Recreation Therapy Associate - Rehabilitation Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Antigonish; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization in Antigonish is seeking a full-time Recreation Therapy Associate to provide support through recreation interventions. Candidates should have a post-secondary diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and experience with individuals having physical or cognitive disabilities. The position requires effective communication skills and the ability to work independently or within a team. Compensation ranges from $25.84 to $30.85 per hour, and eligibility for additional benefits may apply.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Qualifications

• Must have a diploma in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited institution.
• Ability to motivate patients with effective listening and communication skills.
• Flexibility in adapting skills to changing patient populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide recreation intervention to support clients' holistic functioning.
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
• Assist in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs.

Skills

Post-secondary diploma in Therapeutic Recreation

BLS - C

Experience with physical/cognitive disabilities

Effective communication skills

Ability to work independently

Competencies in other languages (especially French)

Education

Post-secondary diploma with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation

Job description

Req ID: 213920
Location: Eastern Zone, St. Martha's Regional Hospital
Department: OPEZ ALC Rehabilitation SMR
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 1
CUPE Healthcare Position
Posting Closing Date: 23-Dec-25

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Rehabilitation Services, and under the supervision of a therapist, the Recreation Therapy Associate is a member of the health care team, providing support to clients and families through the application of recreation intervention to support holistic functioning of clients. 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. Recreation therapy associates practice in adherence to practice standards and scope of employment.

About You

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

• Post‑secondary diploma with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited educational institution or a diploma
• BLS - C
• Experience working with individuals with physical/cognitive disabilities
• Ability to work effectively within a team or other healthcare professionals
• Ability to assist in the plan, develop, implement and evaluation of Recreation programs
• Effective listening and communication skills; ability to motivate patients/veterans
• Adaptability/Flexibility: changing and adapting skills to changing patient populations and/or work sites
• 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

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Permanent, Full‑Time Position (100%); 75 Hours Bi‑weekly
• May be required to work weekends
• Travel to other sites is required and must have access to a reliable vehicle

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.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Some opportunities may be eligible for our Employee Referral Program. If a Nova Scotia Health employee refers a candidate who is not working for the organization and the candidate is hired, the employee who made the referral may be eligible to earn up to $1000.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Employees are encouraged to view their seniority hours and dates in their SuccessFactors online profile. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units, or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

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.

Nova Scotia Health’s Employee Career Advice (ECA) Program supports internal employees in their career development and progression with résumé‑building, interview skill development, resources and advice for optimizing job searches, and more. Employees can book a one‑on‑one meeting or view upcoming workshops on the ECA Intranet page or via email at [e-mail].