Recreation Therapist I

Alberta Health Services; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Alberta Health Services’ Stollery Children’s Hospital invites applications for a Recreation Therapist I. You will deliver developmentally appropriate, therapeutic play experiences for patients aged 0–17, in both indoor and outdoor play spaces, collaborating with Child Life and therapy teams to promote emotional well-being during hospitalization.

You will participate in group and individual interventions, with involvement in events and hospital initiatives.

Qualifications

• Completion of bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation and Leisure Studies.
• Active or eligible registration with Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
• Ability to work in varied weather conditions; outdoor rooftop play space; pediatric patients 0–17 years; 1 year experience as a recreation therapist in program development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver group programming and one-to-one therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team (Child Life Specialists, Art/Therapy/Music Therapists) to enhance patient-centered care.
• Participate in special events, seasonal celebrations, and hospital-wide initiatives.
• Attend patient rounds, family conferences and meetings related to client care.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation and Leisure Studies

Job description

Your Opportunity:

The Recreation Therapy I role within the Stollery Child Life Program is an exciting and innovative opportunity to support children, youth, and families in an acute care pediatric setting. Working with patients aged 0–17 years, this position focuses on delivering meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and therapeutic play experiences that promote coping, normalization, and emotional well‐being during hospitalization. The successful candidate will provide a combination of group programming and one‑to‑one therapeutic interventions within both the clinical outdoor playground and indoor play environments. These spaces are designed to support physical, social, and emotional development, offering opportunities for recreation, healing, and positive distraction. As an integrated member of the Child Life team, the Recreation Therapist will collaborate closely with Child Life Specialists, Art Therapists, Music Therapists, and other interdisciplinary partners to enhance patient‑centered care. The role also includes participation in special events, seasonal celebrations, and hospital‑wide initiatives that bring joy and connection to patients and families. This position reports to the Manager of the Child Life Program and receives day‑to‑day direction and support from a Team Leader. The ideal candidate brings creativity, compassion, and enthusiasm for working with children and families in a dynamic healthcare environment. A genuine love for play, relationship‑building, and working in a fast‑paced acute care pediatric setting is essential.

Description:

As a Recreation Therapist I, you will be working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, providing comprehensive services for patients (clients, residents) within your assigned program or service area. You will ensure the level of therapeutic recreation practice is evidence based, patient-and family-centred, and in accordance with policies, procedures and standards of practice. You will complete assessment, treatment, education and management of clients¿ treatment progress and provide clinical support and consultation. You will collaborate and communicate with the health care team and participate in patient rounds, family conferences and meetings as related to the client and family.

Classification: Recreation Therapist I Union: HSAA Facility PROF/TECH Unit and Program: Child Life Services Primary Location: Stollery Children's Hospital Location Details: As Per Location Multi-Site: Not Applicable FTE: 0.80 Temporary Employee Class: Temp P/T Benefits Date Available: 08-OCT-2026 Hours per Shift: 7.75 Length of Shift in weeks: 10 Shifts per cycle: 40 Shift Pattern: Days, Evenings, Weekends Days Off: As Per Rotation Minimum Salary: $40.81 Maximum Salary: $54.34 Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation and Leisure Studies.
• Active or eligible registration with Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

Additional Required Qualifications:

• Ability/desire to work in a variety of weather conditions; all 4 seasons. This position will primarily be working with children and families in a clinical setting that includes an outdoor rooftop play space containing park equipment. Experience working with pediatric patients ages 0-17 years. 1 year experience as a recreation therapist, familiar with program development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• As Required.