CUPE
Job Title: Therapeutic Recreation Assistant- LTC
Status: Temporary Part Time (12 Months)
Department: AJAX LTC RECREATIONAL THERAPY
Program: Long Term Care
8 Hour Shifts, Days, Evenings, and Weekends Schedule (Subject to Change)
Location: Lakeridge Health Ajax, ON - Long Term Care
Wage Schedule: $35.020 - $36.970 per hour
CUPE: 2600001561 (Subsequent)
Lakeridge Health is more than a hospital. It is a health network that includes five hospitals, a long-term care home, a community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites across the Durham Region. Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a place where the best people want to start, grow, and finish their careers in health care. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s inclusive, compassionate, innovative, and joyful. This is Lakeridge Health!
This position is open to all qualified CUPE staff throughout Lakeridge Health commencing 17 June 2026 and closing at 11:59 pm on 22 June 2026.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Manager of Program Supports, the Therapeutic Recreation Assistant will support in the development, delivery, and evaluation of group and individual recreation programs, that are designed to meet the physical, emotional, mental, and social needs and interests of the residents.
Having opened in March 2022, this new home is part of the government's plan to improve long-term care delivery and capacity in Ontario and in the Durham Region. This state-of-the-art long-term care home sets a new bar for seniors' care, with dining and outdoor space on every floor, a large courtyard, onsite diabetes care and other important innovative features.
Just as Lakeridge Health is a beacon in the Durham community, the new long-term care home will be integral to managing and delivering on the needs and expectations of seniors in the Durham community and Ontario.
The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant is responsible for:
- Developing, implementing, and evaluating individual and group recreation programs and activities that meet the residents' needs and interests
- Working in collaboration with the care team to assess the needs, strengths, and abilities of the residents
- Instructing and supporting residents through various programs and activities, including adapting the programming for residents with disabilities or impairments
- Maintaining accurate records and documenting the residents' attendance and participation in recreation programming
- Communicating and promoting the recreation programming to residents, team members, families, volunteers and the community to encourage collaborative participation in programs.
- Observing and communicating changes in the residents' condition/behavior to the care team
- Providing guidance to volunteers and students
- Providing support to other departments, as needed
- Working in current standards of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and all other relevant by-laws, legislation, acts and regulations
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A post-secondary diploma in Recreation and Leisure, Therapeutic Recreation, Kinesiology
- Previous equivalent previous experience providing recreation programming to seniors with various physical and cognitive impairments or limitations
- Eligible for registration or a member in good standing with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario is preferred
- Experience with Geriatrics, Cognitive Support, Palliative Care, and Rehabilitation; and an advanced understanding of dementia and a thorough understanding of the concept of "Responsive Behaviours" and behavioural expression as a form of communication
- A minimum of 1-year of experience working in a Long-Term Care facility is preferred
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to facilitate group programming
- Demonstrated report writing and documentation skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past 6 months
- Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff, patient and environmental safety and participation in regular in-services in this area
At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.
Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact
[email protected] .
At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.
Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact
[email protected] .
Unless specifically stated, all job postings at Lakeridge Health are to fill existing vacancies within our organization. Lakeridge Health may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the recruitment and screening process. A member of our Talent Acquisition team is actively engaged in the Recruitment and Selection process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.
Lakeridge Health thanks all those who apply, however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Hospital and C.U.P.E Local 6364.
Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.
Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.
