Recreation Therapy Associate - Mental Health & Addictions

Click here to apply as an internal applicant. Req ID: 224861Location: Central Zone, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building - QEII Department: MHA CZ Rec Therapy Acute Care ABJLType of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100%) x 1 Union: NSGEU Healthcare PositionPosting Closing Date: 17-Aug-26About the Opportunity Reporting to the Health Services Manager, and under the direction of the Recreation Therapist, the Recreation Therapy Associate works to support clients and families through application of therapeutic recreation intervention aimed at holistic functioning of clients. The Recreation Therapy Associate contributes to assessment, evidence-informed interventions, planning and evaluation of recreation therapy services. Recreation therapy associates provide interventions to groups or individuals in inpatient, outpatient or community settings, related to the client’s leisure needs and overall plan of care.About You We would love to hear from you if you have the following: A post-secondary diploma with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited educational institution or a diploma Standard First Aid Non-Violent Crisis Intervention BCLS Experience working with individuals with physical/cognitive disabilities Experience with mental health addictions is an asset Ability to work effectively within a team or other healthcare professionals Ability to assist in the plan, develop, implement and evaluation of Therapeutic Recreation programs Effective listening and communication skills; ability to motivate patients/veterans Adaptability/Flexibility: changing and adapting skills to changing patient populations and/or worksites Ability to work independently, without direct supervision Ability to understand medical terminology used in a clinical area, and use within the documentation Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.Hours Long assignment full-time position; 75 hours biweekly Approximately 13 months Compensation and Benefits $25.84 - $31.93 Hourly Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan. What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning. Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself. At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer. Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home. Once You've Applied Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. ​This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. ​Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.

The Recreation Therapy Associate supports clients and families by implementing therapeutic recreation interventions to improve holistic functioning. They contribute to the assessment, planning, and evaluation of services for patients in inpatient, outpatient, or community settings.

Candidates must hold a post-secondary diploma in Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited institution. Essential certifications include Standard First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, and BCLS.

• Health insurance • Dental insurance • Travel insurance • Long-term disability insurance • Life insurance • Defined benefit pension plan

• First AidPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Therapeutic recreation
• Mental health support
• Addiction support
• Patient assessment
• Care planning
• Evidence-informed interventions
• Communication skills
• Active listening
• Motivational interviewing
• Crisis intervention
• First aid
• Medical terminology
• Documentation
• Team collaboration
• Adaptability
• Planning
• Motivational Skills
• First Aid
• Acute Care
• Basic Cardiac Life Support
• Mental Health
• Communication
• Crisis Intervention
• Disabilities
• French Language
• Innovation
• Listening Skills
• Medical Terminology
• Recreational Therapy

• Healthcare
• Social Services
• Sports & Recreation
• Addiction Therapist
• Mental Health Assistant
• Health Care Assistants
• Psychiatric Aides

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

0+ years

Apply by

Aug 18, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

38 hours per week