Recreational Program Coordinator

Who we are:

Recreational Program Coordinator

2 Positions

East Cumberland Lodge (ECL) is a 74-bed licensed long-term care home in a rural Nova Scotia community (population ECL has made significant investments in digital technologies to enhance resident care and organizational efficiency. This includes a modern call bell and communications system, PointClickCare electronic health records for integrated charting, and dedicated IT support. These tools improve safety, communication, and access to real-time resident information, ensuring high-quality, responsive care.

Position Overview:

We are currently seeking two enthusiastic, organized Recreational Programs Coordinators to join our team as Canada Summer Jobs students. This role focuses on supporting the implementation of recreational programs that promote healthy ageing and meet our residents' physical, social, spiritual, and digital needs. This role will focus on implementing the Digital Connections in Long-term Care: Bridging Generations Through Technology Program at East Cumberland Lodge. This program includes:

• Rendever, a Virtual Reality program used to maintain cognitive functioning through gameplay;
• the Digital Legacy Stories Project, an online program that uses a storytelling process to capture and preserve the life stories of residents living at ECL; and
• being a Digital Coach to enhance the digital literacy skills of residents through one-on-one and group interactions.

The ideal candidate will have a background or keen interest in digital technology and literacy, program development, recreation, and senior engagement. Digital literacy is the ability to use digital technologies confidently, critically, and safely to access information, communicate, and participate in online activities, enabling individuals to stay connected, informed, and engaged.

Start and End Dates: May 11, 2026 to August 28, 2026 (16 weeks)

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with recreation and healthcare staff to align programs with residents' needs and interests, with a focus on understanding their digital/technology needs.
• Coordinate and deliver program activities involving digital technologies designed to enrich the lives of residents and enhance their digital literacy.
• Set up, operate, and monitor Rendever virtual reality (VR) equipment for group and individual sessions and guide residents through the VR experience.
• Assist residents in creating digital legacy stories using the program platform (e.g., story prompts, interviewing, recording, uploading content).
• Offer one-to-one and small group digital coaching to help residents build confidence using devices such as tablets, computers, cell phones, and teach basic digital skills (e.g., using a cell phone, email, video calling, searching for information, accessing music, social media platforms and spiritual content).
• Maintain accurate schedules, participation lists and progress notes for program activities.
• Ensure activities are inclusive, accessible, and meet the diverse needs of residents.
• Build rapport through active listening and maintain resident confidentiality, dignity, and autonomy in all interactions.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program in Computer, Health, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Intermediate to advanced digital skills.
• Willingness to learn and confidently operate new technologies such as the Rendever Virtual Reality system and the Digital Legacy Stories software.
• Comfort providing digital coaching to older adults.
• Experience in program development or recreation planning is considered an asset.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience working or volunteering with older adults, people with disabilities, or in community programming.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors.
• Provision of a valid and current Vulnerable Sector Check

Why Join Us?

• Gain hands-on experience in program coordination and senior care.
• Contribute to a meaningful role that enriches the lives of residents.
• Work with a supportive and community-focused team.
• Opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills in a long-term care setting.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the position to Barb Tower at [email protected].

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

East Cumberland Lodge is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.