(PERMANENT PART TIME) RECREATION THERAPIST- FORENSIC REHABILITATION UNIT (FRU)

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is seeking a Recreation Therapist. As a Recreation Therapist, you will provide specialized care to patients with complex mental illnesses by using a recovery focused model of care, built upon compassion, inspiration and hope. The Recreation Therapist will assess, develop, implement and evaluate individualized and group therapeutic recreation programs as well as providing functional and strength based social skill programs, which support and encourage the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery programming for a Forensic population. The Therapeutic Recreationist is knowledgeable of the Forensic population and contributes to the patient’s Plan of Care working as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team. The position being recruited for is within the Forensics Program, which consists of a Secure Forensic Service, which consists of 3 units providing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for patients who are ordered by the courts or the Ontario Review Board (ORB) and who require accommodation at a higher security level. The Forensic Rehabilitation Unit also serves both forensic and non-forensic clients. The General Forensic Service, which consists of 3 units providing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for patients who are ordered by courts or Ontario Review Board (ORB) and who require accommodation at a lower security level. The Forensic Outpatient Service provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for patients who are ordered by the courts or the Ontario Review Board (ORB) who reside in the community. Please Note: Although the posted vacancy is for the Forensic Rehabilitation Unit (FRU) of the Secure Forensic Service, all Recreation Therapists must have the ability to work in any area of Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences as patient needs dictate. Please also note that FRU contains a PICA where staff will be required to work and cover as well. Qualifications Required and Preferred • Degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation and 2 years related experience is required • Knowledge of current therapeutic recreation practices, theories, methodologies • Current TRO membership required and eligible registration with TRO is preferred • Knowledgeable of recovery and mental illness including treatment practices • Ability to implement appropriate treatment, leisure education and participation programs • Skills in therapeutic recreation assessment and program design • Experience in a mental health setting (preference given to individual with DD knowledge/experience) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, computer skills, liaise with community agencies • Ability to maintain regular attendance and perform physical demands of the position. • Applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) certification. Link to OPSEU Wage Table [https://www.ontarioshores.ca/media/1821] - This is part of the OPSEU bargaining unit. 1 Vacancy Available Job Posting Closing: July 8, 2026 at midnight. Please note any job applications after the closing date will not be considered.

The Recreation Therapist assesses and implements individualized and group therapeutic recreation programs for patients with complex mental illnesses in a forensic setting. They work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support patient rehabilitation and recovery through strength-based social skill programs.

Candidates must have a degree or diploma in Therapeutic Recreation, at least 2 years of related experience, and a valid TRO membership. Additional requirements include a valid driver's license, CPR Level HCP certification, and knowledge of mental health treatment practices.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Therapeutic Recreation Assessment
• Program Design
• Mental Health Care
• Recovery Focused Model
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Social Skill Programming
• Patient Care Planning
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• Community Liaison
• CPR Level HCP

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

2+ years