Recreation Therapist

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre; Barrie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health center in Ontario is seeking a Recreational Therapist for their Child and Youth Program, focusing on enhancing leisure skills and promoting independence for patients. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, experience with disabilities, and skills in counseling and problem-solving. The role includes working across programs and providing therapeutic recreational services to youth in need.

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with disabilities in a healthcare setting.
• Registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic recreational programs to improve patients’ leisure skills.
• Facilitate patients' community activities to promote independence.

Skills

Computer skills

Counseling and education skills

Group dynamic skills

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

Leadership qualities

Education

Four-year undergraduate degree

Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation

Job description

Job Summary & Requirements

Recreational Therapist in the Child and Youth Program (CYMH) at RVH supports all programs within the CYMH Program, including:

• An 8-bed regional inpatient program supporting children and youth under 18 from the Central Region experiencing acute mental health crises.
• The CYMH Day Program, a Care and Treatment Educational Program (CTEP), in partnership with the Simcoe County District School Board, providing concurrent mental health and educational needs.
• Acute Outpatient Services (AOS) supporting children and youth under 18 from the Central Region with acute mental health needs.

CYMH Recreation Therapists are cross-trained to provide coverage within the Mental Health and Addictions Programs and across RVH, supporting organizational Human Resource needs as they arise. The role involves enabling patients to acquire and maintain skills, knowledge, and behaviors for optimal leisure enjoyment and independent functioning, facilitating full societal participation.

The Recreation Therapist provides programs and services that:

• Improve and maintain patients’ skills and functional leisure abilities across physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains.
• Assist patients in utilizing or acquiring new leisure skills suitable to their limitations and future lifestyles.
• Promote awareness of the importance of a successful leisure lifestyle.
• Enhance knowledge and utilization of leisure resources within the home and community.
• Identify physical and architectural barriers in the environment.
• Actively involve patients in community activities to promote independence upon returning home.

Qualified candidates will meet the following requirements:

• A four-year undergraduate degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation; registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO) is preferred.
• Experience working with people with disabilities, leading groups, and in a team setting. Experience in a healthcare setting, including charting, medical terminology, and understanding disease implications, is preferred.

You will be a great fit if you have:

• Computer skills
• Counseling and education skills
• Group dynamic skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Leadership qualities