Job Description

Temporary Assignment - Approximately 25 weeks

POSITION SUMMARY:
Working on the inpatient setting of the Schizophrenia and Community Integration Service, the Recreation Therapist assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates recreation and leisure programs and services relative to the identified needs of patients. In addition, the Recreation Therapist actively contributes to Centralized Therapeutic Recreation programming\xe2\x80\x93 consistent with mission and values of St. Joseph\'s Healthcare Hamilton. Therapeutic Recreation (TR) practice at SJHH is guided by the Leisure Ability Model. TR utilizes functional intervention, leisure education and recreation participation in a holistic approach to enable persons with physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual and/or social limitations to acquire and/or maintain the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will allow them to reach their optimal level of functioning for recreation and leisure. The major functions of a Recreation Therapist are directly related to the adopted Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation & Leisure or Recreation Therapy program at the University or College level or Post-Graduate Certificate with a specialization in Therapeutic Recreation course content required.
• Minimum of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO), Professional Member in good standing, working toward registration: R/TRO or R/TRO DIP
• Current designation of R/TRO, R/TRO DIP and/or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is preferred
• First Aid/CPR + CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification
• Minimum one year recent, related clinical experience in Therapeutic Recreation working with individuals with schizophrenia and psychotic disorders required
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with diverse individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness across the lifespan including etiology, prognosis, assessment, treatment, crisis intervention and recovery required
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience and relevant training in supporting clients coping with concurrent disorders required
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing, facilitating and evaluating innovative and evidence-based therapeutic group programming for inpatients of a tertiary schizophrenia unit required
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices and mandatory standards of care for adults living with schizophrenia required
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working within sensory integration modalities an asset
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in supporting successful discharge from hospital for individuals living with mental illness required
• Demonstrated clinical practice consistent with TRO Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
• Demonstrated knowledge, training and experience of appropriate fitness interventions for adults living with schizophrenia with varying levels of physical ability required
• Knowledge of treatment medications prescribed to adults living with schizophrenia which may impact TR interventions and long-term wellness including awareness of possible side effects, and strategies for addressing these concerns
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources helpful to adults living with schizophrenia required \xe2\x80\xa2 Experience working in the community with adults living with schizophrenia an asset
• Gentle Persuasive Approach training is preferred
• Knowledge, skills and experience in the principles and practice of recovery, including hope and empowerment
• Knowledge of the provincial and federal legislation relevant to client population and clinical setting (e.g. Mental Health Act, Healthcare Consent Act, Substitute Decisions Act, Privacy Legislation\xe2\x80\xa6)
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to implement best practice strategies relevant to client population and clinical setting
• Strong working knowledge of specific models of care and therapeutic modalities relevant to the treatment of adults living with schizophrenia in an inpatient setting (e.g. CBTp, MI, DBT\xe2\x80\xa6.)
• Effective interpersonal skills, rapport building, verbal and written communication skills for daily client and working relationships
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize workload and meet deadlines/priorities with minimal supervision
• Ability to work as an effective member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Willingness and ability to continue to improve professional competence and knowledge
• Critical thinking skills for developing individualized treatment plans, resourcing, group and individual interventions
• Proficient computer skills and experience in relevant computer applications (e.g. Dovetale, MS Office\xe2\x80\xa6)
• Experience supervising student learners an asset
• Experience in participating and leading research an asset
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and education

HOURS OF WORK:
Rotating Shifts Monday-Friday; Days, Evenings and Occasional Weekends on a rotating basis

PLEASE NOTE:
Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

St. Joe\xe2\x80\x99s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.

St Joseph\'s Healthcare Hamilton