies and equipment needed for recreation programs, ensuring that expenses are in line with the departmental budget.
- Follow the monthly accounting calendar, submitting all required financial information in a timely manner, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure that recreation programs comply with provincial regulations, health and safety standards, and Tabor Village policies and procedures.
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience
- Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management, or a related field, with coursework meeting NCTRC standards.
- Certified Recreation Therapist (CTRS) or eligibility to take the NCTRC certification exam.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership position, or combined experience in therapeutic recreation and program management.
- Knowledge of software like Point Click Care and Activity Pro for managing resident data and care plans is an asset.
- Current Standard First Aid CPR-C certification.
- Food Safe Level 1 certification.
- Active membership with the British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association (BCTRA) or another provincial TR organization.
- Certification in senior-specific or dementia-focused programming is considered an asset.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Caring and empathetic nature, essential for building trust with residents and offering emotional support.
- Ability to think creatively to adapt and design engaging activities tailored to residents’ individual needs.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience in supervising staff, including mentoring and supporting the professional development of team members.
- Legally entitled to work in Canada and able to provide a clear Criminal Record Check.
Working Conditions
- Prepared to work across multiple shifts, including weekends and statutory holidays, to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Situations involving conflict or undesirable interactions
- Physical demands including but not limited to standing, walking, and occasional lifting, pushing and pulling up to 20 pounds