Recreation Therapy Associate

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health Authority in Dartmouth seeks a Recreation Therapy Associate to support clients and families through therapeutic recreation interventions across inpatient, outpatient and community settings, contributing to assessment, planning and evaluation of services.

Reporting to the Health Services Manager and Recreation Therapist, you will work with the early mobility group, participate in program development, and use effective communication to motivate residents.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Standard First Aid.
• CPR/BCLS CPR.
• Experience with physical/cognitive disabilities.
• Experience with older adults with dementia.
• Ability to work effectively within a healthcare team.
• Assist in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating Therapeutic Recreation programs.
• Effective listening and communication skills.
• Adaptability to changing patient populations.
• Ability to work independently; basic medical terminology usage.

Responsibilities

• Support clients and families through therapeutic recreation interventions.
• Contribute to assessment, planning and evaluation of services.
• Provide interventions to groups or individuals in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
• Collaborate with the early mobility group.

Skills

First Aid

CPR/BCLS CPR

Disabilities experience

Dementia care

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Medical terminology

French (preferred)

Education

Therapeutic Recreation diploma

Job description

Recreation Therapy Associate - Rehabilitation & Supportive Care Services

Req ID: 227674
Location: Central Zone, Dartmouth General Hospital
Department: OPCZ DGH & TA's
Type of Employment: PermanentHourly FT (100%) x 1
Union: NSGEUHealthcarePosition
Posting Closing Date: 22-Oct-26

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Health Services Manager, and under the direction of the Recreation Therapist, the Recreation Therapy Associate works to support clients and families through application of therapeutic recreation intervention aimed at holistic functioning of clients. The Recreation Therapy Associate contributes to assessment, evidence-informed interventions, planning and evaluation of recreation therapy services. Recreation therapy associates provide interventions to groups or individuals in inpatient, outpatient or community settings, related to the client’s leisure needs and overall plan of care. This position will also work closely with the early mobility group.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• A post-secondary diploma with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from an accreditededucational institution
• Standard First Aid
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention considered an asset
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BCLS CPR)
• Experience working with individuals with physical/cognitive disabilities
• Experience working with older adults who have dementia
• Ability to work effectively within a team or other healthcare professionals
• Ability to assist in the plan, develop, implement and evaluation of Therapeutic Recreation programs
• Effective listening and communication skills; ability to motivate residents
• Adaptability/Flexibility: changing and adapting skills to changing patient populations and/or worksites
• Ability to work independently, without direct supervision
• Ability to understand medical terminology used in a clinical area, and use within the documentation
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Hours

• Permanent full-time position; 75 hours biweekly

Compensation and Benefits

$25.84 - $30.85 Hourly

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health

Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning. Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself. At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer. Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.

Job Segment: Recreation Therapy, Rehabilitation, Therapy, Healthcare