Recreation Therapist

Alzheimer Society Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local non-profit organization in Sault Ste. Marie is seeking a Recreation Therapist to develop and manage therapy programs for individuals living with dementia. The role involves assessing client needs and providing education to families and community partners. Applicants should have a degree in Recreation Therapy and experience working with dementia patients. This position offers full-time, permanent employment, with local travel required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Recreation Therapy or related field.
• Experience working with individuals living with dementia.
• Current Standard First Aid / CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop recreation therapy programs for clients.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs for clients.
• Provide education to families regarding activities.

Skills

Recreation Therapy program development

Client assessment and eligibility determination

Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Experience working with persons living with dementia

Bilingualism (English / French)

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Recreation Therapy

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Job Type : Permanent Full Time

Posting Closes : August 4, 2025

Description :

• Develop recreation therapy programs for clients to provide activation and respite
• Local travel is expected. Must have a valid driver’s license and daily access to a vehicle
• Provide education for families, staff, and the public regarding appropriate recreational activities
• Market program to referring agencies, families, and the public
• Evaluate program at specified intervals

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Recreation Therapy. Other health disciplines may be considered given appropriate combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).

Experience working with persons living with dementia and their families.

Experience designing recreational programs to support individual needs as well as facilitating group activities.

Knowledge of community health care agencies.

Current Standard First Aid / CPR certification.

Ability to work cooperatively with staff, community partners and volunteers

Competency with Microsoft Office applications.

Valid driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, daily access to a vehicle, and verification that the vehicle is insured for work purposes.

Bilingualism (English / French) is an asset

Responsibilities :

Receive referrals to the program from community partners, Alzheimer Society First Link Coordinators, families, and persons living with dementia.

Develop and maintain a caseload of clients.

Complete assessments of potential clients and determine eligibility and appropriateness to the Recreation Therapy program.

Develop a treatment plan for clients regarding recreation / activity programming.

Conduct programs with clients on a weekly basis, to carry out identified recreation activities, as well as provide respite for the care partner

Provide education for families and / or in-home care partners regarding appropriate activities for the client.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the programming for the individual.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation for clients in an electronic documentation system..

Assist with the transition from a client’s home to long-term care homes as necessary.

Provide education to a variety of target groups regarding activation for persons living with dementia, which may include making public presentations.

Act as a resource for inquiries from the public regarding recreation / activation.

Represent the Alzheimer Society and people affected by dementia on community committees as requested.

Market the Recreation Therapy program to health care providers, referring agencies, and the public.

Maintain program statistics and submit them to the Executive Director monthly.

Act as preceptor for student placements as requested.

Adhere to program standards and Alzheimer Society policies and procedures.

Attend the Annual General Meeting.

Assume responsibility for personal upgrading in knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, and ongoing professional development.

Participate in fundraising and other team development activities.

Assume other functions that may be assigned by the Manager Clinical Services / Executive Director.

Valid driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, daily access to a vehicle and verification that the vehicle is insured for work purposes

Please send letter of application and resume to :

Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District

Attention : Clorinda Rancourt, Manager Clinical Services

61 Great Northern Road,

Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4Y8

Note that an offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory vulnerable sector check and a two-stage TB test.