Recreation Therapist - SHF

St. Joe's; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joe's in Hamilton Downtown is seeking a Recreation Therapist to assess, plan, implement and evaluate recreation services for patients. The role embraces therapeutic recreation methods to help patients reach optimal functioning across physical, cognitive, emotional and social dimensions.

The successful candidate will hold a Therapeutic Recreation credential, TRO/CTRS registration and current safety certifications. Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork and documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• Therapeutic Recreation degree or post graduate diploma.
• R/TRO registration and/or CTRS certification.
• First Aid/CPR and related safety trainings completed.
• 1 year related clinical experience preferred.
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of senior care and client populations.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate recreation programs.
• Provide non-direct client activities as needed.
• Document assessments and maintain records.
• Adhere to TRO Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• Act as a preceptor to students and guide volunteers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Rapport building

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Computer skills

Education

Therapeutic Recreation Degree

R/TRO or CTRS registration

First Aid/CPR/GPA

Tools

MS Office

Assessment tools

Job description

## Recreation Therapist - SHFApply: In-Person: Satellite Health Facility (Hamilton Downtown): Charlton Campus (Hamilton Downtown): Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 9, 2026 (7 days left to apply): JR02225**Position Details****Job Number:**JR02225**Department:**Satellite Health Facility SHF Recreation Therapy**This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites:**Charlton Campus (Hamilton Downtown), Satellite Health Facility (Hamilton Downtown)**Job Type:**Regular, Full time**Contract Duration: (If applicable)**0 months**Number of Positions:**1**Union:**OPSEU Local 206**Hourly Rate (Min / Max):**$33.99 - $41.39**Schedule****Work Days:**Alternate Weekends, Monday to Sunday**Time of Day:**Afternoons, Days**Shift:**Hours - 11, Hours - 7.5 **Shift Start: (If applicable)** **Reason for Posting:**Posting is for a role with an existing vacancy**Application Dates****Opening Date:**2026-10-01**Closing Date:**2026-10-08**Job Description****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.