SPH2026-13 Life Enrichment Aide - Recreation

Leamington, ON, Canada

Part Time

Mid Level

LIFE ENRICHMENT AIDE - RECREATION

Department: Sun Parlor Home
Location: Leamington, Ontario
Position type: Permanent Part-Time (2) Position
Posting #: SPH2026-13
Opening Date: July 9, 2026
Closing date: July 19, 2026
About Sun Parlor Home

Sun Parlor Home is located on a tranquil 23-acre forested property in Leamington, Ontario, and has proudly provided high-quality, resident-centred long-term care for more than 100 years. Our beautifully landscaped grounds include gardens, courtyards, walking paths, outdoor seating, and a gazebo—designed to support wellness, dignity, and purpose.
As a not-for-profit, municipally owned long-term care home, Sun Parlor Home offers 206 licensed beds in private and semi-private rooms and serves the residents of Essex County with compassion, innovation, and respect. Our mission is “to be an inspirational home for all people within our changing community that is compassionate, innovative, and fosters purpose and dignity.”

Position Summary:

As a member of the Life Enrichment Team, the incumbent will be responsible for the development and provision of therapeutic programs to individuals and/or small groups of residents. The program design and provisions will be based on the identified needs of individual residents. The incumbent will be expected to interact closely with the interdisciplinary team to facilitate continuity of individualized programming.
Members of the Life Enrichment department are required to provide programming in all 5 domains of Recreation. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, the successful candidate will help create meaningful experiences that enhance quality of life, encourage independence, foster social connections, and support resident choice in accordance with the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, applicable regulations, and organizational policies.

What you will Do:

Plan, organize, facilitate, and evaluate therapeutic recreation and leisure programs.
Deliver engaging individual and group activities that support residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Develop programming based on residents' interests, abilities, life experiences, and care plans.
Provide one-to-one visits and emotional support for residents requiring individualized engagement.
Adapt activities to meet the changing needs and abilities of residents.
Collaborate with nursing, physiotherapy, dietary, volunteers, families, and other interdisciplinary team members to support individualized care.
Document resident participation, progress, and program outcomes accurately and in a timely manner.
Assist with special events, celebrations, outings, and seasonal programming.
Promote resident choice, dignity, inclusion, independence, and meaningful engagement.
Maintain a safe environment by following Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), workplace health and safety, and emergency procedures.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and ongoing education.

No two days are the same! Success in this role requires flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm. Your day may include:

Facilitating group recreation programs.
Providing one-to-one emotional support and individualized visits.
Leading physical programs, music, games, crafts, or reminiscence activities.
Supporting special events, outings and celebrations.
Collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team.
Completing documentation and evaluating resident participation.
Adjusting activities to meet residents' changing needs and preferences.

What We Are Looking For:

Education

Completion of a university degree or a two-year community college diploma in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Gerontology, Kinesiology, Activation, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum two (2) years of experience in therapeutic recreation is preferred.
Experience in long-term care, retirement living, hospital, or community-based recreation is considered an asset.
Experience supporting older adults, including those living with dementia and responsive behaviours, is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Knowledge of recreation therapy principles and person-centred care.
Understanding of the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and the Residents' Bill of Rights.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
Strong documentation and observational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems is an asset.
Fluency in spoken and written English.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

Stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, push, and carry recreation equipment throughout the day.
Participate in physically active recreation programs.
Work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.
Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.

What We Are Offering:

$28.06 to 30.85 per hour

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and resident-focused environment where every team member has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. We value teamwork, compassion, innovation, and continuous learning while fostering a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and excellence in care.

The Application Journey

Your journey starts here. Submit your application online at the Career Opportunities section of our website at www.countyofessex.ca by July 7, 2026. If selected, you will be contacted by our HR team to participate in our hiring process.
We believe in a thoughtful and transparent hiring process designed to identify the best candidate for the role while allowing you to learn about us. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Application Submission
Submit your application, including a tailored resume and cover letter, through our online portal by July 7, 2026. Be sure to highlight your experience and your passion for enhancing workplace culture.
2. Initial Screening
Our hiring team will review applications to shortlist candidates whose skills, qualifications, and experience closely match the role’s requirements.
3. Phone Interview
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 15-minute phone interview to discuss their background, interest in the role, and alignment with our organizational culture.
4. Comprehensive Interview Panel
Selected candidates will be invited to a panel interview. The panel will include representatives from Sun Parlor Home, HR, and the organization to ensure a holistic evaluation.
5. Offer and Onboarding
If selected, you’ll receive a formal offer outlining the terms of employment. Upon acceptance, our onboarding team will work with you to ensure a smooth transition, including introductions to your team, access to tools and systems, and a comprehensive overview of your first 90 days.

The County of Essex embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please let us know of any accommodations through [email protected]. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.

Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment opportunities only.

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