recreation coordinator
*Location:* Kingston, ON *Position Type:* Full-Time *Reports To:* Program Manager
About the Role
The Alzheimer Society is seeking a compassionate, creative, and energetic Recreation Coordinator to develop and facilitate meaningful recreation and social engagement opportunities for people living with dementia and their care partners.
The Recreation Coordinator will lead a variety of therapeutic recreation, wellness, social, and community-based programs that promote inclusion, independence, social connection, and quality of life. Programming will be delivered through group-based activities at The Alzheimer Society of KFL&A, community settings throughout KFL&A, and individualized in-home recreation visits for clients who are unable to attend community programs.
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about person-centred care, enjoys building relationships, and can adapt recreation experiences to meet the diverse interests, abilities, and needs of people living with dementia.
Key Responsibilities: Program Development and Facilitation
- Assess participant interests, strengths, abilities, and needs to develop engaging and meaningful recreation opportunities.
- Plan, coordinate, facilitate, and evaluate dementia-inclusive recreation and social programs.
- Lead therapeutic recreation, wellness, creative arts, cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement programs for people living with dementia and their care partners.
- Ensure programs promote dignity, choice, independence, inclusion, and person-centred care.
- Adapt activities to support participants with varying cognitive, physical, emotional, and social abilities.
- Prepare materials and manage program setup, facilitation, and cleanup.
Community Engagement
- Develop and facilitate recreation opportunities in community settings throughout KFL&A.
- Foster partnerships with community organizations, recreation providers, cultural groups, and local businesses to increase dementia-friendly opportunities and community participation.
- Support public-facing programs and initiatives that promote awareness, inclusion, and social connection for people living with dementia.
In-Home Recreation Support
- Conduct individualized in-home recreation visits for clients who are unable to attend community-based programs.
- Develop personalized recreation plans that support engagement, enjoyment, social connection, and quality of life.
- Collaborate with clients, care partners, and other Alzheimer Society staff to identify meaningful recreation goals and opportunities.
Client Documentation and Program Administration
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records and program documentation.
- Track program participation, outcomes, and client feedback.
- Assist with program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives.
- Participate in team meetings, organizational events, and professional development opportunities.
Volunteer and Student Support
- Assist in the orientation, training, and support of volunteers and student placements involved in recreation programming.
- Foster a positive and collaborative learning environment.
Qualifications and Experience
- Diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Community Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, or a related field.
- Minimum two (2) years of experience facilitating recreation, wellness, or social programs for older adults or individuals with complex needs.
- Experience working with people living with dementia and their care partners is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated understanding of person-centred care and dementia-inclusive programming.
- Experience supporting volunteers, students, or community partners is considered an asset.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong facilitation, group leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to enga