Recreation Manager

About Optima Living

Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families' dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.

Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents.

Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Recreation Manager leads the planning and delivery of recreation programs that support resident wellness, engagement, and quality of life. This role develops diverse programming based on resident interests and functional needs and fosters a supportive and engaging environment that promotes social interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self-determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.

• Provides leadership, support, guidance and mentorship to the recreation team.
• Provides oversight and direction to the recreation team through coordination of work routines to meet the daily needs of residents.
• Conducts and attends team meetings; serves on committees as applicable.
• Ensures team members comply with all relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Creates a safe, pleasant, creative and inclusive recreational environment.

• Develops and evaluates diverse programs within the seven dimensions of wellness (i.e., social, physical, intellectual, emotional, vocational, environmental and spiritual needs.
• Oversees the implementation of recreation programming to meet the community needs.
• Maintains resident profiles, assessments as applicable, and attendance records in Welbi platform.
• Utilizes Welbi insight reports to inform and modify programming to reflect resident interests. Coordinates all aspects of the volunteer program.
• Develops and maintains communication tools such as newsletters, posters, notices and calendars.
• Participates in resident Care Conferences as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Coordinates and/or assists with Resident and/or Family Council as requested.
• Utilizes external community resources to assist in providing recreation opportunities where appropriate.
• Plans evening and weekend programs and activities as required.
• Operates company vehicle safely and in compliance with traffic laws, organizational policies, and licensing requirements inclusive of pre/post vehicle inspections if applicable.

• Ensures communication with residents, families and team members is managed effectively, with empathy and responsiveness.
• Collaborates with other team leads within the community to ensure that goals and planned changes are monitored and reviewed.
• Collaborate…