Job Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Recreational Therapist or Occupational Therapist

Title:

Recreational Therapist or Occupational Therapist

Department:

Community Programs

Classification:

Part-Time, Salaried, Non-Management

Hours:

20-25 hours per week

Location

: Spryfield, NS (with temporary work in Halifax until site opening)

Cover letter required for consideration

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women's economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse individuals.

Why work for the YWCA

Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.

Why YOU should apply

Even if you don't have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you. Take a chance and apply. Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.

Program Overview

Integrated Youth Services (IYS) is an international and pan-Canadian movement that takes a community-led, partnership-based approach to support for youth ages 12-25. Anchor Youth Spaces provide timely, coordinated access to a wide range of programs and services. IYS reduces barriers, promotes early intervention, and integrates wraparound supports such as mental health and addictions care, primary health, social services, and peer support.

Key Responsibilities:

Embrace a holistic, equity focused, and trauma-informed approach to youth well-being grounded in IYS Guiding Principles, the social determinants of health, and YWCA Halifax's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility and anti-racism. Collaborate with colleagues, youth, and caregivers to identify youth who would benefit from RT services, establish treatment goals, implement treatment plans, integrate with other services, and monitor progress to ensure the right type of intensity and support. Provide direct service to youth ages 12-25 including assessment, functional goal setting, treatment planning, group facilitation, and case management. Deliver tailored individual and group programs, including life skills, peer support, mental health and addiction education, cultural, and recreational activities. Conduct, interpret, and apply standardized assessment of functioning and life skills. Maintain timely and accurate records in the IYS-NS data platform and contribute to IYS data collection; use data to guide care conversations and interventions. Engage youth in the community to build rapport and increase awareness of IYS services. Participate in site operations, planning, evaluation, professional development, committees, and communities of practice as required. Act with the highest professional and ethical standards, following all organizational policies, procedures, applicable legislation and regulation, and professional standards and codes of ethics. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or therapeutic recreation required. Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience with youth required; mental health and addictions experience strongly preferred. Registered or eligible to be registered with the relevant provincial/national regulatory body (COTNS, NSSOT, CAOT, NCTRC). Experience working with people who bring diverse lived experiences, including 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Mi'kmaq, Inuit, and Metis), African Nova Scotians, racialized communities, newcomers, people with disabilities, and others with intersecting identities. Knowledge of the social model of disability, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting the autonomy, dignity, and inclusion of young people with disabilities, and affirming disability as a valued aspect of identity. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, sensitivity, diplomacy, and skill in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and crisis intervention. Demonstrated skill in group facilitation and program development. Demonstrated extensive knowledge of mental health and addictions challenges with a strong commitment to trauma informed and person-centered care. Strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to maintain timely and accurate records. Ability to work independently and take initiative, while contributing effectively within an interdisciplinary, integrated service model. Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, adapt to changing demands, and ensure effective organization and time management. Proficiency with electronic case documentation, file management, and Microsoft Office suite. Ability to work flexible hours, including some evening and weekends. Ability to provide services in person, via text or telephone, and virtually (from the IYS site). Current First Aid and CPR certification (including naloxone) and non-violent Crisis Intervention; or a willingness to obtain this training. Must be able to provide a current Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable Sector check upon hire. Competencies in other languages would be an asset but is not required.
YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disability, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

If interested, please send your

cover letter and resume in one document

to

humanresources@ywcahalifax.com

Subject line: RT/OT Therapist

Closing date: November 25th (applications reviewed on rolling basis)

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 20 - 25 per week

Application question(s):

Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?
Work Location: In person