Recreation Therapist I

The Recreation Therapist I - Mental Health will be responsible for providing evidenced based assessment and treatment interventions to patients experiencing acute mental illness on an adult mental health inpatient unit. Day to day work is co-facilitation and facilitation of groups with other members of the interdisciplinary team including - walks, maintaining group and unit milieu, and facilitation of psychoeducation groups. The Recreation Therapist I is responsible for providing therapeutic recreation services in the area of functional intervention, leisure education and recreation participation. Responsible for assessing client’s recreation and leisure needs, developing treatment plans and providing therapeutic programs/ activities to meet these needs. The Recreation therapist is a vital member of the interdisciplinary team that shares assessment and treatment observations and recommendations at the team conferences, family meetings, and via written assessment reports to assist with discharge planning as needed. The Recreation Therapist will be an active facilitator and /or co-facilitator in a variety of group therapy modalities and will operate according to best practices/ scope, and participate in program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of individual and group therapy programs, including a drumming group. May be subject to verbally and/or physically aggressive clients and/ or family. Active physical participation with clients required. Lifts, pushes, and carries a variety of equipment. May be required to accompany clients to community resources offsite (ie recreation centre). This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

As a Recreation Therapist I, you will be working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, providing comprehensive services for patients (clients, residents) within your assigned program or service area. You will ensure the level of therapeutic recreation practice is evidence based, patient-and family-centred, and in accordance with policies, procedures and standards of practice. You will complete assessment, treatment, education and management of clients¿ treatment progress and provide clinical support and consultation. You will collaborate and communicate with the health care team and participate in patient rounds, family conferences and meetings as related to the client and family.

Completion of bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation and Leisure Studies. Active or eligible registration with Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

Minimum 1 year experience as a Recreational Therapist in an adult acute care setting within the last 3 years. Minimum 1 year experience with facilitation groups or presentations to adult learners within the last 3 years. Strong Interpersonal Skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated organizational and clinical skills in addition to being self-directed and able to work collaboratively in a team environment required. Ability to promote a positive work environment that facilitates the development of high performing teams. Ability to lift, push, and pull more than 20 lbs (ie equipment). New grads who have completed a final preceptorship in an Addiction and Mental Health site may be considered.

Experience in an acute adult inpatient psychiatric setting within the last 5 years. Knowledge of mental health diagnosis (DSM V) and symptomatology. Experience in therapeutic modalities such as: Culturally appropriate care, Trauma Informed Care, CBT, Mindfulness, DBT and/or other evidence-based modalities. NVCI certification within the last 2 years. Crisis management skills including Suicide Risk assessments, intervention, and treatment de-escalation skills (i.e., Collaborative Problem Solving).