Recreation Therapist

Directly accountable to the Manager of Recreation, the Recreation Therapist provides recreation services primarily on a 1-1 basis for client/residents to promote health and personal growth through leisure and recreation experiences. This contributes to the maintenance of physical, social, emotional and mental well-being. The Recreation Therapist will provide therapeutic recreation interventions to enhance and promote life-long recreation skills, leisure education, and community re-integration.

• 1-2 years’ recent experience working with individuals/groups in a healthcare environment preferred.
• Must have extensive knowledge of social, recreation and leisure programming and recreation resources in hospital and in the community.

• Undergraduate degree in Recreation Management and Community Development or equivalent, with specialization in therapeutic recreation.
• First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention as required by the Program/Site.

• Membership in Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association and Recreation Connections Manitoba preferred.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training requirements for this position shall be in accordance with the Employer policy.

• Works within MHC’s core values, philosophy, vision, CQI goals, policies and procedures.
• Ability to function as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team, including collaboration, team work and good communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal relationships.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other disciplines and demonstrate professional judgment and initiative.
• Must have personal maturity and the ability to accept responsibility for actions and decisions.
• Must demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, creativity, sound judgment and problem-solving skills in all areas of practice.
• Ability to organize and complete assignments with a minimum of supervision.
• Willingness to adapt to new concepts, techniques and best practice in the academic and clinical fields of therapeutic recreation and general healthcare knowledge (i.e., mental health, geriatric health, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and interdependently.
• Assumes responsibility for ongoing education and participates in professional activities for personal and professional growth.

• May encounter aggressive and/or agitated clients/visitors/staff.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, blood and body fluids, toxic materials, noise, allergens, physical and emotional stress.
• May be occasionally required to work extended hours.
• May be required to work a variety of shifts including evenings and weekends.