Recreation Programmer

Job Number: J1125-0897 Job Title: Recreation Programmer Job Category: Allied Health (PT, OT, PTA/OTA, Social Work, Dietitian, Recreation & Wellness, Music Therapy) Job Type: Permanent Full Time Date Posted: November 27, 2025 Closing Date: January 2, 2026 Number of Positions: 1
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If you take pride in being compassionate, honest, professional, and safe, consider an exciting and rewarding career at Shannex. Our communities offer more than a place to work – they welcome and celebrate Great People who inspire meaningful connections while Leading the Way to Better Living™.

We are searching for a Recreation Programmer to join our new Opal Ridge Enhanced Care Enhanced Care team based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Meaningful Benefits

You will be surrounded by supportive and talented team members who make our communities great places to live, work and visit. As an established and respected organization in the healthcare sector, Shannex offers opportunities for growth, development, and advancement. And at the end of every day, you will know you've made a measured difference in the lives of our residents. We offer a competitive compensation package, additional benefits include:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits plan (eligible immediately upon hire) including an Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Access to healthcare 24/7 for free through the group benefit plan
• Pension plan for full-time and part-time employees
• Vacation accrual (begins immediately) and travel insurance
• Free onsite parking
• Employee discounts on select apparel, fitness, and retail partners through our Perks Program
• Access to continuing education and training through Shannex's Centre of Excellence
• Opportunities to be part of sector innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Recognition and Rewards for service excellence and safety

About the Opportunity

• Collaborates with each resident and/or family to assess their engagement of meaningful activities in the six dimensions of wellness- Physical, Social, Intellectual, Vocational, Emotional, and Spiritual;
• Assists each resident in achieving their goals to enhance their overall wellness and assist with defining strategies for achieving those goals;
• Develops, analyzes, and reviews resident-directed individualized and community-wide programs;
• Fosters partnerships with local businesses and community groups to facilitate program development;
• Evaluates programming to ensure that the programs are meeting the residents' needs and expectations along with upholding the established expectations;
• Collaborates with the Recreation team to develop a plan for full-scope wellness programming for all service lines;
• Oversees the process of orientation for each new resident to the recreation department, services offered and activities/amenities available to them;
• Oversees Recreation services for special functions ensuring organization, cost efficiency & appropriate staffing;

About You

• You have a diploma/degree in recreation or a related discipline.
• You have a passion for creative arts such as music therapy, art therapy, or artistic expression.
• You are an energetic, compassionate person who enjoys working with the elderly and has experience in programming and planning for seniors in a recreational environment.
• You have strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as strong computer skills.
• Possession of a Class G Driver's License is an asset.
• Proof of current, valid CPR and First Aid Certification, as well as a Safe Food Handler's Course, is required.
• You can work flexible hours and shifts (including some weekends and evenings).

About Us

Shannex is a family-owned organization with a vision of Better Living for every stage of life. Since 1988, Shannex has grown from a single nursing home in Cape Breton to a trusted partner across healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle sectors. With locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, Shannex continues to build communities designed for connection, wellbeing and longevity. Shannex-owned brands include Allbright Life, Parkland Retirement Living & Lifestyle Residences, Parkland at Home, Faubourg du Mascaret, and Shannex Enhanced Care. Shannex also provides Transitional Health Services, in partnership with Nova Scotia Health. For more information, visit shannex.com.

If you're ready to join the Shannex team of Great People, apply today!

Great People is a core value at Shannex based on the belief that our team members are the spirit and foundation of the organization. Shannex believes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging is about creating a culture that embraces the uniqueness of individuals, where every person is treated fairly and where racism and discrimination are not tolerated. At Shannex, every team member belongs.

All applications are kept in strict confidentiality.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.