JOB OPPORTUNITY - Recreation Therapist - Full-Time Permanent

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist will work with the interprofessional team to promote a holistic leisure lifestyle by contributing to the social, physical, spiritual, emotional and cognitive needs of clients. You will develop, plan, facilitate, schedule, organize and implement various therapeutic recreation programs. This will be accomplished by conducting assessments, developing individual and group recreation plans, completing client documentation, skill instruction, development of program goals and objectives, and evaluating a variety of individual and group recreation programs. You will be expected to contribute to program development, research, and educational activities of the program. You will have flexibility in scheduling as evening and weekend work will be required.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Status: Full-Time Permanent
Union/Non: This is a unionized position
Rate of pay: $33.20 per hour

This posting is for replacement position within our organization.

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist will work with the interprofessional team to promote a holistic leisure lifestyle by contributing to the social, physical, spiritual, emotional and cognitive needs of clients. You will develop, plan, facilitate, schedule, organize and implement various therapeutic recreation programs. This will be accomplished by conducting assessments, developing individual and group recreation plans, completing client documentation, skill instruction, development of program goals and objectives, and evaluating a variety of individual and group recreation programs. You will be expected to contribute to program development, research, and educational activities of the program. You will have flexibility in scheduling as evening and weekend work will be required. You will support a workplace that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

Accountability

The position reports directly to: Director, Quality & Interprofessional Practice

Corporate Responsibilities

• Fosters positive interpersonal relationships with the staff, clients, visitors, outside agencies, government officials and related professional associations.
• Maintains and adheres to all relevant legislation, organizational policies and procedures.
• Works in compliance of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and its regulations, reporting hazards, deficiencies and contravention’s of the Act, in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates professional practices, which are consistent with the mission, vision and philosophy of Youthdale Treatment Centres.
• You will support a workplace that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Developing, designing, implementing, scheduling, leading, and evaluating individualized and group therapeutic recreational/leisure/life skills programs and special events.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with other Allied and medical team members to coordinate client care intervention with recreation therapy activities.
• Availability to work weekdays, weekends, and statutory holidays will be required on a rotational basis to support a 7-day model of Recreation Therapy services.
• Recording client assessment, progress and discharge status, in accordance with department and Youthdale policy. Based upon the analysis of assessment data, formulate clinical impressions and recommendations for treatment, referral for other services.
• Monitor the behaviour and condition of clients during programs, and report any significant changes as appropriate.
• Maintain program and client records according to Youthdale policy.
• Work cooperatively with other programs/departments to meet client needs.
• Ensure standards of professional practice with respective regulatory bodies (Ontario Health (OH), CYFSA, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, MCCSS, MOH, Auditor, Accreditation, etc.) are met.
• Represent Youthdale in a professional manner during external community meetings
• Participates in safety, risk management and quality improvement activities and conducts program evaluation and applied research to assure safe and effective recreational therapy services.
• Maintain and adhere to all relevant legislation, organizational and occupational health and safety policies and procedures, and the mission, vision, and philosophy of the agency.
• In-depth comprehension and implementation of the CYFSA and ministry licensing requirements as it relates to Child and Youth Services

Qualifications

• Degree/ Diploma in Recreation/ Recreation Therapy or a good working knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and practices.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of direct experience in working with inpatients.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
• Current registration with Therapeutic Recreation of Ontario (TRO)
• Experience with crisis management and treatment of acute mental health /addictions is a requirement.
• Experience with young persons experiencing acute mental health crisis is an asset.
• Clinical expertise and experience with medically complex clients is an asset
• Ability to assess, plan and implement a personalized approach to service delivery within the guidelines of the Therapeutic Recreation Service Model in accordance with TRO standards of practice and the Ontario Stroke Network core competencies
• Excellent professional judgment, conflict resolution and interpersonal communication skills with clients, families, team members, students and community partners.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, sound judgment, analytical thinking and initiative
• Skill and ability in designing, planning and implementing evidence-based treatment interventions
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word
• Ability to work all shifts, including weekends and ability to provide multi-site coverage as required

About Youthdale Treatment Centres

Youthdale (https://www.youthdale.ca) provides comprehensive, integrated mental health services to children and their families, connecting them with the right programs and services, both at Youthdale and in their communities. We meet the complex needs of children and youth with a team of highly skilled and dedicated psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists and neuropsychologists, social workers, nurses, and child and youth workers. To know more about us and the amazing work that our team does, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@youthdale-ca.

Application

At Youthdale, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. Youthdale is committed to providing accommodation in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Please apply with an updated resume by May 10, 2026.

#ydc1