Recreation Therapist I

Alberta Health Services; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health authority in Alberta is seeking an experienced Recreation Therapist I to provide therapeutic recreation services within various community settings. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or a related field, a certification, and at least 2-3 years of experience. Responsibilities include conducting assessments and managing clients' treatment progress in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, ensuring quality care that is evidence-based and centered on patients' needs. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Completion of bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy or similar field.
• Active registration with Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association.
• 2-3 years of experience in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive services for patients within assigned program or service area.
• Complete assessment, treatment, education, and management of client treatment.
• Participate in patient rounds and family conferences.

Skills

Therapeutic recreation professional standards

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Client-centered treatment plans

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification

Tools

Heart and Stroke Foundation-Basic Life Support Certification

Aquatic Therapy Program experience

Job description

Your Opportunity: 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: Community and Rural areas
• Primary Location: Melcor Centre
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Multi-Site: Not Applicable
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 17-DEC-2025
• Temporary Employee Class: Temporary Full Time
• Date Available: 12-JAN-2026
• Temporary End Date: 17-APR-2026
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 10
• Shift Pattern: Days
• Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
• Minimum Salary: $37.35
• Maximum Salary: $49.73
• Vehicle Requirement: Driver's License, Vehicle Required

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

2-3 years of experience in a Recreation Therapist position in Ambulatory community settings. 2-3 years demonstrated knowledge & competency with therapeutic recreation professional standards of practice, informed evidence and research, standardized assessments, client-centered treatment plans, identifying outcomes, individual and group treatment interventions, evaluation, documentation, and interdisciplinary and partnership collaboration. Experience working with diverse populations including seniors, individuals with physical disabilities, brain injuries, or chronic illnesses. Familiarity with trauma-informed care and person-centered approaches. Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association professional degree membership. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Certification through National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Fitness Alberta - Group Exercise Certification: Foundations in Physical Activity & Exercise and Older Adult Exercise. Canadian Aquatic Rehab - Foundational Aquatic Therapy - Online Theory Course Part I and 1-year experience leading aquatic therapy programs. Dementia Practice Guideline for Recreational Therapy: Treatment of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Course. Valid Heart and Stroke Foundation-Basic Life Support Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

Safe Client Handling Program - It’s Your Move. HealthChange Alberta Learning Series. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. Chronic Pain experience. Virtual Care experience. Expressive Arts experience. Music Care experience. Student Preceptor experience.