The Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge has received funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program for two summer student positions at our long-term care home. These are full-time roles, 35 hours per week for 8 weeks.
Position Summary
As a Summer Student Recreation Assistant, you’ll join a dynamic, caring team delivering engaging recreation and leisure programs for long-term care residents. This hands-on role supports residents’ emotional, social, physical, and cognitive well-being through meaningful activities — from games and crafts to music and cultural celebrations.
This is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing studies in therapeutic recreation, gerontology, health sciences, social work, or related fields to gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting.
Position Information
Job Title: Summer Student – Recreation Assistant
Department: Social Work, Programs and Support Services
Reports To: Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor
Employment Type: Full-Time (35 hours/week for 8 weeks)
Start Dates: One position begins June 2025; the second begins July, 2025
Location: Hillel Lodge, Ottawa, ON (Onsite)
Key Responsibilities
Program Support
- Assist in planning, delivering, and leading individual and group recreation programs
- Set up and clean up activity spaces, ensuring safety and organization
- Maintain recreation equipment and supplies in good condition
- Provide input on new program ideas and contribute to monthly recreation calendars
- Build and maintain positive relationships with residents and their families
- Encourage and motivate resident participation in a variety of activities
- Adapt activities and materials to meet residents’ needs, abilities, and interests
- Collaborate with other departments to enhance resident well-being
- Monitor and track resident participation using software such as Welbi, PointClickCare, and RAI-MDS
- Observe and document resident responses to activities, reporting any concerns to the supervisor
- Participate in reflective practices to evaluate program success and areas for improvement
- Perform additional tasks as required to support the efficient operation of the Recreation Department and overall resident care
- Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program (e.g., Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, Health Sciences, or related)
- Strong interest in working with older adults or vulnerable populations
- Compassionate, dependable, and enthusiastic team player
- Creative and adaptable, with strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable using computers; familiarity with scheduling or documentation software is an asset
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting light supplies during program setup and delivery
- Programs may take place in busy, loud, or outdoor environments
- Equipment is transported using rolling carts; rearranging furniture may be required
- Orientation and ongoing mentorship will be provided by the Therapeutic Recreation team
- May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) per health and safety protocols
Hillel Lodge is a welcoming and vibrant Jewish long-term care home located in the heart of Ottawa. Our team of compassionate professionals is committed to providing exceptional person-centred care. With a current complement of 121 beds and housed within a thriving 13-acre Jewish Community Campus, we provide a wide range of programming and events to meet the diverse needs of our residents, their families, and the larger community which we serve.
DEI&A
Hillel Lodge is an equal opportunity employer committed to living our values in all that we do. We strongly encourage qualified candidates who are Indigenous, Black, or of other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to consider working with us. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications, and we encourage people to apply even if they feel the position would be a stretch.
Where notified in advance, Hillel Lodge will accommodate the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. More information about our Accessibility Policy can be found here.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested applications should apply electronically with a current resume and cover letter. Although we appreciate all interest, only those candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted. No relocation assistance will be provided. No phone calls, please.
Successful candidates will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance, proof of negative TB Test, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination (Dose #3), subject to reasonable accommodation measures for protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
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