Recreation Therapist - Forensic Psychiatry Program

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Ontario is seeking a Recreation Therapist to assess, plan, and implement therapeutic recreation programs for patients. The ideal candidate will have a Therapeutic Recreation Degree and experience in clinical settings. Responsibilities include working within a multi-disciplinary team to enhance patient well-being and facilitate rehabilitation. Various certifications are required, and applicants should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• 1 year related clinical experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to community responsiveness.
• Knowledge of legislative considerations relevant to the population served.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Provide guidance and leadership to students and volunteers.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation Degree

Current registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario

First Aid and CPR certifications

Knowledge of treatments and medications

Strong interpersonal skills

Critical thinking skills

Teamwork abilities

Education

Therapeutic Recreation Degree or Diploma

Job description

UNIT PROFILE:
The Forensic Psychiatry Program works towards restoring and maintaining the mental health and well-being of mentally disordered adult offenders while managing risk as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada and ordered by the Ontario Review Board. This multi-disciplinary team includes nursing and allied health professionals working together to provide a wide range of assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services. In this capacity, the Forensic Psychiatry Program provides: clinical, risk, and medico-legal assessments, inpatient treatments in General and Secure environments, and outpatient treatment and community reintegration services/support for the Central-South region and Halton.

POSITION SUMMARY
The clinical role of the Recreation Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs and services relative to the identified needs of patients. Therapeutic Recreation (TR) practice at SJHH is guided in part by the Leisure Ability Model (Peterson, Gunn, Stumbo). TR utilizes functional intervention, leisure education, and recreation participation in a holistic approach to enable persons with physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and/or social limitations to acquire and/or maintain the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that will allow them to reach their optimal level of functioning for recreation and leisure. The major functions of a Recreation Therapist are directly related to the adopted Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The Recreation Therapist is also responsible for non-direct client activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Therapeutic Recreation Degree, (or post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation) OR Therapeutic Recreation Diploma
• Current/Maintained designation of registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO) and/or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
• First Aid, CPR, CPI, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) and/or CTI Community Worker Safety Strategies, as relevant to the client population and clinical setting.
• TRO member in good standing, maintained annually
• 1 year Related clinical experience in Therapeutic Recreation with specific client population and clinical setting preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of Service, Responsible Stewardship, Community Responsiveness, and Respect.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the various populations served.
• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity, and expertise in the care of seniors and their families.
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training is preferred.
• Knowledge of diagnosis specific to the client population and clinical setting.
• Familiarity with treatment medications and awareness of possible side effects relevant to client population which may impact Therapeutic Recreation interventions.
• Working familiarity of the provincial and federal legislation relevant to the client population and clinical setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to implement best practice strategies relevant to client population and clinical setting.
• Strong working knowledge of specific models of care related to population served and clinical setting.
• Effective interpersonal skills, rapport building, verbal and written communication skills for daily client and working relationships.
• Able to work under pressure, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work as an effective member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Adaptable, creative, innovative, and flexible.
• Willingness and ability to continue to improve professional competence and knowledge.
• Critical thinking skills for developing individualized treatment plans, resourcing, group, and individual interventions
• Proficient computer skills for report writing, assessments, etc.
• Acts as a preceptor to students and provides guidance and leadership to volunteers.
• Valid driver’s license and use of vehicle required

Forensic Psychiatry Program-specific Qualifications:

• Evidence of understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to mentally disordered individuals.
• Demonstrated familiarity and understanding of Forensic specific Risk Assessment tools (ie. HARM/AIS).
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of custody and caring in the clinical care of mentally disordered individuals.

HOURS OF WORK:
May involve rotating shifts (days/evenings/weekends) and extended hours based on the needs of the clients and/or Forensic Psychiatry Program.