Recreation Therapist - RCC

SJH St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; Dundas; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) in Hamilton is seeking a Recreation Therapist for the Reactivation Care Centre. The role focuses on assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating recreation programs to support patients’ mobility, engagement and recovery.

You will work with an interdisciplinary team in a short-stay rehab setting, delivering goal-directed activities and maintaining safety and dignity for diverse patient populations across two sites.

Qualifications

• Therapeutic Recreation degree or diploma required.
• Current registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO) and/or CTRS designation.
• First Aid, CPR, CPI, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, GPA or CTI safety training relevant to client population.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate recreation and leisure programs for patients.
• Engage patients through therapeutic recreation to promote mobility and recovery.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to ensure safe, person-centred care.
• Document assessments and progress in patient records.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation Knowledge

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Assessment & Planning

Documentation & Reporting

Communication Skills

Patient Care

Education

Therapeutic Recreation Degree

R/TRO/CTRS Registration

Therapeutic Recreation Diploma

Tools

EMR / EHR

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Position Details

Job Number: JR01801

Department: Reactivation Care Centre RCC Recreational Therapy

Sites: Charlton Campus (Hamilton Downtown), Reactivation Care Centre Dundas

Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term), Part time

Contract Duration: (If applicable) 12 months

Number of Positions: 1

Union: OPSEU Local 206

Hourly Rate (Min / Max): $33.99 - $41.39

Schedule Work Days: Monday to Sunday

Time of Day: Afternoons, Days

Shift: Hours - 10, Hours -12, Hours - 7.5, Various Rotating Shift Start: (If applicable)

Reason for Posting: Posting is for a role with an existing vacancy

Application Dates Opening Date: 2026-09-01 Closing Date: 2026-09-08

Job Description

Unit Profile The Reactivation Care Centre (RCC) is a specialized short‑stay program that supports patients who no longer require acute medical hospital care but need focused rehabilitation before returning home or transitioning to another care setting. Our interdisciplinary team delivers goal‑directed assessment, treatment, and functional reactivation to prevent deconditioning and ensure safe, effective transitions. Grounded in unstoppable compassion, the RCC team works collaboratively to help patients with diverse needs achieve optimal wellness in a purpose‑designed environment that promotes mobility, engagement, and recovery. The unit plays a key role in enhancing patient outcomes, improving system flow, and supporting a dignified, person‑centred care experience.

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 are 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 behaviours 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 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.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people.

We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

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

St. Joe’s Hamilton, we believe in nurturing new talent, providing an inclusive and supportive work environment with meaningful growth opportunities, and exciting benefits and rewards. Whether you're passionate about providing compassionate care or eager to gain new skills, there’s a place here for you to grow, learn, and succeed! Dignity. Respect. Service. Justice. Responsibility. Enquiry.