RECREATION SERVICES ASSISTANT

Job ID: 55993 
Job Category: Community & Social Services
Division & Section: Seniors Services & Long-Term Care, LTC Regional Services
Work Location: True Davidson Acres and Seven Oaks 
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, 1 Permanent & 2 Temporary (18 month) vacancies
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $33.23-$36.27
Shift Information: Monday to Sunday, 35 hours per week (Days/Evenings/Weekends)
Affiliation: L79 Full-time
Number of Positions Open: 3
Posting Period: 17-Jun-2025 to 2-Jul-2025

The City's Seniors Services and Long-Term Care Division supports Toronto seniors and residents in long-term care homes to have the healthiest, most fulfilling lives possible through exceptional care and services. Vulnerable individuals who reside in the community are supported through adult day programs, supportive housing services, tenancy support and homemakers and nurses services. CareTO is our brand for the culture change we are investing in for the City's 10 directly operated long-term care homes (https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housingshelter/rental-housingtenant-information/finding-housing/long-term-care-homes/careto/ ). The division values Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence which shape our organizational culture, our priorities, and the experiences of all those who live, work, volunteer, and visit.

Major Responsibilities:

• Implements and conducts activation, recreation and social programs i.e. discussion groups, fun and fitness, activities of daily living or special events.
• Explains, demonstrates and assists participants in performing activities.
• Plans programs by gathering information concerning practicality and cost of activities. Attends team meetings, presenting alterations/adaptations in programming and gathering resident information to assist in establishing goals and strategies.
• Documents residents' interests/needs and progress. Maintains documentation regarding assessment, progress, involvement of residents in program, resident activation goals and strategies on individualized care plans
• Attends care conferences and may participate in Home/divisional committees. Coordinates activities by obtaining adequate supplies; distributing, and writing information/flyers; collecting funds.
• Accompanies residents on outings, arranging for transportation tickets/reservations, ensuring dietary needs can be met. Promotes resident safety.
• Liaises with residents, staff, volunteers, family and community agencies in gathering and providing information to support activity programs.
• Directs Youth Trainees, volunteers and students. Evaluates programs and progress of students Supports the interdisciplinary approach (i.e. assist with resident dining as required).

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Post-secondary diploma or degree in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation,gerontology, kinesiology or a related discipline or the approved equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
2. Experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of activation, recreation and social programs in a long-term care setting.
3. Experience in assessing and evaluating resident needs, as well as establishing appropriate goals and strategies.

You must also have:

• Knowledge in applying a variety of therapeutic techniques related to dementia care including Montessori and dementia ability approaches. Knowledge in applying therapeutic modalities of Recreation.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with residents, staff, volunteers and families.
• Ability to work effectively with residents, staff, students, volunteers, family and community agencies.
• Ability to motivate individual residents in order to maximize their participation in meaningful leisure activities.
• Advanced understanding of and ability to apply group dynamic principals. Ability to maintain appropriate documentation on residents' progress, care plans, evaluation tools and audits. Knowledge of and ability to apply a quality improvement approach in the delivery of recreation services.
• Ability to deliver a high level of Customer Service, Fiscal Accountability, Innovation, Results Orientation and Teamwork.
• Ability to work flexible time schedules including evenings and weekends, depending on programming needs of the Home.
• Ability to utilize a variety of software applications such as Microsoft Word and automated systems (i.e. Point Click Care).
• Ability to promote Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.

Please note:

As a condition of employment with the Long-Term Care Homes & Services Division, selected candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Reference Check (PRC) with vulnerable sector screening, tuberculosis screening and proof of immunization in accordance with the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 (O.Reg. 246/22)

A Candidate List will be established and remain in effect for three (3) months after the posted opportunities have been filled. This list will be used to fill current and any additional permanet and temporary vacancies in the posted job that become available within the posted or a different location in the Seniors Services & Long Term Care Division.

Notes 

• All employees are invited to apply for this position. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with Local 79 seniority or aggregate service as of the job posting closing and job offer dates.
• Applicants are required to demonstrate in their resume that their qualifications match those specified in the job posting. Additional information submitted after the job posting closing date will not be accepted.
• Assessment may include an interview, written and/or practical test. Location of assessment to be determined.
• If selected for a temporary position, permanent Local 79 employees will retain their permanent status. At the end of the temporary assignment, Local 79 employees will return to their permanent base job classification.
• If selected for a temporary position, temporary and part-time employees will be reassigned to this temporary position.
• Work location reflects what is known at the time of posting.
• An employee's reporting relationship and/or work location may change due to operational reasons and in accordance with their Collective Agreement.
• Information on preparing for City job competitions is available on the Job Opportunities website.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.