Recreation Therapist (TFT 1.0 FTE)

The Royal Mental Health Centre; Brockville; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health facility is seeking a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to implement and coordinate recreation programs for incarcerated individuals with mental illness. The role involves developing individualized plans, collaborating with care teams, and ensuring program accessibility. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Recreation Studies and experience in mental health settings.

Qualifications

• Experience working with patients suffering from severe and persistent mental illness.
• Knowledge of how diagnosis impacts leisure functioning.

Responsibilities

• Implement and coordinate therapeutic recreation programs.
• Develop individualized recreation plans for patients.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team.

Skills

Client-Centered Programming

Evidence-Based Practices

Community Linkage

Education

University degree in Recreation/Leisure Studies

Post-grad Therapeutic Recreation diploma

Job description

The Ministry of the Solicitor General facility includes a 100-bed Secure Treatment Unit (STU) to service the needs of incarcerated offenders with mental illness. The STU has been designated a Schedule 1 facility under the Mental Health Act by the Minister of Health and Long Term Care.

Duties:

• Implement and coordinate all therapeutic recreation programs within the facility under the direction of the Director of Patient Care, Integrated Forensic Psychiatry Program.
• Be aware of special needs related to individuals diagnosed with serious Mental Illness.
• Develop goals and objectives for recreation and leisure services.
• Create therapeutic recreation programs responding to patients' needs and interests, based on best practices.
• Provide programming on days, evenings, and weekends.
• Ensure program planning includes clear goals, staff, and space requirements.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for recreation and leisure programs.
• Manage equipment resources.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Facilitate opportunities for patients to plan, initiate, and participate in recreational activities, including community-based options upon discharge.
• Research suitable recreational opportunities for patients with stable mental illness.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team.
• Implement quality and risk management activities.
• Complete assessments and reports in accordance with MOHLTC Standards and TRO Standards of Practice.
• Develop individualized recreation plans for patients.
• Make information about programs accessible to patients.
• Provide necessary assistance or adaptations for patient participation.
• Offer small group and individualized activities for patients unable or uninterested in large group programs.
• Participate in the ROHCG Recreation Therapy Discipline, reporting to the Director of Allied Health Professional Practice.
• Ensure safety practices, policies, and procedures are followed.
• Maintain a work environment aligned with The Royal’s Anti-Racism, Harassment, & Discrimination-Free Workplace Policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• University degree in Recreation/Leisure Studies or a post-grad Therapeutic Recreation diploma.
• Eligible for Registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario.
• Experience working with patients suffering from severe and persistent mental illness.
• Knowledge of how diagnosis impacts leisure functioning.
• Ability to develop and lead client-centered, evidence-based, outcome-oriented recreation therapy programs.
• Experience in leisure assessments, program development, evaluation, documentation, and community linkage.
• Experience in acute care/mental health is an asset.
• Satisfactory Criminal Reference Check for Vulnerable Sector.
• English language proficiency at level A- in all communication skills; bilingual skills are an asset.

For more information on programs at the Forensic Treatment and the Secure Treatment Unit at Brockville Mental Health Centre, visit: https://www.theroyal.ca/patient-care-information/clinics-s