JOB DESCRIPTION

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is seeking a Recreation Therapist. As a Recreation Therapist, you will provide specialized care to patients with complex mental illnesses by using a recovery focused model of care, built upon compassion, inspiration and hope. The Recreation Therapist will assess, develop, implement and evaluate individualized and group therapeutic recreation programs as well as providing functional and strength based social skill programs, which support and encourage the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery programming for a geriatric population. The Therapeutic Recreationist is knowledgeable of the Geriatric population and contributes to the patient’s Plan of Care working as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team.

The assignment is providing support to the three inpatient units within the Geriatric Program. These units provide specialized services for older adults with dementia, or a severe and persistent mental illness presenting with complex behaviours, who are currently in an acute care hospital and require specialized mental health care treatment. The goal of treatment will be to stabilize patients so that they can successfully transition to community, long-term care or the referring organization.

Please Note: Although the posted vacancy is for the GNP, Recreation Therapists must have the ability to work in any area of the Ontario Shores as patient needs dictate.

Requirements:
• Degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and 2 years related experience is required
• Knowledge of current therapeutic recreation practices, theories, methodologies
• Current TRO membership required and eligible registration with TRO is preferred
• Knowledgeable of recovery and mental illness including treatment practices
• Ability to implement appropriate treatment, leisure education and participation programs
• Skills in therapeutic recreation assessment and program design
• Experience in a mental health setting (preference given to individual with DD knowledge/experience) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, computer skills, liaise with community agencies
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and perform physical demands of the position.
• Applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) certification.

Link to OPSEU Wage Table - This position is part of the OPSEU bargaining unit.

Job Posting Closing: June 2ND, 2026. Please note any job applications after this date will not be considered

Vacancies: 1

This is replacing an existing vacancy

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

Open Positions

(PERMANENT PART-TIME) RECREATION THERAPIST - GERIATRIC PROGRAM