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

Ontario Shores Centre for MHS; Whitby; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences seeks a part-time Recreation Therapist to work within the Forensic program. You will assess, develop, and implement therapeutic recreation plans, support recovery, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes.

The role covers FRU and other forensic units, with a focus on group and individual activities, social skills training, and adherence to recovery-focused care in a secure setting; valid TRO membership and CPR HCP

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation with 2 years related experience.
• Knowledge of current therapeutic recreation practices, theories and methodologies.
• Current TRO membership required and TRO registration preferred.
• Ability to implement treatment, leisure education and participation programs.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and computer skills.
• Valid driver’s license and CPR Level HCP certification.

Responsibilities

• Assess, develop, implement and evaluate individualized and group therapeutic recreation programs.
• Provide functional and strength-based social skill programs to support treatment and recovery.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and contribute to the Plan of Care.
• Work within the Forensic program across units and in the community as needed.

Skills

Therapeutic Recreation

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

CPR Level HCP

Computer skills

Education

Degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation

TRO membership

Registration with TRO preferred

Job description

Job Details

Posting Details

• Posted on November 5, 2026

Locations

• Whitby, ON L1N5S9, CAN
• On-site
• Clinical Professional (Allied Health)
• Part-Time
• Requisition #: TEMPO003903

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.

Link to OPSEU Wage Table - This is part of the OPSEU bargaining unit.

1 Vacancy Available

1 year contract

Job Posting Closing: November 19, 2026 at midnight. Please note any job applications after the closing date will not be considered.