Recreation Therapist I

Alberta Health Services; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health service provider in Fort McMurray is seeking a compassionate Recreation Therapist to enhance the quality of life for residents. The role involves designing therapeutic programs and collaborating with a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree, strong assessment, and communication skills, and a passion for person-centered care. Competitive compensation is offered, including a Northern Living Allowance.

Benefits

Northern Living Allowance up to $12,480

Comprehensive benefits package

Collaborative interdisciplinary environment

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or similar.
• Active registration with Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is a must.
• Certificate for Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS-HCP) required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team.
• Ensure patient-centered therapeutic recreation practice.
• Complete assessments, treatment planning, and provide clinical support.

Skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Program design skills

Adaptability

Professionalism

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy

Registration with Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association

Job description

Overview / Opportunity

Alberta Health Services is seeking a compassionate Recreation Therapist to join the Type B/Type B Secure Space Continuing Care unit (formerly SL 4/4D) team at Willow Square. Using an evidence-based, client-centered approach, you will design and lead individualized and group programs that support residents’ cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being while fostering dignity, independence, and meaningful engagement. As part of the interdisciplinary team, you will complete assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with colleagues, clients, and families to enhance the residents’ quality of life. The ideal candidate brings strong assessment, communication, and program design skills, along with adaptability, professionalism, and a passion for person-centered care. This role is active and hands-on, requiring movement and occasional lifting, and offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day for residents and their families. This position is located in Fort McMurray on Treaty 8 territory, on the lands of the Métis people. Respecting the historical impacts of colonization and acknowledging traditional Indigenous beliefs and cultures, this role supports Indigenous peoples on these lands. Fort McMurray is a family-oriented, friendly, and welcoming multicultural community. The city offers social, arts, sports, recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages. A Fort McMurray Northern Living Allowance is in place up to an annual maximum of $12,480; this allowance is non-pensionable and is payable on an hourly basis for all hours paid at the basic rate of pay.

Posting details include competitive compensation and structure consistent with the Alberta Health Services framework.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive services for patients/clients/residents within the assigned program or service area.
• Ensure therapeutic recreation practice is evidence-based and patient- and family-centered, in accordance with policies, procedures and standards of practice.
• Complete assessment, treatment planning, education and management of clients’ treatment progress; provide clinical support and consultation.
• Collaborate and communicate with the health care team and participate in patient rounds, family conferences and related meetings.

Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications

• Certificate for Basic Cardiac Life Support for Healthcare Providers level C (BCLS-HCP) will be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Class 4 driver’s license is an asset.

Position Details

• Classification: Recreation Therapist I
• Union: HSAA Facility PROF/TECH
• Unit and Program: Allied Health Willow Square Type B, Type B Secure Space
• Primary Location: Willow Square Continuing Care
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Multi-Site: Not Applicable
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 26-SEP-2025
• Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits
• Date Available: 06-OCT-2025
• Temporary End Date: 08-OCT-2026
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 10
• Shift Pattern: Days, Evenings, Weekends
• Days Off: As Per Rotation
• Minimum Salary: $37.35
• Maximum Salary: $49.73
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Environment and commitments: This role is located in Fort McMurray, within Treaty 8 territory and on Metis lands. The organization is committed to creating a safe space for all individuals and supporting Indigenous peoples. Fort McMurray is described as a family-oriented, welcoming community with opportunities for a wide range of activities.

Expiry

Posting End Date noted; no explicit indication of role closure is present. Consideration of expiry is determined by organizational policy; no explicit "job expired" language detected in the description.