Dementia Gardens Special Projects Coordinator

Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health

Thunder Bay

Part-time

Contract

Overview

The Program Coordinator of Dementia Gardens: A Place to Grow will be responsible for the overall operation of Dementia Gardens adult day program. Reporting to the Director of Dementia Gardens: A Place to Grow and the Director of the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health, the Program Coordinator will be responsible for program intake, communicating with families, planning and overseeing programming, coordinating and supervising other program staff, maintaining records, and any other tasks that may arise.

Expectations

• The position is one day a week minimum scheduled on Fridays from May 1 to October 15, 2026. There may be additional hours as the program demands.
• The position is an outdoor position. All activities will be taking place outdoors except for inclement weather.
• Implement and meet the standards, policies and procedures of Dementia Gardens: A Place to Grow outlined in the Program Policies and Procedures Manual, the risk management plan, and other program documents.
• Work under the supervision of the Dementia Gardens Program Director and work with the Dementia Gardens Advisory Committee
• Provide some supervision for Dementia Gardens program staff

Responsibilities

Program Assessment and Intake

• Follow up with families interested in Dementia Gardens and schedule meetings
• Conduct assessments for potential members and their families to determine fit with the program
• In consultation with the Program Director, determine program fit

Day Program Planning and Organization

• Order food for the program taking into account the dietary requirements of members
• Communicate with families for program admission and ensure they have the appropriate information
• Communicate regularly with the Program Director regarding the program, members, and any other issues that may arise
• Offer suggestions and feedback to the Program Director to adapt and change the program based on the needs of members

Plan and Deliver the Day Program

• Lead group activities throughout the day based on the program plan and input of members
• Adapt activities based on the abilities and needs of members/participants
• Ensure all members are engaged to the degree that they would like to be
• Monitor and observe members for changes in physical health, cognition, and mood
• Ensure the environment is safe as much as possible
• Ensure the schedule of the day is followed, allowing for flexibility as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise program staff and assign responsibilities in consultation with the Program Director
• Supervise volunteers and provide direction
• Report to the Dementia Gardens Program Director and other supervisory staff at Lakehead University as needed
• Provide a positive environment for members, staff, and volunteers
• Complete documentation each program day
• Interact and communicate with family members and substitute decision makers regularly
• Ensure any incident reports are completed and filed
• Connects families with other community supports as requested

Generic Responsibilities:

• Coordinate program intake activities, including communicating with families, scheduling meetings, and supporting assessment processes to determine participant fit.
• Plan and organize day program operations, including preparing daily schedules, coordinating food and supplies, and ensuring participant needs are considered.
• Lead and adapt recreational and outdoor program activities to support the engagement, safety, dignity, and well-being of members living with dementia.
• Monitor participants during programming, observe changes in mood, cognition, or physical health, and complete required documentation and incident reporting.
• Provide day-to-day direction to staff and volunteers, maintain regular communication with families and supervisors, and help connect families with appropriate community supports.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree or masters degree (preferred) in health or an allied discipline including nursing, kinesiology, social work, health sciences
• Extensive experience (over 5 years) working with people living with dementia
• Experience with planning recreation programs
• Strong communication abilities, particularly in interacting with people living with dementia
• Experience gardening and a love of the outdoors
• Experience dealing with responsive behaviours
• Up to date First Aid/CPR certification
• GPA, UFirst, and other dementia specific training preferred
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible in changing circumstances
• Ability to be outdoors for a full day
• Ability to stand, walk, and move for 6 to 8 hours per day
• Supervise program staff and volunteers in consultation with the Program Director
• Satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.

Why Lakehead University?

Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 11:59pm

$25.68 - $26.54 (RFP4)

No, not eligible for benefits

GEN-26-19

Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 11:59pm

$25.68 - $26.54 (RFP4)

No, not eligible for benefits

GEN-26-19