THE UNITED COUNTIES OF LEEDS AND GRENVILLE
Maple View Lodge
Invites applications for the position of:
Position: Recreation Aide PPT
Status: Permanent Full-Time
2026 OPSEU Salary Range: $24.29 to $28.95 per hour
Shift Rotation: Days and Weekends 15 hours/week
Location: Maple View Lodge, Athens, Ontario
Union: OPSEU 494 bargaining unit
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to and under the direction of the Resident Services Supervisor, the Recreation Aide implements pre-planned, meaningful recreational programs on site and occasionally off site for residents residing at Maple View Lodge both individually and in group settings with an energetic and compassionate approach. The Recreation Aide is responsible for planning activities with a holistic approach to instill physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social well being within the lives of the residents.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education, Certification & Licenses
- As per the Fixing Long Term Care Act, 2021, “Every Licensee of a long-term care home shall ensure that staff members providing recreational and social activities in the home have a post-secondary diploma, degree or certification in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, gerontology or other related field from an Ontario post-secondary institution.”
- CPR and First Aid Certification required
Experience
- Two (2) years’ experience working in a long term care home or working with the elderly population
- Experience in developing and implementing recreation programming and interventions is considered an asset
- Experience in reporting resident responses, reaction and behavior through written and oral communications.
- Best Practice Champion and/or experience in quality initiatives is considered an asset
Knowledge
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) as well as medical documentation software such as Point Click Care and Welbi or any resident engagement software such as Activity Pro.
- Knowledge of the key domains of Recreation Therapy and the importance of programming activities accordingly to meet all domains as well as resident needs.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to respect the confidentiality of information and exercise tact and diplomacy.
- Team-oriented and skilled in working within a collaborative team environment.
The Recreation Aide is expected to achieve the following competencies:
Teamwork: Is an effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas, opinions and feedback. Collaborates with the entire health care team in providing recreational programming to assist in enhancing resident health and well being (i.e. preventing falls, increasing hydration etc.). Communicates openly, respectfully and professionally with the team and can be counted upon to fulfill any commitments made to others on the team. This is distinctly different from those who withhold ideas, opinions, offer ideas or opinions that rarely add value to team discussions and have established a track record with many unmet commitments.
Analytical and Problem Solving: Takes a proactive approach to anticipating and preventing problems. Possesses an aptitude for timely and creative problem solving. When problems occur; defines the problem, investigates obstacles, gathers relevant information, acts when appropriate or decides whether solving the problem should be a group decision, generates and analyzes alternate solutions, arrives at a workable solution, implements then evaluates the outcome. This differs from those who are not proactive, typically get surprised when problems occur, attempt to solve problems with the wrong people involved, push too quickly for solutions or generate solutions that are not viable.
Communication: Communicates effectively, appropriately and professionally in all interactions with residents, families, visitors and the inter-professional team. Uses good judgement when identifying what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to accomplish the task. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience. Actively listens to co workers expressing concerns regarding resident boredom and or behaviours as a result of stimulus deprivation. Ensures timely reporting concerning a resident’s health or wellbeing following the appropriate chain of command. Regularly handles situations of a confidential nature, within and/or outside the organization. May act as the ‘public face’ of the organization on limited matters relating to the individual’s job functions.
Leadership and Accountability: Articulates a clear vision within the team in supporting residents to pursue their desired interests and hobbies aligned with the corporate values. Models behaviours expected of others and inspires others to undertake challenging tasks and projections in relation to supporting residents within all domains of Recreation Therapy. Works independently and completes all required tasks in a timely manor without having to be reminded to do so. Puts first the priority on the needs of the organization and the needs of residents. This contrasts with the behaviour of individuals who lose sight of approaching deadlines, fail to fully accept ownership for commitments that have been made to others and or makes decisions to spend time in a self serving way which fails to place proper emphasis on organizational and resident needs.
Ability to Handle Difficult Situations: Handles sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner with patience and confidence. Remains clear-headed and focused on inspiring others to do the same. Remains objective in the face of strong emotions. Can acknowledge strong emotions without being unduly influenced by their intensity. This is a contrast to individuals who struggle to stay calm when others are highly emotional, retreat from difficult situations when time is of the essence and are unable to influence others to behave with some level of objectivity.
Public Relations: Maintains a positive and professional image in all interactions within the health care team as well as fellow LTC homes, students, family members, guest speakers, volunteers as well as external health care providers.
KEY POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Programs and facilitates a variety of activities and recreational interventions both inside and outside of the home that meet all domains of Recreation Therapy under the supervision of the Resident Services Supervisor.
- Remains current with modern technology to enhance the resident programming experience and communications, especially in times of isolation and or outbreak.
- Performs required recreational assessments such as; Resident Assessment Instrument Mini-Data Set (RAI-LTCF) coding and new admission assessments as well as care plans to reflect resident involvement in programs, activity goals and interventions to ensure a person centered plan of care. Performs program audits in order to evaluate resident program experiences and modifies and or changes activities to best suit the resident population based on needs and or desires. Modifies and or changes programming in the moment based on resident response and participation. Removes residents from programs should they become unsuitable for a particular program. Performs all required recreational assessments to gauge resident interest and or change in interest on an on going basis.
- Supports Annual Events and or programs required as per FLTCA, 2021 such as the Celebration of Life, Volunteer Appreciation and more in alignment with the homes policies and procedures.
- Works cohesively with the care team and communicates up-coming programs and activities as well as advocates for residents to experience desired programs by remaining flexible and mediating what may appear as potential barriers such as care, medication times and more.
- Implements activity programs in a manner that focuses on the satisfaction of the residents and fully supports their rights.
- Support the auditing of programs and implements modifications based on resident response and needs.
- Provides assistance in the management of program supplies, including sanitation for infection control reasons.
- In conjunction with the Resident Services supervisor, the Recreation Aide actively participates and contributes by providing input into planning the monthly activity calendar based on resident interests, desires, seasonal holidays and themes whilst continuing to stay up to date with current recreation trends amongst the elderly population through education and conferences as well as local community events/happenings.
- Monitors resident interests, needs and progress as well as maintains program and resident records and documentation according to departmental policies.
- Evaluates the home’s recreational programming utilizing an auditing framework which enhances program delivery, goals and outcomes.
- Maintains recreational equipment and props to ensure inventory is adequate as well as safe in order to enhance resident program experience
- Documents/tracks resident attendance and participation in both Point Click Care and Activity Pro.
- Assists and porters residents to all programs safely.
- Sets up all required equipment for programs (i.e. tables, instruments, electronics etc).
- Maintains effective communication and good human relations with residents, families, volunteers and staff in order to keep them informed of current and upcoming recreational events.
- Assists new residents with orientation to Maple View Lodge and to the Recreation Programming as well as completes all required admission assessments.
- Communicates and works cohesively with volunteers whom assist in providing recreational services in the home.
- Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and commits to participate in training programs so as to inform oneself of changing trends in health care.
- Protects own health and health and safety of others by adopting safe work practices, reporting unsafe conditions immediately, and attending all relevant in-services regarding occupational health and safety. Follows all guidelines for employees and employers as legislated under the Ontario Health and Safety Act.
- Maintains a high level of respect of confidentiality for the organization, as per the Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act (FIPPA).
- Other related duties, as requested and required.
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS:
- Performs the responsibilities of the position within the legislative and regulatory standards set out in the applicable Federal and Provincial Legislation; By-Laws and Operational and Human Resource policies and codes of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
- Ensures a high level of respect for confidentiality for both the organization as a whole and staff as per the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, the Personal Health Information Act (PHIPPA), the Ministry of Health and Fixing Long Term Care Act.
- Protects own health and health and safety of others by adopting safe work practices, reporting unsafe conditions immediately, and attending all relevant in-services regarding occupational health and safety. Follows all guidelines for employees and employers as legislated under the Ontario Health and Safety Act.
- Fulfills responsibilities according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System. This includes maintaining a clean, efficient, and safe working environment, recognizing health and safety hazards, reporting incidents, as well as participating in fire safety activities.
- Performs duties on the declaration of an emergency as per the home’s policies.
PHYSICAL SKILLS:
Position requires considerable visual and auditory skills with attention to detail.
- Regular use of office equipment with some coordination and speed required.
- Frequent upper and lower extremity movements when facilitating active programming with residents.
- Frequent standing and walking to support resident programs and or portering residents to programs.
- Occasional sitting for documentation and administrative purposes only.
- Occasional twisting, bending and stooping, crouching/kneeling, and balancing for hands-on resident program needs.
- Occasional lifting when setting up and taking down equipment.
- Occasional fine motor hand movements.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Indoor work in an air-conditioned environment.
- Outside work when facilitating outdoor programming.
- Work involves interruptions to respond to resident demands and or needs.
- Some evening shifts to accommodate required evening programs.
- Work amongst residents with unpredictable behaviours
The foregoing Job Description reflects the general duties necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed to be all the work requirements that may be inherent in this classification.
How to Apply:
Please quote “Requisition# RECRE001455 Recreation Aide PPT and apply with cover letter and resume to the job posting on the Careers section of our website at https://www.leedsgrenville.com/en/government/careers.aspx/ (https://www.leedsgrenville.com/en/government/careers.aspx/) View our Job Opportunities. On /before January 23rd, 2026 at 4 PM
Applicant information is collected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and will only be used for candidate selection.
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is committed to providing a recruitment and selection process that is both inclusive and free from barriers. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available upon request and will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Applicants are required, in advance, to make any accommodation request known to Human Resources by contacting the department at 1-800-770-2170 or by using The Bell Relay System. Human Resources will strive to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation for all applicants during the recruitment and selection process, which will ensure the process is conducted in a fair and equitable manner.
