Recreation Therapy & ASD Respite Program Specialist

cheo; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEO seeks a Program Assistant to support the Recreation Therapy and ASD Respite programs across multiple Ottawa locations. You will ensure smooth daily schedules, assist Attendants, and help run activities in the evenings and on weekends.

The role involves direct client interactions and maintaining safe, organized spaces at the Thurston, Smyth, and Industrial sites and in community settings. Key duties include coordinating activity logistics, setting up and cleaning spaces, and ensuring

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary operational point person on shift to execute daily Recreation Therapy, ASD Respite, and Out-of-Home (OOH) Respite activities as planned.
• Acts as a central shift contact to communicate daily activity schedules, share logistics, and assist Attendants with workflow transitions and shift execution.
• Develops, organizes, and implements structured individual and group activities for programming under the clinical direction of the supervising therapist.
• Performs full setup, teardown, and environmental preparation for all daily activities, group sessions, and specialized community outings.
• Performs mandatory cleaning, sanitization, safety checks, and routine maintenance of program spaces, facilities, and therapeutic equipment before, during, and after shifts.
• Maintains a clean, orderly environment across all program sites and ensures all materials are stored properly after use.
• Performs direct physical care required for clients attending programs, including lifting, transferring, assisting with toileting, positioning, and feeding, in accordance with client care plans and safety protocols.
• Strictly maintains safety standards, universal precautions, and individualized client treatment plans during all activities.
• Educates clients and their families on program safety practices and their role in maintaining a safe environment.
• Organizes, plans, and executes client registration processes, shift scheduling logistics, and activity arrangements for ASD Respite, Recreation Therapy, and OOH Respite programs.
• Maintains accurate inventory records for resource materials and equipment; routinely reviews, tracks, and orders required program supplies.
• Assists with progress note documentation, administrative reporting, and the preparation of therapeutic activity materials.
• Responds to general inquiries from families and community service providers regarding Recreation Therapy services and programs.
• Assists as requested with administrative tasks related to intake, such as gat

Job description

CHEO seeks a Program Assistant to support the Recreation Therapy and ASD Respite programs across multiple Ottawa locations. You will ensure smooth daily schedules, assist Attendants, and help run activities in the evenings and on weekends.

The role involves direct client interactions and maintaining safe, organized spaces at the Thurston, Smyth, and Industrial sites and in community settings. Key duties include coordinating activity logistics, setting up and cleaning spaces, and ensuring