Recreation Assistant, Recreation Therapy

BC Children’s Hospital and SunnyHill Health Centre

Vancouver, BC

What you’ll do

• Carry out individual or group activity programs such as arts and crafts, cooking, music, sports, games, gardening, socio-cultural events, both inside and outside the facility in consultation with the Recreation Therapist, by methods such as organizing necessary supplies and equipment, setting up the environment where the activity is to be held, portering patients to and from the program, conducting the program, putting supplies and equipment away after the program.
• Carry out activity programs by methods such as overseeing/accompanying the patients, demonstrating/teaching the techniques of recreation activities, encouraging participation by all patients, providing personal care support to patients, such as feeding and assisting with toileting needs, during outings if required.
• Monitor and evaluate patient’s progress through activity programs and reports relevant observations such as emotional well-being and social behaviors by methods such as communicating concerns and/or changes of patient’s condition to the Recreation, Aquatic, and Music Therapist(s), and other health care professionals, as appropriate; provide suggestions for change or modifications to existing programs.
• Set up and organize furnishings and equipment for activity programs by methods such as arranging rooms, providing direction to volunteers, and obtaining appropriate equipment for the activity.
• Make appropriate adaptations to recreation activities and equipment as recommended by Recreation, Aquatic, and Music Therapist(s), and other health care professionals, to enable patients to achieve and maintain maximum potential for independence.
• Maintain inventory of equipment, designated supplies and tools for recreation activities. Identify missing items and reports malfunctioning equipment and supply needs to designated personnel/department to ensure proper and safe usage of equipment.
• Prepare patients for activities by methods such as assisting them with appropriate clothing and personal supplies, and checking with other health care providers for potential contradictions to patient’s participation including dietary restrictions, medical conditions and behaviour concerns, to ensure patient’s comfort and safety during activity.
• Provide functional direction to volunteers during activity programs by methods such as communicating established plan and demonstrating related techniques. Communicate with Volunteer Resources as volunteer needs change.
• Transport patients on group outings by operating a passenger bus with a seating capacity of 11 to 25 passengers including the driver. Conduct pre-trip inspection of vehicle. Maintain records of distances travelled, gas expenditures and inspections; notify Clinical Practice Supervisor of any vehicle maintenance needs.
• Complete required reports by methods such as recording workload statistics in accordance with established procedures for program reporting purposes. Attend program/practice and other related meetings as directed.
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately report unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
• Liaise with Recreation, Aquatic and Music Therapist(s) to support student placements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Grade 12, completion of a Recreation Therapy Program plus two (2) years' recent, related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid class 4 vehicle license (unrestricted) as required per vehicle(s).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Children’s Hospital and SunnyHill Health Centre contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• (ii) Ability to deal with others effectively.
• (iii) Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• (iv) Ability to teach.
• (v) Ability to organize work.
• (vi) Ability to operate related equipment.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (until December 15th 2026)
Wage: $30.96/hour
Location: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 2N9

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 0830 - 1630
Requisition # 190242E

What we do

BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) provides care for the most seriously ill or injured children and youth from across British Columbia.

Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children (SHHC) provides specialized development and rehabilitation services to BC children, youth and their families.

BCCH and SHHC is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA, BCCH and SHHC are committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention current employees of PHSA:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting has expired. Please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca**.**