Recreation Therapist I
Your Opportunity:
The Recreation Therapist I position provides comprehensive therapeutic recreation services for adults on the Recovery Alberta Acute Mental Health and Addiction Inpatient Units at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH). You are someone who enjoys working closely with people and can build supportive, compassionate relationships with clients and their families, always demonstrating dignity and respect. In this role, you will independently make day‑to‑day clinical decisions related to functional interventions, leisure education, and recreation-based assessments. You will evaluate each patient’s functional abilities, identify appropriate therapeutic and leisure-focused resources, and collaborate on individualized goals and treatment plans that support recovery, discharge planning, and continuity of care. You will deliver therapeutic recreation services using recognized models of care and standardized assessment tools, providing both individual and group-based interventions. This includes planning and facilitating structured therapeutic group activities that are safe, engaging, and appropriate for adults experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. Your responsibilities will include assessing recreation and leisure needs, developing therapeutic care plans, and implementing meaningful programs and activities that promote wellness, skill development, and social engagement.
Description:
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.
- Classification: Recreation Therapist I
- Union: HSAA Prof/Tech
- Unit and Program: Adult Psychiatry
- Primary Location: University of Alberta Hospital
- Location Details: As Per Location
- Multi-Site: Not Applicable
- FTE: 0.60
- Posting End Date: 02-MAR-2026
- Temporary Employee Class: Temp P/T Benefits
- Date Available: 16-MAR-2026
- Temporary End Date: 16-MAR-2027
- Hours per Shift: 7.75
- Length of Shift in weeks: 4
- Shifts per cycle: 12
- Shift Pattern: Days, Evenings
- Days Off: As Per Rotation
- Minimum Salary: $39.62
- Maximum Salary: $52.76
- Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable
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).
Additional Required Qualifications:Diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related field from a recognized post‑secondary institution. Professional registration (or eligibility for registration) with recognized recreation therapy associations (e.g., ATRA or equivalent, if applicable to your posting). Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and addiction conditions, therapeutic interventions, and trauma‑informed care practices. Experience planning, leading, and evaluating group therapeutic recreation activities for adults in mental health or clinical settings. Strong ability to assess functional abilities, leisure needs, and therapeutic goals using standardized assessment tools. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. Ability to maintain compassion, professionalism, and sound judgment when working with individuals experiencing acute mental health symptoms. Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to work independently during weekend service hours.
Preferred Qualifications:Experience working in acute mental health and addiction inpatient settings, particularly with adult populations. Training in trauma‑informed practice, motivational interviewing, or recovery‑oriented care. Connect Care documentation experience. CPR/First Aid and Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention (or equivalent) considered assets.
