Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Forensic Program

St. Joseph's Health Care, London; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Ontario is seeking a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for its Forensic Program. The successful candidate will support clients with serious mental illnesses through assessment and rehabilitation services. Essential qualifications include a degree focused on therapeutic recreation and R/TRO membership. This is a temporary full-time position with a salary range of $35.93 - $41.37 per hour, extending until June 30, 2027, subject to work availability.

Qualifications

• Ability to establish positive interpersonal relationships.
• Recent experience in therapeutic recreation.
• In-depth knowledge of major mental illness from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation services to clients.
• Implement a personalized approach to service delivery.
• Engage in teaching and research activities as related to the role.

Skills

Client assessment

Treatment planning

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Knowledge of mental health legislation

Education

University Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies or Human Sciences

Registered - Therapeutic Recreation of Ontario (R/TRO)

Job description

CARING FOR THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT SINCE 1869

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Forensic Program - 1 position

Forensic Program

Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care - St. Thomas, ON

Temporary Full Time

Salary Range: $35.93 - $41.37 /hour

Temporary employment anticipated to extend until June 30, 2027, subject to the availability of work.

The Forensic Psychiatry Program has adopted the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Model as its overarching philosophical framework. This philosophy is built on a set of principles and values that emphasize client and family involvement in decision making, client choice, and the provision of a range of services to meet treatment, rehabilitation and support needs. There is a commitment from mental health service professionals to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients based on their stated preferences, wishes, desires and life plans. As part of the forensic system, this must also be accomplished within the parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order. An opportunity exists within the Forensic Inpatient program for a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to clients with serious mental illness using the principles of client centred care within the context of an interdisciplinary team approach.

Essential Qualifications

• University Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a Therapeutic Recreation focus or University Degree in Human Sciences or Services with a Post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation
• Valid membership as a Registered - Therapeutic Recreation of Ontario (R/TRO)
• Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, and implement a personalized approach to service delivery within the guidelines of the Therapeutic Recreation Service Delivery Model in accordance with TRO standards of practice
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation
• Knowledge, skills and recent experience in providing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with serious mental illness
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in applying the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, symptom management and their impact in providing therapeutic recreation interventions
• In-depth knowledge of major mental illness from a biopsychosocial perspective
• Experience in crisis intervention
• Experience in the development of teaching materials and the teaching of patients, family and caregivers
• Must be capable of establishing positive interpersonal relationships and able to work as an effective team member
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in French would be an asset
• Minimum of 2 years' experience as a therapeutic recreation professional
• Experience in mental health

Teaching and Research

• St Joseph's Health Care London through its affiliation with Western University and Fanshawe College is a leading research and teaching hospital. As an employee of St Joseph's, you will be expected to engage in role related teaching and research activities in addition to any of your clinical duties

Immunization Requirements

• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza.
• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing

Posting date: February 12, 2026

Submission deadline: February 18, 2026