Position: Recreation Therapist

Status: Temporary Full Time (up to 3 months with possible extension)

Department: Mental Health – Inpatient Unit

Union Association: OPSEU

HOURS: Days

Salary: $35.94 - $41.37/Hour

Position Summary:

Reporting to Manager, Mental Health Programs, the Recreation Therapist is responsible for offering a full range of client-centred recreational services to clients with acute, and/or severe and persistent mental illnesses within the inpatient unit. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Recreation Therapist promotes meaningful engagement in therapeutic and recreational activities, and collaborates with interdisciplinary team to help meet the mental health needs of the individual. The Recreation Therapist employs an integrated treatment model by providing goal-oriented programs to individuals who have limitations that impact their ability to engage in meaningful leisure experiences. Working as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, the Recreational Therapist has a commitment to maintain the Standards of Practice of the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario and the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Education and Experience:

• University Degree in Recreational/Leisure Studies or a post-grad Therapeutic Recreation Diploma
• Current unrestricted registration with a regulatory body, if applicable
• Eligibility for membership in Therapeutic Recreation Ontario and/or the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association
• Minimum three years relevant experience providing services to individuals with a persistent mental illness
• Previous experience working on an acute inpatient mental health unit is preferred
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of an interprofessional treatment team
• Knowledge of local community resources including social, recreational, clinical and transportation services
• Current BLS and NVCI Certification
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is considered an asset
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the impact of diagnosis on leisure functioning
• Ability to develop, plan and lead a variety of recreation therapy, leisure education and participation programs that are client centered, evidence-based and outcome oriented
• Experience conducting leisure assessments, developing and delivering therapeutic programs, evaluation of programs

and services, documenting to reflect client-centered outcomes and progress, and facilitating links with the community

• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge in relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, Community Treatment Orders and other relevant legislation
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, cooperatively and constructively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of mental health symptoms, issues, psychotropic medications and associated side effects
• Knowledge of and ability to apply Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Principles
• Ability to monitor client progress and modify treatment plans and services in consultation with the other members of the interdisciplinary team
• Maintain accurate and appropriate clinical documentation
• In-depth knowledge of community resources, programs, and agencies available to clients and families
• Provide assessment, advocacy and crisis intervention services
• Demonstrated sensitivity and awareness of the stigma frequently experienced by individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering multicultural and 2SLGBTQ sensitive care environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, problem solving skills and conflict resolution skills
• Experience working in a computerized environment, sound knowledge and understanding of computer-based operations.
• Demonstrated ability to relate in a tactful and sensitive manner with staff, patients and the general public
• Excellent attendance and availability required