Raj Sahota

Work History

Director of Day Programs

Brella Community Services Society

04.2024 - Current

Directed the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of client-centered programs to promote well-being, independence, and continuous improvement, utilizing strength-based approaches.
Drove organizational transformation by implementing innovative, evidence-based practices and continuous improvement initiatives, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction and improved operational efficiency.
Spearheaded community outreach and partnership development, establishing and maintaining key relationships with stakeholders and funding sources to expand and enhance program offerings.
Oversaw financial management, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring compliance with budgetary and regulatory requirements to sustain organizational growth and stability.
Built and led high-performing teams by providing strategic mentorship, fostering professional development, and cultivating a positive work environment that improved employee engagement, retention, and morale.
Championed a culture of collaboration and open communication, empowering teams to contribute solutions to complex challenges and driving sustained performance improvements.
Successfully navigated periods of significant change, maintaining alignment with long-term strategic goals while ensuring smooth transitions.
Ensured the delivery of safe, supportive, and enriching day programs, advocating for client needs through continuous engagement with stakeholders and partners.

Research & Evaluation Manager

"I'm Still Me" Project

10.2023 - 04.2024

Designed innovative dementia awareness programs, positively impacting over 2,000 participants, while ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines to safeguard confidentiality and privacy.
Monitored project progress using key performance indicators, compiled comprehensive reports, and provided actionable recommendations for program enhancements.
Authored detailed reports and disseminated findings, contributing evidence-based recommendations to the global research community on dementia care.
Collaborated with a project team to successfully implement activities funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s dementia strategic fund.
Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to meet project milestones and ensure effective knowledge transfer across teams.
Planned and coordinated both online and in-person educational sessions, maximizing accessibility and impact.
Increased stakeholder satisfaction through transparent communication of evaluation results and regular updates on project progress.

Day Program Manager

Brella Community Services Society

10.2021 - 04.2024

Increased client utilization rates by 41% from July 2022-2023, while managing two Day Programs with a $1.5 million budget, ensuring cost-effective services for 150+ clients.
Led a team of 15+, providing leadership, conflict resolution, and policy development to improve staff efficiency and program performance. Recruited, hired, and trained staff, overseeing ongoing professional development and ensuring high-quality participant care.
Developed and implemented up to 144 social and recreational programs monthly in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, including case managers, LPNs, recreation facilitators, care aides, and cooks, to help clients achieve personalized goals.
Improved the admission process, achieving 100% document accuracy through enhanced client communication, and facilitated smooth transitions for new participants through comprehensive orientation and ongoing support.
Enhanced program effectiveness by introducing individualized goal-setting, progress tracking, and proactive interventions tailored to participant needs, increasing overall satisfaction.
Collaborated with families, caregivers, and support networks to provide holistic care, while maintaining strong relationships with community partners to expand resources and opportunities for participants.
Served as a strong advocate for staff development and participant rights in organizational discussions, fostering an open and collaborative culture among team members.
Regularly communicated with healthcare professionals, staff, and community organizations to ensure seamless integration of services and high-quality care, while maintaining compliance with industry best practices and regulations.
Actively sought grant funding to expand programming within budget constraints and coordinated required documentation, such as dietary protocols, participation reports, and utilization records.
Promoted continuous improvement by evaluating program outcomes, soliciting stakeholder feedback, and implementing data-driven enhancements.

Recreation Therapist

Brella Community Services Society

04.2014 - 10.2021

Developed, implemented, and evaluated daily programs for up to 30 clients
Led an interdisciplinary team of 10, enhancing skills and health promotion strategies through monthly in-service training
Created and maintained 100+ Individual Program Plans with input from clients, caregivers, and professionals
Documented clients' well-being and evaluated activities for enjoyment and efficacy using the combination of the MARCC and an in-house assessment tool
Increased client motivation by incorporating creative modalities such as art, music, and sports into therapy
Developed individualized goals to promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being
Implemented evidence-based practices to ensure the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions
Trained and mentored Recreation Facilitators, practicum students, and new therapists; contributed to annual appraisals
Facilitated group and individual recreation therapy sessions to foster social interaction, communication, and self-expression
Promoted independent, community-based recreation through targeted interventions
Led monthly meetings to review client progress and ensure timely documentation

Recreation Facilitator- ABI, Mental Health and Dementia unit

The Residence at Clayton Heights

12.2012 - 08.2014

Balanced and led 20+ group and individual leisure activities monthly, tailored to the needs and interests of 30+ clients.
Conducted and supervised structured group programs like bingo, arts and crafts, and karaoke, enhancing clients' social skills, confidence, and mental health.
Delivered 40+ hours of therapeutic recreation sessions monthly, improving clients' focus, health, and social engagement by 30%.
Ensured client safety and well-being through adherence to health guidelines, use of adaptive equipment, and facility monitoring.
Evaluated and adapted recreational programs to enhance client satisfaction and experience, while maintaining detailed records of attendance, feedback, and facility usage.
Trained new recreation facilitators on policies and procedures, ensuring smooth team integration.
Developed innovative, adaptive activities for inclusivity, catering to individual client needs.
Collaborated with staff to design new activities and improve programming, while escorting clients to activities and field trips.
Assisted in preparing materials, monitored participation, and ensured proper management of allergies and dietary needs.
Prepared reports for management on the status and progress of recreational activities.

Casual Recreation Facilitator

Northcrest Care Centre

03.2012 - 12.2013

Planned and organized daily therapeutic play and recreation activities alongside conducting daily exercise programs tailored to 10+ clients with varying physical abilities
Provided assistance during horticultural therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and physiotherapy assessments for clients
Ensured successful completion of activities for 5-10 clients at a time, including feeding, baking, music, reading, and spa activities, while maintaining a clean work environment.

Summary

Overview

Work History

Director of Day Programs

Research & Evaluation Manager

Day Program Manager

Recreation Therapist

Recreation Facilitator- ABI, Mental Health and Dementia unit

Casual Recreation Facilitator

Education

Bachelor Degree in Therapeutic Recreation -

Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation -

Skills

Certification

Languages

Accomplishments

Affiliations

Work Availability

Timeline

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