Recreation Therapist

Recreation Therapist (Full-Time Salaried, 80 hours/biweekly)

Organization: HomeBridge Youth Society www.homebridgeyouth.ca
Classification: Clinical (Unionized)
Reports to: Director of Operations
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia- Onsite
Hours of Work: Full-time (40 hours/week- some evening and weekend hours may be required)

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Recreation Therapist to join our team! As the Recreation Therapist, you will be responsible for organizing, planning and documenting recreation and leisure experiences with members of the HomeBridge community to ensure that the highest quality support and care is evident.

POSITION SUMMARY:

In collaboration with the youth care teams, the Recreation Therapist provides support to youth residing in one of the five HomeBridge Youth Society's Youth Caring facilities. The incumbent will be accountable to the Director of Operations, and shall provide care which enables youth to acquire skill, knowledge and behavior that will allow them to incorporate positive recreation and leisure experiences as a part of a healthy lifestyle. The Recreation Therapist will be actively involved in program development with the goal of enhancing the development of life-long leisure skills and attitudes, eliminating barriers to leisure, and optimize the leisure involvement of youth, therapists and community groups. Other key responsibilities of this position include planning and development of program content, responsibility for group safety during onsite and community programming. While it is recognized that the Recreation Therapist will work on the multi-disciplinary team, their work will be informed by the youth care approach.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Recreation Degree
• Minimum of two years' experience working with vulnerable youth from marginalized backgrounds
• Experience working with youth who have mental health and or substance misuse challenges
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team

CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION/DESIGNATION:

• Certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NRTRC), required.
• Current First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certification or willingness to obtain

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Recreation Therapist takes pride in providing safe, high quality care to youth experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health and addiction challenges through providing direct recreation and leisure opportunities to youth receiving services from HomeBridge Youth Society. The Recreation Therapist demonstrates openness and honesty and builds meaningful relationships with the youth and other care providers as partners in decision making and care. The Recreation Therapist supports the youth to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle and makes a positive difference in the lives of others.

• Ensures adherence to Standards of Professional Practice and Code of Ethics for Recreation Therapy as established by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NRTRC)
• Responsible for the assessment of a youth's recreational and leisure needs, setting realistic goals/objectives with the child/adolescent and implementing appropriate intervention plans
• Manages disruptive and aggressive behavior using NVCI and de-escalation.
• Facilitates outcomes through direct or indirect interventions with individuals and/or groups
• Follows all HomeBridge documenting guidelines
• Consults and collaborates with the multi-disciplinary team to provide timely therapeutic interventions, based on a range of evidence
• Observes and responds to youth needs within one-to-one or group interactions and modifies the activity in response to observations
• Plans, implements and shares the supervision both onsite and community recreation and leisure programs
• Gathers and submits accurate workload information related to daily tasks
• Contributes to a culture of diversity and inclusion by honoring the dignity, privacy, equality and cultural preferences of youth and other staff
• Collaborates and works consultatively with the youth, families, team members, stakeholders and all levels within the organization
• Promotes the role of Recreation Therapy within HomeBridge Youth Society.
• Available for consultation to all members of the youth care teams
• Liaises with youth, team members, and community partners in a courteous and professional manner
• Maintains confidentiality of all youth/ family and employee information

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in leisure/recreation program planning within a youth care setting.
• Knowledge of various health conditions and their impact on health, well-being and quality of life
• Effective communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing development of knowledge and skills of recreation therapy; identifies own learning needs and establishes goals
• Demonstrated contributions to a positive working environment and creating a supportive work environment that values and respects all members of the team
• Collaborates with team members and encourages teamwork.
• Demonstrates openness and honesty.
• Supports others in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to set priorities and work independently
• Demonstrated ability to work as a part of a collaborative inter-professional team
• Excellent time management, organization and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to family centered care
• Demonstrated ability to establish and promote interpersonal and community relationships
• Ability to work the occasional evening and weekends
• Valid driver's license with a reliable vehicle and the ability to be insured on a company vehicle

Leadership and Excellence:

The Recreation Therapist assists in building our reputation for excellence in the Maritime community and beyond. They pursue excellence in care, teaching and research through a spirit of discovery and innovation. They leverage our reputation and influence to advocate for the well-being of the population. The Recreation Therapist accepts responsibility and accountability for relationships, decisions and actions.

Quality Assurance:

The Recreation Therapist participates in team, program and HomeBridge Youth Society quality improvement and risk management activities to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective care and maintenance of a safe and healthy workplace.

Judgement and Initiative:

The incumbent will require a strong degree of sound judgement skills and while displaying exceptional initiative. They will modify equipment and activities as necessary for youth usage and participation, while ensuring safety onsite and in the community.

They will participate in the development of standards and guidelines to promote quality practice along with appropriate evaluation measurement tools. A safe working environment will be maintained by identifying and resolving potential risk issues.

Degree of responsibility for decisions on financial, human and material resources:

The incumbent shall identify new resources/funding opportunities and work collaboratively and under the direction of the Manager to oversee resources required to offer successful and inclusive therapeutic programs. An equipment inventory will be maintained and policy development may be required. Financial accountability will be maintained for program implementation. A learning environment will be nurtured by participating in teaching and orientation of Recreation Therapist placements.

Physical, Mental and visual demands:

The successful incumbent shall maintain an ability to participate in diverse therapeutic recreation activities which may be highly physical in nature. Physical demands including restraints, consistent with NVCI philosophy and training may be required. The capacity to manage multiple competing demands on time and resources when urgent and stressful situations are imminent. The capacity to remain vigilant to the youth's progress towards goals through interventions will remain a priority.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment demands a strong concentration and the ability to focus while maintaining sensitivity and appreciation of the delicate balance required in working with the clientele. Work hours are based on youths needs. Incumbent will be required to travel to other HomeBridge facilities, and other locations as directed. Access to a vehicle is required with the ability to be insured on a company vehicle. Must be able to work independently or in a team environment, and under stressful conditions. Working environment often requires sensitivity to cultural, societal differences, and appropriate protocols. Working conditions include physical, emotional and mental demands.

SALARY RANGE: $81,316-$89,760 annually

A comprehensive benefits package including a pension is available to eligible employees.

Please submit an updated resume and cover letter to:
[email protected]

We encourage applicants from Indigenous People, Black and other racially visible people, and those from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to self identify in your correspondence.

Please note: The successful applicant will be required to provide a clear Child Abuse Screen as well as an up-to-date Vulnerable Sector Search Check.