Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Recreation Therapist reports to the Clinical Services Manager, works without discipline specific general supervision as part of an interdisciplinary team within an evidence based trauma-informed, recovery oriented and culturally safe model of care. The Recreation Therapist is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a therapeutic recreation program for women recovering from substance dependence, mental health issues and trauma, and chronic disease. Work involves integrating therapeutic recreation knowledge, principles of inclusion and active living components in the provision of activities. Services provided may include consultation and community outreach. The Recreation Therapist assesses clients in relation to therapeutic recreation and in accordance with the established standards of practice.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Plans, implements and evaluates a goal oriented plan for assigned patients integrating recreation concepts and documents assessment information, goals, interventions, statistics, and progress notes.

2.    Plans, initiates and provides opportunities that foster participation in leisure activities based on the client’s functional ability and development.

3.    Observes, records, and reports relevant information related to the client as it pertains to recreation and works in collaboration with other health care professionals.

4.    Works with members of the health care team and communicates issues related to recreation by participating in and attending interdisciplinary team conferences, patient rounds, case discussions, and training sessions.

5.    Plans appropriate recreation outings in the community for clients of the program.

6.    Provides guidance and support to Recreation Workers, students, and volunteers as assigned.

7.    Works collaboratively with other members of the department/program in the development, preparation, and presentation of education and training information.

8.    Provides information and education to the client/family/community service providers on appropriate recreation resources. Provides information and support in accessing community recreation resources to the client, their family and other community service providers.

9.    Maintains the leisure environment, games, puzzles, equipment and supplies used in the area to ensure safety and that department and health act standards are met. Reports need for items and repairs to the Clinical Services Manager/Director.

10.    Participates in weekly staff meetings, quality assurance initiatives and in setting goals and objectives by providing recommendations regarding new initiatives and/or changes to existing programs to the Clinical Services Manager/Director.

11.    Participates in the planning and implementation of patient related special events (birthdays, Halloween, Christmas) and in the organization of entertainment for patients and families.

12.    Works in collaboration with other departments such as Volunteer Services and the Foundation to meet the needs of patients, families, and the community.

13.    Participates in professional development and continuing education opportunities both as a presenter and as a participant and reports information back to the department/program.

14.    Maintains records and statistics and ensures compliance with safety practices and procedures.

15.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from a recognized post-secondary program.
•    Eligible for membership in the British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association (BCTRA).
•    Three (3) years’ of recent related experience working in a substance use and mental health program.
•    Valid Class IV B.C. Driver’s Licence and access to a vehicle.
•    Valid C.P.R. Certificate.

Skills and Abilities

•    Comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based Recreation Therapy practice related to applicable program health issues and treatment.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of theories and concepts of therapeutic recreation, leisure, social psychology and current trends and practice in designated areas.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of recreation therapy theory and practice within a client and family centred model of care.
•    Broad knowledge and demonstrated understanding of issues related to mental health, substance dependence and trauma for women.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
•    Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally safe care and its application to the defined population of clients.
•    Demonstrated skills in the areas of recreation program planning and leadership.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with co-workers, other health care staff, clients and their families, both one-on-one and in groups.
•    Demonstrated ability to assess and interact with patients and families by applying theories of therapeutic recreation.
•    Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with multi-barrier clients and have a positive attitude toward women with substance dependence and concurrent disorder.
•    Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
•    Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unexpected events, problem solve, and to deal effectively with conflict situations.
•    Demonstrated ability to teach, demonstrate, and coach adults, and to empower clients to assume control over their health.
•    Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
•    Skilled in the use of equipment and in the techniques appropriate for Recreation Therapy.
•    Computer literacy; demonstrated ability to operate related equipment including an electronic patient health record as part of a clinical information system.
•    Ability to travel.
•    Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.