Recreation Therapist - SHF

SJH St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton; Sechelt; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph’s Health System in Hamilton seeks a qualified Recreation Therapist to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs for patients at the Satellite Health Facility.

The role emphasizes holistic care, leveraging the Leisure Ability Model to improve functioning and engagement. Candidates should hold a Therapeutic Recreation credential and demonstrate strong interpersonal and documentation skills, with experience in a clinical setting and with seniors.

Qualifications

• Formal Therapeutic Recreation degree or equivalent (postgrad diploma or diploma).
• Current registration with TRO and/or CTRS designation preferred.
• First Aid/CPR and safety training relevant to clinical setting.
• Experience with diverse client populations and senior care.
• Proficient in report writing and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation programs for patients.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary team and supervise related activities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Therapeutic Recreation degree/diploma

Job description

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.

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.

SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process ([e-mail]).

At 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.