Top Benefits
About the role
About Optima Living Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers. Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents. Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy. SPARK Memory Living – Program Development Practicum Location: Downtown Vancouver, Surrey-Fleetwood, or Downtown Edmonton Term: 8-Month (preferred) Let us Welcome You Home At Optima Living’s Management & Support Services team, based out of our three regional offices – Downtown Vancouver, Surrey-Fleetwood, and Downtown Edmonton – we don't just operate senior living communities, we cultivate environments where every person feels cherished, valued, and at home. We are committed to driving innovation and excellence in our senior living communities across Western Canada. Our Memory Living program blends clinical expertise, research, and lived experience to support residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This co-op places you directly inside program design and evaluation. Position Overview The SPARK Memory Living practicum focuses on brain health and behavior change in aging populations. You will help expand program initiatives that translate research on modifiable risk factors into practical, engaging interventions. You will work closely with the Regional Director of Memory Care and collaborate with clinical and operations teams. Ignite Innovation in Memory Care (Role and Responsibilities) Program Developer Support design and expansion of the SPARK Memory Living program. Assist with planning, implementation, and evaluation. Evidence Translator Convert research into practical tools and resident programming. Develop accessible resources for staff and families. Quality Partner Collaborate with clinical and operations teams. Support outcome tracking and continuous improvement. Brain Health Advocate Contribute ideas that promote engagement, cognitive stimulation, and well-being. Requirements Experience in program planning and evaluation. Strong research translation skills. Clear, audience-appropriate communication. Organization and time management. Ability to work independently. Interest in brain health and dementia care. Eligibility Currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution (preferred). Registered domestic student (preferred). Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or international student. Completing this placement as part of a Co-Op/WIL program. Prior operations experience is an asset, not required. Why Join Us? Direct mentorship from senior leaders. Real ownership of meaningful projects. Exposure to senior living operations across 38 communities. Potential future opportunities based on performance. Embark on this journey with us and pave the way for a rewarding career in senior living. Your journey starts here. How to Apply Send your resume and a cover letter, address to Allison Schindler, outlining your interest in bridging educational theory with impactful real-world application via email to educationprograms@optimaliving.ca and cc tracy.than@optimaliving.ca. In the body of your email, please answer the following: Domestic student status (Yes/No) Citizenship status (Citizen, Permanent Resident, International Student, other) Confirmation that this is a WIL placement (Yes/No)
Similar Jobs
Top Benefits
About the role
About Optima Living Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers. Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents. Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy. SPARK Memory Living – Program Development Practicum Location: Downtown Vancouver, Surrey-Fleetwood, or Downtown Edmonton Term: 8-Month (preferred) Let us Welcome You Home At Optima Living’s Management & Support Services team, based out of our three regional offices – Downtown Vancouver, Surrey-Fleetwood, and Downtown Edmonton – we don't just operate senior living communities, we cultivate environments where every person feels cherished, valued, and at home. We are committed to driving innovation and excellence in our senior living communities across Western Canada. Our Memory Living program blends clinical expertise, research, and lived experience to support residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This co-op places you directly inside program design and evaluation. Position Overview The SPARK Memory Living practicum focuses on brain health and behavior change in aging populations. You will help expand program initiatives that translate research on modifiable risk factors into practical, engaging interventions. You will work closely with the Regional Director of Memory Care and collaborate with clinical and operations teams. Ignite Innovation in Memory Care (Role and Responsibilities) Program Developer Support design and expansion of the SPARK Memory Living program. Assist with planning, implementation, and evaluation. Evidence Translator Convert research into practical tools and resident programming. Develop accessible resources for staff and families. Quality Partner Collaborate with clinical and operations teams. Support outcome tracking and continuous improvement. Brain Health Advocate Contribute ideas that promote engagement, cognitive stimulation, and well-being. Requirements Experience in program planning and evaluation. Strong research translation skills. Clear, audience-appropriate communication. Organization and time management. Ability to work independently. Interest in brain health and dementia care. Eligibility Currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution (preferred). Registered domestic student (preferred). Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or international student. Completing this placement as part of a Co-Op/WIL program. Prior operations experience is an asset, not required. Why Join Us? Direct mentorship from senior leaders. Real ownership of meaningful projects. Exposure to senior living operations across 38 communities. Potential future opportunities based on performance. Embark on this journey with us and pave the way for a rewarding career in senior living. Your journey starts here. How to Apply Send your resume and a cover letter, address to Allison Schindler, outlining your interest in bridging educational theory with impactful real-world application via email to educationprograms@optimaliving.ca and cc tracy.than@optimaliving.ca. In the body of your email, please answer the following: Domestic student status (Yes/No) Citizenship status (Citizen, Permanent Resident, International Student, other) Confirmation that this is a WIL placement (Yes/No)