DS-U25-42 Recreation Therapy Facilitator - SOAR and Discovery Connect

Springboard; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Toronto is seeking a Recreation Therapy Facilitator to provide recreation opportunities for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. This role involves direct facilitation of therapy programming, community outreach, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. Ideal candidates will possess a diploma in Recreation/Therapeutic Recreation and have strong facilitation, crisis intervention, and communication skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Pension plan

Training and career development opportunities

Employee Engagement Committee activities

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in recreation therapy and conflict management.
• Strong knowledge in applying therapeutic facilitation in a community setting.
• Skills in program planning and individual support are essential.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate recreation therapy programming and community outreach.
• Support individuals in accessing recreation activities safely.
• Handle documentation and administrative duties as required.

Skills

Recreation therapy

Conflict management

Group facilitation

Crisis intervention

Written and verbal communication

Education

Post-secondary diploma/degree in Recreation/Therapeutic Recreation

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

About Springboard

Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

Who we are

People are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Supervisor of Community Support Services, the Recreation Therapy Facilitator provides recreation opportunities for youth and adults with a developmental disabilities. Working across multiple programs and sites, including the Fee for Service – Discovery Club program and SOAR, the Recreation Therapy Facilitator facilitates recreation therapy programming, supports individuals in the reduction of depression, stress, and anxiety and other mental or physical illness; counsels and encourages individuals to develop recreation/leisure activities; plans, organizes, and implements activities to facilitate an individual’s integration/inclusion into the community; works with interdisciplinary team to assess and establish goals reflective of the individual’s needs. Travel to other locations, e.g., Community, Developmental Services homes, is required. Programming offered virtually and in person.

Job Class: Union

Department: SOAR and Discovery Connect

Location: Community Programs – Multiple locations across the GTA and virtual

Status: Relief, Permanent

Pay Rate: $28.21 per hour

Vacancy Number: DS-U25-42

Number of vacancies: 1

Available: Immediately

Hours/Shifts: Must have flexibility to work Monday-Friday days/evenings as required. Schedules are subject to change to meet departmental needs.

Ways You Can Contribute

• Recreation Therapy Facilitation - Direct facilitation of recreation therapy programming, participation in ongoing recreation therapy program planning and development for multiple diverse groups/individuals, and support individuals in accessing recreation activities and overall plan of care.
• Community Outings/Outreach - Provide supports for individuals so they can actively participate in community activities in a safe manner, provide direct recreation therapy programming or access to recreation therapy for individuals in the community, collaborate with community partners and referral sources to increase community access to recreation therapy programming, maintain positive relationships with participant’s families, community and referral sources, and represent Springboard at multiple outreach events as directed.
• Administrative Duties - Comply with requirements of the agency, the funders and the law in regards to: handling/recording of financial transactions (including participants); handling and safekeeping of confidential information; accurate documentation and compilation of internal and external reports, statistical data, correspondence; and receiving/distribution of correspondence; food preparation and services as required.
• Conflict Management - Manage challenging behaviors in a residential, community or classroom setting.
• Health and Safety - Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the participants, program settings and the staff as per policies, procedures and the law.

Who You Are

• Post-secondary diploma / degree in the Recreation/Therapeutic Recreation field
• Strong knowledge in computer applications, i.e., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Valid First Aid and Safe Management certifications
• Minimum two (2) years of recent work related experience in the following areas: experience in recreation therapy, conflict management, recreation program planning, community recreation, providing individualized support, and supervising community/recreational outings; recreation group facilitation with a minimum of 7 clients in a virtual, class and community setting; use of computer such as MS Suite and multimedia teaching tools; counselling, teaching, conflict resolution, individual facilitation, and assessment
• Proven group facilitation skills to lead individuals in regard to recreational programming within a classroom setting and in the community
• Assessment skills required for both the delivery of service to participants and daily operational/programming issues, including determination of suitability and risk
• Program planning skills to implement, evaluate and modify new and existing recreation programs, as needed
• Effective crisis intervention skills to diffuse confrontational situations between participants and/or support persons. Ability to work well under pressure to ensure minimal interruption in service delivery
• Written communication skills in English to communicate ideas, instructions and information in a clear, concise manner - adjust to the receivers needs for various levels of communication
• Verbal skills in English to communicate ideas, instructions and information in a clear concise manner. Ability to adjust to the receivers needs of various levels of communication

Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge of the Developmental, Social Services systems. Knowledge of community resources, both internal and external. Ability to speak French is an asset.

Apply

Thank you for your interest in working with Springboard. Completion of satisfactory, professional references, background checks, and proof of education are requirements of employment. The Deadline for Applications is September 26, 2025. Please submit your cover letter and resume in a single document. You must also include the vacancy number in the subject line of your email when applying.

No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.

Why Join Springboard?

• Be part of a mission-driven, inclusive organization that values people and impact.
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension plan.
• Access to training, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
• A dynamic team environment focused on learning, growth, and making a difference.
• Active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities.