LOFT Community Services·Newmarket, Ontario
The Life Enrichment Worker is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreational programs to enhance the quality of life for older adults with complex needs. They work within an interdisciplinary team to assess client needs, monitor progress, and facilitate activities that support mental and physical well-being.
August 23 ,2026 Location: Newmarket, ON - YRSS Supportive Housing Services Compensation: $57,007 - $71,647 Annually Prorated Contract Duration: until December 31, 2026 Work Type: Onsite (Travel between York Region Program sites) Job ID: 10956946 Existing or New Position: Existing
LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complex issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving 19,534 annually and providing 1,839 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient. Program Summary: LOFT’s Supportive Housing Services in York Region/South Simcoe provide a variety of housing options to adults (16 years+), either within LOFT owned houses/buildings or through head lease arrangements with private landlords. We offer a range of programming that meets the level of support needs or unique challenges of specific populations. These include small group living arrangements for those requiring minimal support, individual and shared accommodations, and staffed congregate settings for individuals needing daily support. Within that continuum, we also serve people with current involvement in the criminal justice system or those with several comorbid health issues.
Job Summary The Life Enrichment Worker (LEW) is responsible for working within an interdisciplinary team and enhancing the quality of life for older adults and seniors living within a LOFT Program who are facing complex challenges. These complex challenges could include mental health and/or addiction challenges, cognitive impairment, ongoing physical health issues, responsive behaviours and/or other neurological disorders. The LEW is responsible for the effective operation and delivery of all recreational programming, which includes assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating a variety of innovative recreational, educational, or therapeutic program activities that will support the achievement of optimal individualized care for the client and further assists in building their interpersonal relationships and social skills. This position will include both individual and group work.
Oversee the assessment of clients to determine suit ability for program participation. Execute a therapeutic program targeted toward what the client requires most. Manage the assessment of physical and social needs of the client to ensure program meets client’s needs. Observe, analyze, and record clients' participation, reactions, and progress during programs, modifying treatment programs as needed. Counsel and encourage clients to develop leisure activities. Work with clients’ treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs. Conduct therapy sessions to improve clients' mental and physical well-being. Instruct client in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs. Instruct client in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs. Plan and facilitate community-based recreational, social, and wellness activities, including community outings and weekly meal programs, to support client engagement and well-being. Work with the Program Manager and/or designated to ensure that the personal care plan for each client is in conjunction with the care team and family and based on the client’s needs and preferences and monitor each client’s progress as it relates to the client’s care plan. Identify areas of risk and recommend and/or take actions as appropriate Maintaining accurate records and files on the provision of service to clients Ensure training objectives and requirements are met while ensuring on-going training and development for staff, students, and volunteers. Recognize and communicate training needs of program. Undertake special projects and tasks as assigned. Provide other duties, as assigned by Program Manager and/or designated.
What
You
Bring: Degree and/or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation or recreation with a therapeutic concentration Minimum 2 years’ experience with vulnerable older adults and seniors who may be living with mental illness, cognitive and neurological illnesses, addiction challenges and/or responsive behaviours who have been longer term hospital patients. Knowledge and training in GPA, Montessori Methods for Dementia, PIECES and Restorative Care Knowledge and proven experience working with clients in a PSR (Psychosocial Rehabilitation) approach. First Aid and CPR certification. Ability to organize and work with individuals and groups in the areas of assessment, program planning and problem solving. Ability to interact with clients in a positive and supportive manner. Physically able to perform required duties. Good oral and written skills; excellent computer skills; ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to work effectively in a team environment. Demonstrated effectiveness working with minimal supervision with proven reliability and trustworthiness. A valid drivers’ license and access to your own vehicle is required. Ability to communicate in a different language, an asset
24/7 Employee Assistance Program E-learning program available all year round Starting vacation time above minimum standard, Additional paid personal and paid sick days Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community, and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who also reflects that diversity. LOFT believes there are many ways to develop skills and build experience and expertise. So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, you are encouraged to apply.
Candidates must possess a degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field and have at least two years of experience working with vulnerable older adults. A valid driver's license, access to a vehicle, and First Aid/CPR certification are required.
Work
Environment: Will be required to work in resident rooms or common areas and may be exposed to secondhand smoke. Walk up and down stairs, physically able to assist client with daily living activites Working at various locations within the community as part of this role. Lifting objects up to 50 lbs
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
