Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions 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.
Working collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team, and 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, concurrent disorders, trauma, and chronic disease. Work involves integrating therapeutic recreation knowledge, principles of inclusion and active living components in the provision of activities. Drives the Centre’s vehicle to transport clients to designated locations during recreational outings and appointments as required. Services provided may include consultation and community outreach. The Recreation Therapist assesses clients in relation to therapeutic recreation and functions and as a member of an interdisciplinary team provides and coordinates services consistent with established policies, standards of practice and philosophy of BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services.

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 and transports clients using the Centre’s vehicle. Assists clients with embarking and disembarking the vehicle. Conducts inspections of vehicle by checking oil, gas and fluid levels, tire condition and ensuring that lights and signals are functioning; cleans interior and exterior of vehicle after use; and maintains records of distances travelled, gas expenditures and inspections. Recommends vehicle and equipment repairs as required.

6. Provides guidance and support to 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/designate.
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.
11. Participates in the planning and implementation of patient related special events (e.g. graduation from program, birthdays, Halloween, Christmas) and in the organization of entertainment for patients and families.

12. Participates in professional development and continuing education opportunities both as a presenter and as a participant and reports information back to the department/program.
13. Maintains records and statistics and ensures compliance with safety practices and procedures.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation from an approved post secondary program.
• Eligible for membership in the B.C. Therapeutic Recreation Association (BCTRA) and the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA).
• Two (2) years of recent related experience working in a substance use and mental health program or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience. This job requires that the incumbent be female.
• Valid Class IV B.C. Driver’s Licence.
• Valid C.P.R. Certificate
Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of recreation program planning and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and interact with patients and families by applying theories of therapeutic recreation.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to mental health, addiction and trauma for women and a positive attitude regarding women impacted by these issues
• Broad Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice and its application to the defined population of clients
• Demonstrated ability to 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 within an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to travel.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.