Recreation Therapist, Rehabilitation & Recovery Services

Detailed Overview Reporting to the Coordinator, Rehabilitation & Recovery Services and as a member of the community-based interdisciplinary care team, the Recreation Therapist plans, develops, organizes, implements, documents and evaluates meaningful recreation programs and leisure activities which address the physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and cultural needs of Mental Health clients. From a community-based perspective, assesses clients, develops care plans and provides recreation therapy interventions to address restoration of psychosocial functioning and recovery. Responsibilities Assesses client level of functioning, interest, goals, objectives, and capacity to participate in leisure/recreation activities by methods such as taking leisure histories, using leisure assessments, reviewing background information, and documenting client's conditions, abilities and interests. Develops rehabilitation plans. Provides therapeutic recreation interventions and leisure experiences to restore leisure functioning, promoting psychosocial health and recovery. Assists clients to acquire, develop, and enhance leisure and recreational skills that will improve their quality of life and their ability to access resources in the community by methods such as providing information about available activities in the client's community and supporting them to participate. Ensures that clients are involved in leisure/recreation activities by facilitating and assisting clients in individual or group leisure pursuits, which can be implemented within the context of the client's home and/or community. Liaises between client, community resources, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. Serves as a resource person in matters related to leisure and recreation by providing educational sessions to clients and other health care professionals, participating in interdisciplinary team conferences, by sharing expertise, by making recommendations on the purchase of related equipment and supplies, and by participating in addressing orientation/education needs of health care professionals i.e. peer support workers. Promotes community awareness and advocacy for leisure and recreational programming for the mental health population by forming partnerships with appropriate agencies/organizations and by providing support to clients and the community. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities by providing input into the development, implementation and evaluation of the Community Rehabilitation program, goals, objectives, policies and procedures to ensure effective resource utilization and quality client care. Completes required reports, records and workload statistics. Maintains files and records in accordance with program standards and procedures. Maintains knowledge of current developments in evidence-based therapeutic recreation practice by methods such as reviewing relevant literature, consulting with other health care professionals, and attending relevant education programs to enhance the delivery of client care. Evaluates effectiveness of direct clinical care and education provided to the mental health clients and provides input to the interdisciplinary team regarding changes required to improve efficiency and/or effectiveness or service. Identifies own learning needs, reviews these with the Coordinator, Rehabilitation & Recovery Services and engages in a variety of activities to meet those needs. Performs other related duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Completion of a Baccalaureate Degree in Recreation Therapy from an accredited university. Three years recent recreation therapy experience working with mental health population. Eligible for membership in the BC Therapeutic Recreation Association. Valid BC Driver's License and personal vehicle for work related purposes. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families and other members of the health care team and community agencies. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment. Demonstrated knowledge of the scope of practice of other health care disciplines. Demonstrated ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community services. Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client/family information system, word processing, and e-mail. Physical ability to perform the duties of the role. Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principles and recovery-oriented approach.