APPLY by June 25, 2025
CLOSED
Recreation Therapist
Division:
Anchor Youth Space
Deadline to apply:
June 25, 2025,
4:00 pm
Email resume to:
Human Resources
<hr@newdawn.ca>
Schedule:
Permanent, Part-Time
Salary/Wage:
$40,000 annually
Openings:
1
Job Description
Position Description
Recreation Therapist (RT) employs a relational, empowering, trauma- informed, and equity-focused approach to practice with youth ages 12 to 25. RT facilitates well-being and improved quality of life for and with youth who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and addictions. RT collaboratively develops and implements tailored, responsive individual and group programming, including life skills programs, mental health/addiction education and peer support groups, and cultural and recreational activities. The RT works collaboratively with youth, members of the Integrated Youth Services team, and others, to help youth meet their goals and to support changes to care plans as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
- Under the clinical supervision of the site MHA clinician, provide direct service to youth, ages 12 to 25, including:
- Collaborating with colleagues, youth, and caregivers to identify appropriate youth to work with the OT, develop treatment goals, develop and implement treatment plans, integrate with other services, and continually monitor youths’ progress to ensure the appropriate type and intensity of services.
- Conducting, interpreting and utilizing standardized assessments of functioning and life skills.
- Collaborating with care providers to integrate service delivery at all levels, successfully connect youth/caregivers to services, and facilitate the coordinated transfer and secure attachment of young people to adult services.
- Where required, assisting youth in entering data (identified in the minimum data set) into the IYS-NS data platform.
- Making use of data to guide care conversations and interventions.
- In accordance with an established site outreach plan, proactively engage with youth and young adults in the community who may benefit from IYS, in order to develop a rapport and introduce them to IYS.
- Maintain timely and accurate electronic case documentation.
- On an ongoing basis, work with site staff and management, IYS coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, and the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team, to ensure that the Pan-Canadian Principles of IYS guide all aspects of site services.
- Take part in relevant committees, working groups, and IYS-NS Communities of Practice.
- Take part in IYS planning, development, team-building, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives (locally, provincially and occasionally nationally).
- Take part in regular performance appraisals and employer/IYS-NS training and professional development.
- Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and IYS-NS policies procedures, applicable legislation and regulations, and professional standards and code(s) of ethics.
- Assist with the reception, welcome, and drop-in functions of the IYS-NS site.
- Participate in internal team meetings as required
- Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions
- Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers
- Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity so as to portray New Dawn and IYS in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision
- Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations
- Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships
- Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally
- Other duties as assigned by the Site Manager, Integrated Youth Services
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or Recreation Therapy required
- Certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council of therapeutic Recreation Certification (NRTRC) required
- Current and up-to-date CPR and First Aid training required
- Current and up-to-date Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training; or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required
- Brain Story training or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required
- Mental Health First Aid training or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required
- Compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and problem solving
- Experience working with and advocating for vulnerable populations
- Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with guidance
- Exceptional attention to detail and verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with others toward shared goals
- Highly organized and ability to work well under pressure
- Proficiency with Microsoft suite of programs and applications
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
- Understands servant leadership and community-centricity
Work Conditions
- Travel may be required
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
- Overtime may be required; working evenings/weekends as needed
- Interacts with employees, management, and the public at large
- Environment can be busy and/or noisy at times