POSITION TITLE

Recreational Therapist

SHIFT TYPE

Days, Evenings and Weekends as assigned.

DEPT/PROGRAM

Rehabilitation Services

JOB CLASS

Recreational Therapist

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Temporary Full-Time, up to 1 Year

RATE OF PAY

$35.67 - $39.38 per hour

WORK SCHEDULE

75 hrs bi-weekly

EMPLOYEE GROUP

OPSEU

POSTING TYPE

Existing Vacancy

Open

POSTING DATE

April 28th, 2026

HYBRID ELIGIBLE

No

OPEN POSITIONS

1

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is a 315-bed academic and teaching hospital that provides specialized mental health, addiction and geriatric care. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, we serve some of the most complex and disadvantaged individuals in Ontario and are the sole provider of high-secure forensic mental health services in the province.

The Manager of Rehabilitation Services is currently seeking a dedicated temporary full-time Recreational Therapist. The purpose of the position is to utilize recreation- based interventions to maximize independence and promote the achievement of optimal leisure lifestyles for high secure Provincial Forensic clients. They are responsible for assessments, interventions and evaluations that promote or maintain leisure skill development, knowledge and behaviors in the physical, cognitive, affective and social domains.

For information about funding incentives for nurses, our enhanced employee referral program, housing, orientation and other employment-related information please follow this link to our employment web page. https://www.waypointcentre.ca/get-involved/join-our-team

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Practice in accordance with the standards of practice set out by Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) or Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) as well as in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and philosophy of Waypoint.
• Conduct Therapeutic Recreation (TR) assessment through a combination of techniques such as assessment tools, interviews, observations, file review and information from relevant sources and communicate results with Clients/Patients, team members and key support networks.
• Develop and implement appropriate client/patient TR intervention plans based on assessment results in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including identifiable measurable outcomes. Communicate progress with clients/patients, clinical teams and relevant others.
• Develop program service descriptions and outcome measures for evaluation and delivery of recovery-based TR Programming based upon a continuum model of care which takes into consideration strengths and abilities of each service recipient. Support client/patient transition to achieve maximum independence while working with client/family/friends to restore client's natural leisure support system; provide direction to Recreation Therapy Assistants regarding the implementation and evaluation of TR programs.
• Identify and obtain resource needs; Provide direction to Recreation Therapy Assistants to maintain and monitor recreational equipment, resources and facilities.
• Collaborate with inter-professional clinical teams by attending pertinent meetings to discuss & review patient/client treatment plans & progress and communicate assessment results & therapeutic recreation plans & actions. Maintain all documentation to Waypoint standards.
• Seek, support, and develop appropriate partnerships with a range of community service providers; Facilitate connections with community services needed for transition to and/or independent participation within the client’s community of choice.
• Provide interventions in a variety of community settings and/or involve the community within the client’s environment.
• Monitor and support volunteers and Recreation Therapy students.
• Actively participate in the Therapeutic Recreation Council, exchange knowledge, plan and implement research & evaluation projects including accessing research literature & integrating it in evidence based practice.
• Drive hospital vehicles as required.
• Identify and adhere to safety and security procedures and be alert and respond to potentially unsafe/volatile situations. In addition to the Regional and Community, Key Responsibilities when working in the maximum secure Provincial Forensic Program area, incumbents will also be required to contribute to the safety and security of staff, patients and the public at all times by adhering to all policies, procedures/protocols and practice relative to the maximum secure working environment, including maintaining an awareness of potential risks, patients mental status and behaviors, use of intervention techniques to help patients manage behaviours, (verbal diffusing, physical restraint, etc.), ensuring the secure storage of hazardous or dangerous equipment and supplies; reporting equipment malfunction; participating in environment searches; maintaining a locked environment when applicable. Participates in the physical restraint of a violent or potentially violent patient, as required under the circumstances, when other alternatives are not available to protect the patient, self or others from harm.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Recreation Therapy Degree or a Degree or Diploma in a related field with a Post Graduate Certificate in Recreation Therapy.

• This position requires registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO or R/TRO DIP) or certification with National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (CTRS); Preference for R/TRO OR CTRS.

• Class "G" Driver’s license in good standing is required. Preference will be given to those with an Class “F” license.

• Experience with evidence-based assessment, treatment, interventions and best practice in Recreation Therapy is required.

• Recent, related mental health experience as a Recreational Therapist is required, with preference for experience in a mental health facility or service, including familiarity with the recovery philosophy and trauma informed care.

• Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) is an asset. Provincial Program Central Recreation requires 2 FTE to have a current National Lifeguard Service Certificate; Regional & Community.

• Preference will be given to those with experience working in high-secure settings.

• Results oriented work ethic to work independently and undertake tasks needed to accomplish work objectives and deliver quality, consistent and timely results

• Demonstrated leadership, conflict resolution, interpersonal and organizational skills

• Proven written and verbal communication skills

• Proven ability to adapt readily to change and reflects an optimistic and positive attitude

• Models and promotes core ethical practice, Waypoint Values (Caring, Respect, Accountability, Innovation)

• Preference for proficiency in French/English language skills.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Includes 6% in lieu of vacation to start and 14% in lieu of benefits OR 10% if enrolling in HOOPP
• Participation in the employee referral program
• Professional training & development opportunities for eligible staff
• Access to Waypoint’s Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

HOW DO I APPLY?

Waypoint employees apply through the Employee Self-Service portal at https://employees.waypointcentre.ca and external applicants apply to Join our Team, Career Opportunities | Waypointby close of business (4:00 pm)on May 7th, 2026 quoting Job ID WC26-96. Attach your cover letter and resume detailing why you are interested in this opportunity and how you meet the qualifications and key accountabilities specified. Waypoint does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.