Recreation Therapist - Acute Mental Health (R1)

UNIT PROFILE:
The Acute Mental Health Unit (R1) located at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s West 5th Campus provides mental health care to patients suffering from acute symptoms of mental disorders. We have a complete interdisciplinary team available to meet the varied needs of our patients. Our goal is to assess and stabilize patients, and to reintegrate them back into the community at optimal levels of functioning.

POSITION SUMMARY
The clinical role of the Recreation Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation and leisure programs and services relative to the identified needs of patients. Therapeutic Recreation, (TR) practice at SJHH are guided in part by the Leisure Ability Model (Peterson, Gunn, Stumbo).  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.  The Recreation Therapist is also responsible for non-direct client activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS

- Therapeutic Recreation Degree, (or post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation) OR Therapeutic Recreation Diploma
- Current/Maintained designation of registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO) and/or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) designation through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
- First Aid, CPR, CPI, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) and/or CTI Community Worker Safety Strategies, as relevant to the client population and clinical setting.
- TRO member in good standing, maintained annually 
- 1 year Related clinical experience in Therapeutic Recreation with specific client population and clinical setting preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to the values of Service, Responsible Stewardship, Community Responsiveness and Respect.
- Demonstrated commitment to the values of Service, Responsible Stewardship, Community Responsiveness and Respect.              
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the various populations served.
- Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families. 
- Gentle Persuasive Approach training is preferred.
- Knowledge of diagnosis specific to the client population and clinical setting. 
- Familiarity with treatment medications and awareness of possible side effects relevant to client population which may impact Therapeutic Recreation interventions.
- Working familiarity of the provincial and federal legislation relevant to the client population and clinical setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to implement best practice strategies relevant to client population and clinical setting.
- Strong working knowledge of specific models of care related to population served and clinical setting.
- Effective interpersonal skills, rapport building, verbal and written communication skills for daily client and working relationships.
- Able to work under pressure, prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work as an effective member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Adaptable, creative, innovative, and flexible.
- 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 for report writing, assessments etc.
- Acts as a preceptor to students and provides guidance and leadership to volunteers.      
- Valid driver’s license and use of vehicle required         

HOURS OF WORK: Rotating shifts, Monday-Friday

St. Joe’s 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.