Recreation Therapy Assistant

Vancouver Coastal Health; North Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking healthcare organization as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, where you will support clients through engaging recreational activities. This role involves working closely with a Recreation Therapist to deliver tailored programs that enhance client independence and participation. In a collaborative environment, you will play a vital part in promoting cultural safety and inclusivity while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a commitment to employee wellness and professional growth, this position offers a chance to thrive in a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and innovative practices.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Employer-paid training

Wellness supports

Recognition programs

Exclusive staff discounts

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program required.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering recreation therapy services under supervision.
• Plan and carry out individual or group-based programs.

Skills

Trauma Informed Practice

Harm Reduction

Strengths-based care

Culturally safe care

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Client observation

Teamwork

Education

Therapeutic Recreation Diploma

Tools

Computer software programs

Job description

Salary Details

The salary range for this position is CAD $29.38/Hr. - CAD $30.96/Hr.

Job Summary

Come work as a Recreation Therapy Assistant with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)! Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for a Recreation Therapy Assistant to join the team in North Vancouver, BC. Apply today to join our team!

As a Recreation Therapy Assistant with VCH you will:

• Function under the operational supervision of the Program Manager or Team Leader and the practice supervision and work direction of the Recreation Therapist, to carry out recreation therapy services.
• Carry out individual or group based programs based on client need both onsite and in the community.
• Program planning, demonstrate recreation activities, and carry out modifications and adaptations to recreation programs to maximize client independence and participation.
• Report relevant observations of client progress and participation to the Recreation Therapist and interdisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Provide functional direction to program volunteers.
• May operate a van or bus with a passenger seating to transport clients within the community as required by the site/program.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Completion of a recognized Therapeutic Recreation Diploma Program or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Class 4 vehicle license (unrestricted) may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• General knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice, Harm Reduction approaches, and Strengths-based care.
• Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Ability to operate related equipment, including computer software programs.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

Closing Statement

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check. As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan.
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families.
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers.
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff.

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation. Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.

Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the Internal Career Portal site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.