Recreation Therapist

Vancouver Coastal Health; Richmond; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a passionate Recreation Therapist to enhance the lives of clients through tailored therapeutic programs. This role involves working collaboratively in a dynamic team environment, conducting assessments, and providing direction to students and volunteers. With a commitment to innovative healthcare and a focus on quality improvement, this position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on community health. Join a leader in healthcare and contribute to a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Career growth opportunities

Wellness supports

Award-winning recognition programs

Exclusive staff discounts

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in Recreation Therapy with target populations.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and therapeutic recreation theories.

Responsibilities

• Provide Recreation Therapy services within designated programs.
• Conduct assessments and interventions as required.

Skills

Teamwork

Effective Communication

Organizational Skills

Knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation

Trauma-Informed Practices

Education

Baccalaureate degree in Therapeutic Recreation

Certification eligibility for CTRS

Tools

Basic Computer Skills

Job description

Come work as a Recreation Therapist with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is seeking a Recreation Therapist to join the team at Richmond Hospital in Richmond, BC. Apply today to become part of our team!

Role and Responsibilities

• Work in a team-based environment, providing Recreation Therapy services within designated programs tailored to specific clients. Participate in quality improvement, risk management initiatives, meetings, research, and education.
• Conduct Recreation Therapy assessments and interventions as required. Provide work direction to students, staff, and volunteers.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Baccalaureate degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Leisure Studies from an accredited university.
• Minimum of two (2) years' recent related experience working with the target population in the relevant setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Eligibility for certification and CTRS credential with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of evidence-based Recreation Therapy practices related to health issues and treatments.
• Understanding of therapeutic recreation theories, leisure, social psychology, and current trends.
• Ability to work within a client and family-centered care model.
• Skills in organizing therapeutic recreation services, including developing written plans.
• Awareness of other health disciplines and their roles in client care.
• Research methodology knowledge.
• Teamwork, leadership, and facilitation skills.
• Effective communication with clients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with trauma-informed practices, harm reduction, and Indigenous cultural safety.
• Physical ability to perform job duties and proficiency with relevant equipment and techniques.
• Research involvement and/or publications preferred.
• Basic computer skills.

Additional Information

The work hours, days off, and work area are subject to change based on operational needs and collective agreements. Successful applicants may need to complete a Criminal Records Review Check. All healthcare workers must report their vaccination history as part of the onboarding process, in line with Ministry of Health policies.

Why Join Vancouver Coastal Health?

VCH is a leading innovator in healthcare, research, and education, serving over one million BC residents. We foster bold thinking, risk-taking, and a commitment to the best outcomes for patients and families. Join us in creating healthy lives and communities through our culture of teamwork and care.

• Comprehensive health benefits, including MSP, extended health and dental, and pension plans.
• Opportunities for career growth, training, and leadership development.
• Wellness supports, including counseling and critical incident services.
• Award-winning recognition programs.
• Exclusive staff discounts and offers.

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all communities, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized groups, people with disabilities, and those of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Vancouver Coastal Health was recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for 2025.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.