Recreation Therapist

University Health Network; Toronto; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

HOOPP defined benefit pension

Wellness services

Shuttle access to TTC

Career development opportunities

Corporate discounts

Job summary

University Health Network seeks a Recreation Therapist for the Toronto General/West Park area to develop and implement therapeutic recreation programs for mental health clients. You will manage a caseload, evaluate and modify interventions, and contribute to program planning and staff education.

The role involves coordinating with inpatient staff, maintaining statistics and ensuring safety in line with hospital policies. A temporary full-time position with day/evening/weekend shifts is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure studies with a major in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Post-diploma in Therapeutic Recreation.
• CTRT/CTR Certification eligibility and professional association membership.

Responsibilities

• Provide recreation and leisure assessments/interventions based on professional requirements.
• Implement and evaluate recreation therapy treatments and programs.
• Provide client and family leisure education.
• Supervise students, volunteers and assistants.
• Maintain clinical documentation and workload.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Clinical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure studies

Post-diploma in Therapeutic Recreation

Membership in Therapeutic Recreation Professional Association

Job description

UHN is Canada's #1 hospital and the world's #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN's vision is to build A Healthier World and it's only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

• Union:Non-Union
• Number of vacancies:1
• New or Replacement Position:Replacement
• Site:Toronto General Hospital
• Department:Recreation Therapy
• Reports to:Manager, Program Services
• SalaryRange:$33.80to $42.25 Per Hour
• Hours:37.5 per week
• Shifts:Days/evening/weekends
• Status:Temporary Full-Time ( January 2028 )
• Closing Date: August 28, 2026

Position Summary

As an integral member of the Mental Health and Addiction Team, the RECREATION THERAPIST will develop and implement creative therapeutic recreation programs that promote group interaction and assist in the development of leisure-related skills to meet the needs of the mental health client. The Recreation Therapist will be responsible for both patient care and non-patient care duties, more specifically, for the following: maintaining an assigned caseload as referred by inpatient staff including evaluating, planning, implementing, and modifying recreation therapy interventions for clients; participating in program planning and evaluation as well as the success of the department; coordinating and/or participating in the education of students, hospital staff and the community as well as maintaining excellence in the provision of Recreation Therapy services through ongoing professional development.; maintaining accurate daily and monthly statistics; providing functional supervision and guidance to assigned volunteers and students; performing administrative duties assigned in accordance with departmental and program policies and procedures as indicated; performing cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or requested and working in compliance of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and its regulations, reporting hazards, deficiencies and contravention's of the Act, in a timely manner.

Duties

• Provide recreation and leisure assessments/interventions based on professional requirements.
• Implement and evaluate recreation therapy treatments and programs.
• Provide client and family leisure education.
• Respond to team/service inquiries to Recreation Therapy.
• Provide supervision of students, volunteers and assistants.
• Provide back-up support and coverage for recreation programs, including hospital wide events.
• Ensure timely and thorough clinical documentation and completion of workload.
• Pursue continuous professional development, including participation in Rec. Therapy PSIC.
• Participate in clinical evaluation.
• Participate in advanced practices.
• Be aware of conditions and measures that may affect the safety of patients, residents, students, employees, volunteers, physicians and visitors including:
• Compliance with the safety standards of the hospital and applicable legislation
• Identification and prevention of safety issues and problems
• Taking corrective action, where possible
• Attendance at safety meetings/training/updates in accordance with the Centre's standards
• Ability to work in a manner that exemplifies the core values of West Park: Excellence, Respect, Trust, Collaboration and Accountability

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure studies with a major/emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation or Bachelor's degree in a related field (Kinesiology, Physical Education, Psychology or Health Studies).
• Post-diploma in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Membership in either a Provincial, National, State or International Therapeutic Recreation Professional Association.
• R/TRO designation (Preferred)
• Eligibility for Certification (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - CTRS)
• Experience working in rehabilitation and complex continuing care environment (preferred)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support - Level C, Healthcare Provider.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in the practice of Therapeutic Recreation.
• Expertise in planning, implementation and evaluation of Therapeutic Recreation interventions.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Sound judgment and ability to work independently and in a team setting

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive compensation & benefits (medical, dental, etc.)
• HOOPP defined benefit pension plan
• Wellness services & offerings
• Close access to the TTC and UHN shuttle service
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.