POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is responsible for working with palliative clients, and their support network of caregivers, on their journey through exploring and supporting their wellness needs. Wellness programs, including day program, can include social opportunities, cognitive exercises, physical activity, horticulture, crafting, guest speakers, pet visits, outings, music, healthy food and more; grounded in activation and recreation therapy. This position will provide and coordinate Hospice Waterloo Region services and activities that fulfill wellness needs for clients in the community and in the Cook Family Residence.

POSITION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination and facilitation of the ‘Day Away’ program:

• Train and onboard Day Away program volunteers
• Conduct screening and assessments for new clients as needed, in conjunction with the Palliative Care Navigator
• Plan and lead the facilitation of Day Away programs throughout Waterloo Region, following Therapeutic Recreation principles; including coordinating guest speakers, outings, client memorials, special celebrations, etc.
• Coordinate with team members and other staff to schedule meals, transportation, room bookings, etc.
• Maintain client and volunteer files for the program in a timely and appropriate manner
• Coordinate and schedule program volunteers to attend the program and support facilitation

Recreation Therapy in Residence – for clients who are medically stable and would benefit from participation

• Support coordination of activities that bring meaning to clients lives and experience
• Coordinate regularly scheduled recreation programs such as music, pet visits, nails, etc.
• Create and coordinate the ‘Visits in a Bag’ program
• Support client service program requests for clients in residence, together with the Residence Social Worker; such as complementary therapies and legacy activities
• Ensure client notes and stats are entered appropriately and in a timely manner

Other duties:

• Support client programs in various HWR locations
• Participate as member of the HWR Wellness committee
• Attend team rounds, and other  care conferences as needed
• Attend weekly and monthly team meetings as scheduled
• Support client and volunteer events as needed
• Conduct home visits where necessary

RESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL HOSPICE STAFF

• Participate in internal committees as approved
• Contribute to overall operations by embracing change and innovation
• Maintain an awareness of best practices and standards for all HWR activities.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with partners and the wider community
• Demonstrate and encourage a team based professional working environment that empowers staff to be collectively responsible for meeting the HWR mission and vision.
• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in recreational therapy or related field or equivalent experience
• Certificate, diploma or other training in palliative/hospice care
• Experience working with volunteers would be an asset
• Previous community health care experience, and knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of computer software including MS Office and database tools

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent communication skills, which include; courtesy, maturity, tact, discretion, providing detailed explanations, interpretation and diplomacy
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and environment
• Ability to manage time constraints and quality pressures
• Excellent at building repoire and relationships with client/volunteers
• Self-motivated, committed, very organized and sensitive to the needs of participants and clients
• Access to reliable transportation and regular travel within Waterloo Region is a requirement