Position: Activation Aide
Department: Life Enrichment (Recreation & Programs)
Location: Bethany Lodge
Employment Type: Casual
Vacancy Status: Current vaccancy, Immediate Hiring
Position Summary
The Activation Aide is responsible for supporting the emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, and social well-being of residents by planning, facilitating, and assisting with therapeutic programs that promote engagement and quality of life.
Working within Bethany Christian Living’s resident-centered care philosophy, the Activation Aide contributes to meaningful daily experiences for residents in a 128-bed long-term care home. The role supports individuals living with dementia, disabilities, and complex health conditions through individualized and group-based programming that enhances dignity, independence, and overall well-being.
Qualifications & Experience
- Successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, Kinesiology, or a related field from a recognized college or university, or currently enrolled in such a program.
- Knowledge and understanding of the aging process and person-centered therapeutic programming for adults is an asset.
- Experience in a healthcare setting is preferred; prior experience in long-term care is considered an asset.
- Training in DementiAbility, Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA), and Montessori Methods is an asset. Knowledge of palliative care and experience working with responsive behaviours is preferred.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to take initiative, demonstrate empathy, and work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Competency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required.
- Experience with electronic health records systems (e.g., PointClickCare) and activity documentation tools (e.g., Activity Pro) is preferred.
Key Responsibilities
A) Resident Care
- Plan, implement, and facilitate individual and group therapeutic recreation programs aligned with residents’ strengths, abilities, interests, and needs.
- Assist in planning and delivering special events, seasonal programs, and outings.
- Provide restorative and exercise-based programming to support resident mobility and function.
- Monitor, observe, and document residents’ emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual well-being during programming.
- Encourage and support safe participation in both on-site and off-site programs.
- Promote resident engagement and participation in meaningful activities.
- Complete all required documentation in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Participate in staff meetings, in-services, and training sessions as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
B) Administration
- Adhere to Bethany Lodge’s resident-centered care philosophy and Resident’s Bill of Rights.
- Maintain awareness of all policies, procedures, and updates; compliance is mandatory.
- Provide timely notification of absences in accordance with collective agreement requirements.
- Follow documentation standards in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines and internal policies (including Life Enrichment Department Policy 3.02).
- Act as a resident advocate, ensuring physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs are met safely and respectfully.
- Report any suspected or witnessed abuse immediately as per legal, ethical, and organizational requirements.
C) Communication
- Communicate changes in resident condition or concerns to the nursing team and clinical leadership promptly.
- Maintain ongoing communication with the Program Manager regarding programming, resident participation, supply needs, and operational concerns.
- Seek out necessary information to fulfill responsibilities effectively.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and organizational matters.
D) Safety and Housekeeping
- Follow all Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements and Bethany Lodge safety procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hazard-free work environment.
- Report all injuries and complete required documentation immediately.
- Participate in risk management and accident prevention initiatives.
- Ensure equipment is safe and functional; report concerns promptly.
- Follow Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) protocols, including proper hand hygiene and PPE use.
E) Ongoing Education
- Maintain current knowledge through seminars, workshops, in-services, and professional development activities.
- Complete all mandatory annual education requirements.
- Pursue ongoing credential development and skill enhancement.
- Attend all required training sessions and ensure external education is properly documented.
F) Performance Standards
- Report to assigned shifts on time, adhering to dress code and professional conduct standards.
- Communicate promptly if unable to complete assigned duties.
- Demonstrate commitment to resident-centered care and individual resident needs.
- Maintain zero tolerance for resident abuse; violations will result in immediate suspension pending investigation and may lead to termination.
- Demonstrate professionalism, respect, courtesy, and kindness at all times. Use of inappropriate language, behaviour, or conduct is not tolerated.
Compensation Disclosure
Hourly wage: $21.53 to $23.25
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Disclosure
Bethany Lodge does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants. All applications are reviewed by human hiring personnel.
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Vulnerable Sector Check (including Criminal Background Check) dated within six (6) months or willingness to obtain.
- Proof of TB testing (within the last six months or within 14 days of hire) or chest X-ray (within the last year), as per Public Health requirements.
- Two previous (2) supervisory references.
Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Values
Bethany Christian Living is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, and people of all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Guided by Christian values in all aspects of resident care and organizational culture, we welcome applicants who are willing to uphold and respect these values while delivering compassionate, resident-centered care. Our hiring process is accessible and aligned with Ontario’s Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodation is available upon request.
How to Apply
- Cover letter and resume should not exceed five (5) pages combined.
- Applications must be tailored to demonstrate how the candidate meets the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
- Clearly include the Job Title in the subject line of the application email, if you are emailing.
Send Applications to:
Life Enrichment Manager – [email protected]
Pay: $21.53-$23.25 per hour
Work Location: In person
