Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Recreation Therapist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing direct one to one Aquatic Therapy sessions for children and adults with various health diagnosis and diverse needs; as well as, providing client consultations for sessions with Therapy Assistants and supervising, training and mentoring therapy assistant staff learn how to support clients with diverse needs in the pool.
Working Hours:
- Direct Client one to one Aquatic Therapy Sessions afternoons and/or evenings with your shift hours approx 3-5 hours of direct pool time per shift.
- Potential for additional hours if able to travel to other communities for Client consultations with Therapy Assistants Staff, Staff training, scheduling and some administrative work as delegated by General Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Therapy Sessions:
- Assessment and Treatment: Conduct assessments to evaluate client needs and goals.
- Design individualized recreation/aquatic therapy plans using age appropriate leisure based activities and water-based exercises to address mobility, pain, or functional impairments.
- Facilitate direct therapy sessions
- Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensure community spaces/pool area safety and maintain equipment according to health and safety regulations.
- Identify and mitigate risks during therapy sessions.
- Collaboration: Work with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and physicians, to ensure comprehensive client care.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of client assessments, treatments, and progress.
- Prepare reports and update client charts.
2. Program Management:
- Plan, develop, and evaluate therapeutic recreation and aquatic programs tailored to the diverse needs of clients or participants.
- Oversee the scheduling and delivery of individual and group recreational/aquatic therapy sessions/programs.
- Incorporate evidence-based practices and adapt programs to meet physical, emotional, social, and cognitive goals.
- Assess client needs through consultation interviews, observations, input from families and other healthcare professionals to create personalized treatment plans.
- Ensure programs address physical rehabilitation, behavioural, communication, leisure and social engagement goals.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance therapeutic offerings.
3. Leadership and Staff Supervision:
- Develop and implement strategic plans for recreation and aquatic therapy programs.
- Train, supervise, and mentor recreation therapy staff/therapy assistants, ensuring professional development and adherence to best practices.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to staff.
4. Operations and Administration:
- Maintain accurate records of programs, client participation, and outcomes for reporting and evaluation purposes.
- Ensure all programs and facilities comply with safety, health, and legal standards.
- Collaborate with other departments to align recreation therapy goals with organizational objectives.
5. Client and Community Engagement:
- Act as the primary liaison for clients, families, and caregivers to provide updates on progress and address concerns.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, including healthcare providers and recreational organizations.
- Organize community outreach events to promote the recreation therapy program and build community support.
6. Quality Assurance and Innovation:
- Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to ensure quality standards are met.
- Stay updated on industry trends, research, and innovations in recreation therapy.
- Implement new techniques, technologies, and strategies to improve program effectiveness.
7. Risk Management and Compliance:
- Identify potential risks in programs and develop mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of the role.
Required Qualifications:
1. Education and Certification:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation
- Preferred: Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or equivalent. Specific certification or registration requirements, e.g., BCTRA in British Columbia].
- Current CPR/First Aid certification
- Current or Previous Swim Instructor certification
2. Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in recreation therapy environment.
- Previous experience required in aquatic therapy or swimming programs
3. Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse populations.
- Knowledge of therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices.
- Proficiency reporting and documentation.
- Ability to motivate and manage a multidisciplinary team.
- Familiarity with local and federal healthcare regulations and standards.
- Strong Swimming Skills, knowledge of swim progressions and water safety teachings.
Work Environment:
- Indoor and outdoor environments and community recreation facilities -depending on program needs.
- Work also conducted in indoor pool environments, which will involve exposure to humidity and chlorine.
- Physical activity, including assisting clients with limited mobility, potential for lifts and transfers.
Compensation and Benefits:
1. Hourly: $38.00/hr
- Annual Percentage Increase: a yearly salary increase of 2% will be tied to performance reviews or cost-of-living adjustments.
- Benefits: Health coverage plan through Pacific Blue Cross will be discussed if working a minimum 20 hours a week of direct client therapy sessions - details to be discussed.
2. Vacation:
- Each paycheck will receive 4% vacation pay
- Vacation can be paid out each paycheck or banked.
- If additional time off is needed - special agreement must be had ahead of time and agreed to by employer/employee on make up time to cover days needed off.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Client satisfaction and engagement levels.
- Team performance and staff retention rates.
- Budget adherence and financial efficiency.
- Program outcomes and achievement of therapeutic goals.
- Compliance with legal and safety standards.
This description reflects the dual responsibilities of supporting a team and delivering high-quality therapeutic recreation programs.
Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve through innovative recreational programming!
Pay: $38.00-$44.00 per hour
Expected hours: 4.0 – 20.0 per week
Application question(s):
- Part of this job will require you to travel to other communities for direct client therapy sessions. Do you have your own vehicle? And will you be able to travel around the lower mainland when needed?
- Please provide your previous experience working in the water/pool
- Please describe your experience working/supporting children and people with diverse needs and/or other medical/health challenges.
Experience:
- Working with children with diverse needs: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Current/Previous Swim Instructor Certification (preferred)
Work Location: In person
