Recreation Therapist - Senior S1A

Come work as a Recreation Therapist Senior with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) at Dogwood Care Home in Vancouver, BC! Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a patient/client and family-centred framework and continuum-based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice and the vision, values and policies of the organization, works in a team-based environment and ensures the provision of Recreation Therapy services in designated residential settings/programs focused on designated clients/residents, and coordinates and participates in quality improvement and risk management initiatives, meetings, research, and education. Provides Recreation Therapy assessments/interventions as required and provides leadership to designated students, volunteers, and a total staff of more than one (1) up to and including eight (8) FTE non health science professionals.

This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Baccalaureate in Therapeutic Recreation or Leisure Studies from an accredited university.
• Two (2) years' recent, related experience working with the designated population group, in the applicable program area/setting, including one (1) years’ experience supervising staff or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency First Aid.
• Eligible for certification and CTRS credential with National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based Recreation Therapy practice related to applicable program health issues and treatment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of theories and concepts of therapeutic recreation, leisure, social
  psychology and current trends and practice in designated areas.
• Comprehensive knowledge of recreation therapy theory and practice within a client/resident and family centred model of care.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organizing therapeutic recreation services including the development of a written plan or operation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client/resident care. Broad knowledge of research process and methodology.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member, leader, and facilitator.
• Demonstrated ability to teach clients/residents and co-workers both one-on-one and in groups. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, other health care staff, clients/residents and their families, both one-on-one and in groups.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate Recreation Therapy concepts and theories in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others. Demonstrated ability to provide effective consultation.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.
• General knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice and Harm Reduction approaches and Strengths-based care.
• Demonstrated ability to promote Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Demonstrated ability to provide competent and culturally safe care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Skill in the use of equipment, and in techniques appropriate to the treatment of clients/residents with a rehabilitation/degenerative disease or disability and/or mental health issue.
• Documented involvement as a research investigator and/or published researcher. Basic computer literacy.

Closing Statement

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.