2600002905 - Recreation Therapist

Lakeridge Health; Canada; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 63,000; Part time

Job summary

Lakeridge Health Durham Mental Health Services is seeking a Recreation Therapist to support clients within the intensive day treatment program. You will assess leisure needs, plan interventions, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to advance mental health goals and recovery.

This is a temporary part-time role with 8-hour shifts including days, evenings, and weekends. Qualifications include a degree in Recreation & Leisure Studies, TRO membership, Basic Life Support certification, and

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Recreation & Leisure Studies with a post-graduate qualification in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Current TRO membership or eligibility.
• Basic Life Support certification (BCLS).
• Minimum two years of related experience in mental health settings.
• Experience applying prompt assessment.
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications and their impact on recreation therapy.
• Experience delivering workshops and group activities.
• Proficient with Word, PowerPoint, Internet/Intranet.

Responsibilities

• Assess leisure needs, interests, and abilities of clients.
• Develop, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation interventions.
• Collaborate with clients, families, and interdisciplinary team to promote recovery.
• Lead workshops and group activities in the day treatment program.

Skills

Mental health care experience

Crisis intervention

Client assessment & intervention

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Computer skills (Word, PowerPoint)

Education

Degree/Diploma in Recreation & Leisure Studies

Post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation

TRO membership

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Internet/Intranet

Job description

OPSEU

Job Title: Recreation Therapist

Status: Temporary Part Time

Department: Residential - McKay

Program: Durham Mental Health Services

8 Hour Shifts, days, evenings, weekends Schedule (Subject to Change)

Location: Lakeridge Health Durham Mental Health Services

Wage Schedule: $38.940 - $45.430 per hour

Posting Reference: 2600002905

Lakeridge Health is more than a hospital. It is a health network that includes five hospitals, a long-term care home, a community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites across the Durham Region. Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a place where the best people want to start, grow, and finish their careers in health care. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s inclusive, compassionate, innovative, and joyful. This is Lakeridge Health!

This position is open to all qualified OPSEU staff throughout Lakeridge Health commencing 29 October 2026 and closing at 11:59 pm on 5 November 2026.

Position Description

The Recreation Therapist (RT) works collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team within the intensive day treatment program supporting clients' work towards their Mental Health goals.

RT is primarily responsible for assessment, intervention and evaluation related to clients' leisure needs, interests, abilities, community support and recovery. Using a client-centered approach, this position involves collaboration with the client, family, and the interdisciplinary team in the development of therapeutic recreation interventions, which maximize independent leisure functioning and enhance the well‑being of the client. The major functions of the RT are directly related to the Therapeutic Recreation Standards of Practice.

Duties And Responsibilities

Using a collaborative approach and evidence based practice, the RT is responsible for individual and group assessment, goal-setting, and implementation of intervention programs to promote independent functioning within the physical, emotional, mental and social domains.

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Recreation & Leisure Studies & a Post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation
• Member of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO)
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification
• Minimum 2 years recent, related knowledge, skills and experience
• Demonstrated experience in applying prompt assessment
• Experience working with individuals with Mental Health issues
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, symptom management and their impact in providing therapeutic recreation interventions
• Proven experience in crisis intervention
• Experience developing and leading workshops and groups,
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in Word, Power Point, Internet/Intranet and