(TEMPORARY FULL TIME) RECREATION THERAPIST- FORENSIC REHABILITATION UNIT (FRU)

Ontario Shores Centre for MHS; Whitby; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is seeking a Recreation Therapist to join the Forensic Rehabilitation Unit (FRU) at Whitby, ON. You will assess, develop, implement and evaluate individualized and group therapeutic recreation programs to support treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

The role requires a Therapeutic Recreation degree, 2 years related experience, TRO membership, and CPR HCP certification.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and 2 years related experience is required.
• Knowledge of current therapeutic recreation practices, theories, methodologies.
• Current TRO membership required and eligible registration with TRO is preferred.
• Ability to implement appropriate treatment, leisure education and participation programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized care to patients with complex mental illnesses using a recovery-focused model of care.
• Assess, develop, implement and evaluate individualized and group therapeutic recreation programs.
• Provide functional and strength-based social skill programs to support treatment and rehabilitation.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to support the patient’s Plan of Care.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation

Recovery-focused care

Patient assessment

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Therapeutic Recreation degree or diploma

Job description

(TEMPORARY FULL TIME) RECREATION THERAPIST- FORENSIC REHABILITATION UNIT (FRU)

Job Category: Clinical Professional (Allied Health)

Requisition Number: TEMPO003826

• Posted : September 14, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Whitby, ON L1N5S9, CAN

Description

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is seeking a Recreation Therapist. As a Recreation Therapist, you will
provide specialized care to patients with complex mental illnesses by using a recovery focused model of care, built upon
compassion, inspiration and hope. The Recreation Therapist will assess, develop, implement and evaluate individualized and
group therapeutic recreation programs as well as providing functional and strength based social skill programs, which support
and encourage the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery programming for a Forensic population. The Therapeutic
Recreationist is knowledgeable of the Forensic population and contributes to the patient’s Plan of Care working as an integral
part of the interdisciplinary team.

The position being recruited for is within the Forensics Program, which consists of a Secure Forensic Service, which consists
of 3 units providing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for patients who are ordered by the courts or the Ontario
Review Board (ORB) and who require accommodation at a higher security level. The Forensic Rehabilitation Unit also serves
both forensic and non-forensic clients. The General Forensic Service, which consists of 3 units providing assessment, treatment
and rehabilitation services for patients who are ordered by courts or Ontario Review Board (ORB) and who require
accommodation at a lower security level. The Forensic Outpatient Service provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation
services for patients who are ordered by the courts or the Ontario Review Board (ORB) who reside in the community.

Please Note: Although the posted vacancy is for the Forensic Rehabilitation Unit (FRU) of the Secure Forensic Service, all
Recreation Therapists must have the ability to work in any area of Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences as patient
needs dictate. Please also note that FRU contains a PICA where staff will be required to work and cover as well.

Qualifications Required and Preferred

• Degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and 2 years related experience is required
• Knowledge of current therapeutic recreation practices, theories, methodologies
• Current TRO membership required and eligible registration with TRO is preferred
• Knowledgeable of recovery and mental illness including treatment practices
• Ability to implement appropriate treatment, leisure education and participation programs
• Skills in therapeutic recreation assessment and program design
• Experience in a mental health setting (preference given to individual with DD knowledge/experience) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, computer skills, liaise with community agencies
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and perform physical demands of the position.
• Applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) certification.

Job Posting Closing: September 28, 2026 at midnight. Please note any job applications after the closing date will not be considered.