Columbus Residence is a faith-based nursing home with 76 beds located in South Vancouver. We are called to continue the healing ministry of Jesus and are committed to provide holistic, compassionate care in a multicultural, homelike environment.

Our vision is to be a home alive with hope, joy, meaning and motivation; entrusted to provide compassionate quality care to the community we serve. In carrying out our Mission, we strive to live our values of Spirituality, Justice, Stewardship, Mission Integration and Ethical Reflection.

We are looking for a Recreation Therapist to join our team in the role of Manager of Therapeutic Recreation & Volunteer Services

Reporting to the Director of Care, the Manager of Therapeutic Recreation & Volunteer Services provides both operational and strategic leadership for therapeutic recreation services and leisure programs at Columbus Residence, a 76-bed long-term care home. This working leadership role as Manager of Therapeutic Recreation & Volunteer Services combines direct resident engagement and responsibility for service delivery, supervision of staff, program implementation and oversight, regulatory compliance, and volunteer program management.

As the CTRS-certified Recreation Therapist at Columbus Residence, the Manager ensures the recreation and leisure assessments, resident goal setting, intervention planning, utilization of evidence-informed interventions, implementation delivery, evaluation and documentation of meaningful, person-centered therapeutic recreation programs that enhance residents’ physical, cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural needs/interests and well-being are met in accordance with established goals and policies. Working within an interdisciplinary team, the Manager of Therapeutic Recreation & Volunteer Services supports residents in maintaining meaningful engagement, independence, and quality of life in alignment with our Columbus Residence mission and values.

Responsibilities include oversight volunteers, music therapy, Resident Council, Family Council, hair salon and the management of staff in the department for regular programming, special and fundraising events.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Therapeutic Recreation Leadership

- Develops, implements, controls, and evaluates departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures in a timely manner and ensures that the required standards are met.
- Evaluates and implements clinical assessment tools and therapeutic interventions to assess residents’ abilities and needs and develops care plans accordingly. Completes and monitors the InterRAI LTCF assessment reports as scheduled.
- Participates in interdisciplinary meetings and care conferences by providing clinical therapeutic recreation support to the team.
- Organizes, directs and participates in indoor and outdoor daily therapeutic recreation/leisure programs including entertainment, crafts, exercise and related activities which will encourage residents to maintain optimum level of involvement and independence.
- Provide direct facilitation of group and one-to-one therapeutic recreation programs weekly.
- Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly activity calendars are implemented effectively.




- Conduct resident leisure assessments upon admission and quarterly thereafter.
- Oversee and update individualized therapeutic recreation care plans.
- Conduct regular resident rounds to monitor engagement and identify unmet needs.
- Adapt programming to meet the needs of residents living with dementia, mobility challenges, and complex care requirements.
- Facilitates and provides ongoing guidance to the Resident Council and Family Council.

2. Staff Supervision & Team Leadership

- Coordinates the administration of the Therapeutic Recreation Department, developing organizational systems to reflect the department’s role.
- Hires, orientates, trains, evaluates, and terminates Therapeutic Recreation staff. Provides leadership to these staff, including work assignments, scheduling of hours, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating performance.
- Directly supervise:
- 1 Full-Time Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
- 1 Part time Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
- Casual Therapeutic Recreation Assistants
- Support skill development in dementia care and engagement techniques.
- Foster a collaborative and positive team culture.
- Responsible for general promotion, publicizing of upcoming events and encouraging family, friends and outside agencies to attend.
- Participates as a member of the Operational leadership team by attending meetings and serving on committees as required.
- Maintains relationships with educational institutions and provides instruction to practicum students and completes student assessments for educational institutions.

3. Volunteer Program Management

- Oversees and directs the volunteer program. Establishes, develops partnerships and maintains contact with community groups, schools, local organizations and volunteer groups to promote interest, participation, and support for the program.
- Recruit, screen, onboard, and orient volunteers.
- Manage volunteer schedules and placements aligned with resident needs.
- Provide training, supervision, and recognition of volunteers.
- Maintain required documentation (criminal record checks, confidentiality agreements, hours tracking).
- Plan volunteer appreciation initiatives.

4. Compliance, Documentation & Quality Improvement

- Develops necessary documentation and reporting systems to maintain accurate records and communication for the department.
- Responsible for protection of the residents’ rights of privacy, confidentiality, and Bill of Rights in the proper operation of business.
- Ensure therapeutic recreation documentation meets VCH and provincial standards and organizational policies.
- Audit care plans and progress notes for quality and completeness.
- Maintain compliance with BC long-term care regulations.
- Ensures that departmental operations comply with all required health and safety standards and regulations.




- Maintains the department’s continuous quality improvement programs by tracking performance indicators and staying current with best practices.
- Align practices with professional standards set by the British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association (BCTRA).

5. Budget & Resource Management

- Manage departmental budget within approved parameters.
- Monitor recreation supply inventory and equipment safety.
- Identify cost-effective programming solutions.
- Seek community donations and grant opportunities where appropriate.

6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

- A baccalaureate degree or higher in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy or equivalent academic preparation that meets NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) eligibility requirements.
- The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential issued by NCTRC, or eligibility for certification.
- Current membership in good standing (or eligibility) with the British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association (BCTRA).
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in long-term care, gerontology, or dementia care.
- Demonstrated supervisory or team lead experience.
- Completion of recognized leadership/management courses an asset.
- Class 4 driving license an asset.
- Valid First Aid, Food Safe and Serving it Right certificates
- Preferred experience and knowledge of Point Click Care, InterRAI
- Experience coordinating volunteers is an asset.
- Knowledge of person-centered care, Residents’ Bill of Rights, and dementia-responsive approaches.
- Experience in a unionized environment (e.g. HEU) is considered an asset.

Core Competencies

- Hands-on, visible leadership
- Strong interpersonal and coaching skills
- Excellent organizational and scheduling ability
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills
- Ability to balance frontline work with administrative accountability
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Commitment to dignity, autonomy, and meaningful engagement
- Ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team setting
- Ability to communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing
- Physically able to carry out the duties of the position and ability to operate related equipment
- Demonstrated competency related to the use of computers

Working Conditions

- Majority of time spent on-site in resident care areas.
- Physical ability to facilitate activities and assist residents as required.
- Ability to closely collaborate with care and interdisciplinary teams.
- Occasional evenings/weekends for special events or volunteer coordination.
- Exposure to residents living with complex medical and cognitive conditions.
- May be required to be available for the after hours on-call rotation, in addition to crisis management and emergency situations as required

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $68,000.00-$78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Application question(s):

- Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation?

Work Location: In person

📌 Recreation Therapist - Full Time (Marpole)
🏢 Columbus Residence
📍 Marpole