Inpatient Recreation Therapist I

Alberta Health Services; Calgary; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Cancer Care Alberta in Calgary is seeking a Recreation Therapist I to join the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre on a 0.6 FTE temporary basis.

You will design and deliver evidence-based recreation programs to support patients during cancer treatment, palliative and end-of-life care. Working with an interdisciplinary team, you will assess needs, lead group and individual sessions, mentor staff and volunteers, and evaluate outcomes to enhance comfort, dignity and quality of life for

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or Recreation and Leisure Studies.
• Active registration with, or eligibility for registration with, the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
• Ability to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based recreation interventions tailored to patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient needs and develop individualized and group recreation therapy interventions.
• Support leisure engagement throughout cancer treatment, palliative and end-of-life care.
• Participate in rounds, family meetings, and mentor staff and students.
• Train volunteers and connect patients with community resources; participate in research and program evaluation.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Group facilitation

Trauma-informed care

Adaptive equipment

Education

Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy or related

Job description

Your Opportunity:

The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre is a state-of-the-art, 110-bed facility dedicated to fostering hope, healing, and whole-person care. We are seeking a compassionate and creative Recreation Therapist to join our team in a temporary part-time role supporting our inpatient units. In this unique opportunity, you will design and deliver therapeutic recreation programs that enhance the emotional, physical, social, and psychological well-being of patients receiving cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care. Working collaboratively with patients, families, and an interdisciplinary healthcare team, including physicians, Spiritual Health Practitioners, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Therapy Assistants, you will create meaningful individual and group interventions that promote comfort, connection, dignity, and quality of life.

Key responsibilities include:

Assessing patient needs and developing individualized and group recreation therapy interventions. Supporting leisure engagement and adaptation throughout cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care. Participating in patient rounds and family meetings. Engaging in ongoing professional development and continuing education. Supporting the orientation and mentorship of staff and students. Training volunteers to deliver programming. Connecting patients and families with community resources and supports. Participating in research, quality improvement, and program evaluation initiatives at the unit, site, and program level. The successful candidate must be available to work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in this 0.6 FTE temporary part-time position. Join our team and help enhance the cancer care experience through meaningful, person-centred recreation therapy services.

Description:

As a Recreation Therapist I, you will be working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, providing comprehensive services for patients (clients, residents) within your assigned program or service area. You will ensure the level of therapeutic recreation practice is evidence based, patient-and family-centred, and in accordance with policies, procedures and standards of practice. You will complete assessment, treatment, education and management of clients' treatment progress and provide clinical support and consultation. You will collaborate and communicate with the health care team and participate in patient rounds, family conferences and meetings as related to the client and family.

Transition Company:

Cancer Care Alberta

Classification:

Recreation Therapist I

Union:

HSAA Facility PROF/TECH

Unit and Program:

Rehabilitation Oncology, Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre

Primary Location:

Arthur Child Cancer Centre

Location Details:

As Per Location

Multi-Site:

Not Applicable

FTE:

0.60

Posting End Date:

16-OCT-2026

Temporary Employee Class:

Temp P/T Benefits

Date Available:

11-JAN-2027

Temporary End Date:

11-SEP-2028

Hours per Shift:

7.75

Length of Shift in weeks:

2

Shifts per cycle:

6

Shift Pattern:

Days

Days Off:

As Per Rotation

Minimum Salary:

$40.81

Maximum Salary:

$54.34

Vehicle Requirement:

Not Applicable

Required Qualifications:

Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or Recreation and Leisure Studies. Active registration with, or eligibility for registration with, the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

Additional Required Qualifications:

Ability to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based recreation interventions tailored to emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Experience with volunteer coordination, community resource navigation, and group facilitation. Experience leveraging technology and virtual platforms to enhance patient participation, connection, and access to recreation therapy services. Strong skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, patient-centered care, and therapeutic program development. Experience using adaptive equipment and techniques to ensure safe participation of patients especially those experiencing fatigue, pain and mobility changes caused by cancer and treatments. Experience applying trauma-informed care principles to support individuals and families coping with the physical, emotional, and psychosocial impacts of cancer and cancer treatment. Experience offering comfort and dignity through leisure experiences. Experience providing meaningful legacy-focused activities. Demonstrated respect and ability to integrate diverse cultural and spiritual values.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum 2 years' experience as a Recreation Therapist in adult oncology with experience supporting patients and families adjusting to complex medical diagnoses and treatments through therapeutic recreation interventions that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Experience facilitating legacy-focused activities. Safe Food Handling certification, palliative and end-of-life education, and completion of oncology-specific education are preferred.