Recreation Therapist (PPT) (SEIU 23.26)

Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Norfolk County is where big vision meets unlimited potential.

As one of Ontario’s largest single-tier municipalities and home to over 70,000 people, Norfolk is bold, diverse, and proudly local - a municipality that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and connection. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to grow your skills, expand your ideas, and shape your career.

As a Recreation Therapist at Norview Lodge, you’ll assess residents’ needs and develop engaging therapeutic recreation programs that enhance quality of life and well-being. Your work will foster meaningful social connections, support resident-centered care, and help create a positive and enriching living environment for residents and their families.

Big vision. Real opportunities. Unlimited potential. That’s Norfolk.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To assess individual needs, program planning (equipment, supplies, materials, volunteers, schedules), implementation and evaluation including special events.
• To implement current therapeutic treatment / techniques as ordered by a designated professional.
• To conduct research into activation programs, materials, ideas, resources, as well as innovations being applied elsewhere as appropriate.
• To assess the Therapeutic (recreation / social) needs of Residents by consulting with the health care team/Therapists and adapting programs as required to suit the needs of each individual Resident.
• To participate in fundraising initiatives to support departmental operations.
• To participate in the recruitment of volunteers and provide training, leadership and guidance to them.
• To purchase program department supplies as needed to facilitate programming.
• To maintain a high level of personal contact with Residents and their families; encouraging family involvement where possible.
• To participate as a team member in providing Resident centered care and service.
• To undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with Health and Safety standards, guidelines and legislation.
• Participate in annual mandatory education as per MOHLTC regulations as well as in-service educational opportunities.
• Maintain awareness (at all times) of emergency procedures; participate in drills and associated educational opportunities.
• To be aware of and comply with all Corporate and facility policies and procedures.
• Confidentiality is of extreme importance and must always be maintained.

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience:

• Grade 12 graduation, plus post-secondary diploma or degree in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology or related field.
• Over 3 months relevant experience working as a recreation therapist, preferably in LTC or other health care setting, experience within student placement practicums would be considered.
• Possess and maintain a current Food Handlers certificate.
• Current valid Ontario class F driver’s license or ability to obtain and have access to a reliable vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process
• Volunteer management and / or experience would be an asset to this position.
• Point Click Care experience an asset.
• Certification in Activation Techniques in Gerontology would be an asset

Skills and Abilities:

• Resident and Customer focus
• Proven understanding of elders and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities
• Proven planning, organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Empathy and compassion required
• General knowledge of medical terminology
• Good communication skills (both oral and written), public speaking ability an asset
• The ability to work as a team member
• Proven creative skills and ability to teach with enthusiasm, patience and understanding
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills as well as excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to interact with residents, families, volunteers, and staff and intervene utilizing diplomatic skills.
• General knowledge of assistive devices, therapy and recreational equipment
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software to data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Benefits

Posting #: SEIU

Position: Recreation Therapist

Position Code: 7NLACA

Status: Permanent Part Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employee Group: SEIU Local 1

Wage: $ - $ per hour (2024 rate) (less $ per hour for the probationary period)

Hours Worked per Week: Up to 24

Division: Emergency and Social Services

Department: Norview Lodge

Reports to: Supervisor, Programs and Volunteer Services

Location: Simcoe, ON

Posting Period: October 23, 2026 - November 5, 2026