Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Therapeutic Recreation

Baycrest; Toronto; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to enhance patient well-being through innovative therapeutic recreation programs. This role involves collaborating with interprofessional teams to design and implement individualized and group interventions, ensuring a high standard of care. The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background in therapeutic recreation, relevant certifications, and the ability to lead and mentor staff. Join a dedicated team making a significant impact in the lives of patients and their families, all while enjoying a supportive work environment that values professional development and wellness.

Benefits

Vacation Entitlement

Extended Health and Dental Benefit Plan

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Completion of a 4-year Honours Degree in Therapeutic Recreation required.
• Current certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute therapeutic programs for patients in collaboration with teams.
• Provide training and support to recreation staff and coordinate outing plans.

Skills

Program Planning

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Group Dynamics Management

Assessment Skills

Education

Honours Degree in Therapeutic Recreation

Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Baycrest Hospital has an opportunity for a

CERTIFIED THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST

Therapeutic Recreation

Position Type: Temporary, Full-time (Up-to 12 months)

Shift Type: Day, No weekends (subject to change)

Hourly Rate: $38.45 - $48.02

Bi-Weekly Hours: 70 hours

Hours of Work: 7 hrs/shift

Posting Number: 8810

Union: OPSEU 595

Date Posted: April 4, 2025

Closing Date: April 12, 2025

Leisure is an important component of both quality of life and well-being. It allows individuals opportunities for self-determination and utilization of strengths while engaging in meaningful leisure, which is the foundation of Therapeutic Recreation services. The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist will provide both individualized and group interventions to patients in the hospital as part of Therapeutic Recreation service delivery, as well as support the therapeutic recreation team through training and knowledge mobilization of recreation best practices.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Works with the Hospital Therapeutic Recreation and Culture & Arts teams to develop and execute therapeutic programs.
• Consults on and/or develops specialized programming to meet individual patient or group care needs.
• Utilizes therapeutic recreation standards of practice to facilitate meaningful innovative programs for patients based on best practices using both Evidence-Based Practice and Theory Based Practices.
• Works in collaboration with interprofessional teams.
• Provides ongoing teaching/training to recreation staff in the areas of program facilitation and support.
• Provides orientation and training to new staff.
• Coordinates outing plans.
• Ensures recreation standards of practice manual is kept up to date.
• Documents as required, including Leisure profile, Care Plans, progress notes, and other items.
• Works in collaboration with academic partners to establish and complete research based on best practices and next practices within the field.
• Provides leadership to recreation and point of care staff in the form of coaching, mentoring and support in ensuring and developing best and next practices.
• Participates in interviewing, selecting, placing, orienting, supervising and setting expectations with volunteers and co-op students.
• Provides supervision and academic learning opportunities for students completing NCTRC internship.

Qualifications include but are not limited to:

• Completion of four (4) years Honours Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, combined with demonstrated experience in the provision of recreation services or equivalent (equivalency is a university degree in a related discipline combined with a post graduate certificate/diploma in the field of therapeutic recreation from a diploma granting college (e.g., Georgian College).
• Current certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (‘CTRS’).
• Professional member in good standing with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (‘NCTRC’) and Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (‘TRO’).
• Voluntary membership with other Therapeutic Recreation Associations such as Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (‘CTRA’), American Therapeutic Recreation Association (‘ATRA’) preferred.
• Interest and training in supportive management of responsive behaviours preferred.
• Ability to plan and manage programs for clients with varying cognition and mental status including dementia.
• Comfortable working with complex continuing care and palliative care population.
• Demonstrated ability to assess for environmental and clinical safety issues.
• Experience running groups and with group dynamics.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to manage group processes and challenging group members and situations.
• Strong organizational, mentorship and leadership skills and excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook and excellent Internet knowledge.

Additional Benefits:

• Vacation Entitlement.
• Opportunity to enroll in Extended Health and Dental Benefit Plan.
• Opportunity to enroll in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please submit your application online through the Baycrest intranet. Failure to include your resume may affect your candidacy for this position. All communication related to this job posting will be sent to the email address used to submit your application.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please submit your application online by clicking the Apply button below.

Remarkable people of Baycrest Health Sciences are changing the future of brain health and aging.

Thank you for your interest in joining Baycrest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Baycrest is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources at [e-mail] or 416-785-2500, ext. 2961.

All successful candidates will be required to complete a police reference check/vulnerable sector screen.