Recreational Therapist

Job Title:  Recreational Therapist 
Number of Position: 1
Competition Number : H5
Location: Main Campus
Position Status: : Full Time
Collective Agreement: Health Sciences Professionals Bargaining Unit
Compensation:  $ 37.89 - $ 47.31
Reports to: Senior Manager, Mental Health and Substance
Shift Details:   Monday - Friday ( 08:00 am to 04:00 pm )

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Mental Health and Substance, and as a member of an interdisciplinary care team, plans, assesses, develops, organizes, implements, documents and evaluates recreation programs and leisure activities in assigned areas which address the physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and cultural needs of patients. Assesses and develops care plans and recreation therapy interventions to address psychosocial functioning and recovery. Engages the patient and their support systems as people with full competence and as full collaborators in service planning, delivery and evaluation. 

Organizational Status

The Phoenix Society is a multi-service agency located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment.

Responsibilities

•         Provides input into the development of the recreation programs in the assigned areas. Implements and evaluates recreation therapy programs and determines program modification as necessary.
•         Assesses patient's level of functioning, interest, goals, objectives, and capacity to participate in group/individual leisure/recreation activities by methods such as taking leisure histories, analyzing leisure assessments, reviewing background information, and documenting patient’s condition, abilities and interests. Develops rehabilitation plans ad revises as required.
•         Provides therapeutic recreation interventions and leisure experiences to restore leisure functioning, promoting psychosocial health and recovery. Continuously assesses patient's ability to perform activities of daily living related to their personal life, leisure, education and work. May provide care to patients through a combination of telephone, virtual video/audio conference and/or remote technology to patients in their homes, in the community including outreach, and virtually in order to assess and/or engage with patients within their own environment and community.
•         Assists patients to acquire, develop and enhance leisure and recreational skills that will improve their quality of life by providing information about activities in the resident’s community, and promoting the patient's ability to access resources and participate in activities in the community. Ensures the patients are involved in leisure/recreation activities by facilitating, participating in and assisting patients in individual or group leisure pursuits, either in the context of the patient's home and/or within the community.
•         Liaises between the patient, community resources, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to serve as a resource person in matters related to leisure and recreation, and to promote community awareness and advocacy for leisure and recreational programming for the mental health & substance use population. Develops partnerships with appropriate agencies/organizations and provides support to clients and the community.
•         Provides patient education sessions and evaluates effectiveness of direct clinical care and patient education.
•         Participates in continuous Quality Improvement initiatives based on organizational priorities.
•         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 MHSU Manager and engages in a variety of activities to meet those needs. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Administration

•         Maintains accurate computerized and paper records in accordance with established procedures and policies.
•         Prepares and maintains statistical information, correspondence, reports and other documentation.
•         Documents patient/family perspectives and nursing observations.
•         Maintains an awareness of current Occupation Health & Safety guidelines and standards; Participates in incident investigations as required.
•         Participates in unit/team/program activities to enhance and optimize the delivery of care and facilitate evidence-based, trauma informed, and client and family centered practice.
•         Promotes quality management principles. Identifies and reports unsafe practice/professional conduct in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.
•         Applies an evidence-based approach to clinical problem solving through methods such as reviewing relevant literature/resources and applying approved research findings in clinical practice to support the research culture of the organization. Evaluates results in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
•         Participates on Interdisciplinary committees as directed to promote optimal support for clients, to facilitate the resolution of issues, and to advocate for the goals and objectives of the clinic/team/program.

•         Maintains standards of nursing practice and develops professional competence through in service, interprofessional case conferences, team meetings and other educational means, as required by the employer.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Baccalaureate Degree in Recreation Therapy from an accredited university.
• Three (3) 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.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required
• Satisfactory completion of Tuberculosis Screening form is required
•  Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required
• Current CPR certificate
• Class 5 Drivers license and ready access to a reliable vehicle

Skills & Knowledge

• 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.

Competencies:  

Approach to Work

• Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness
• Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to inform continuous self-improvement
• Sets goals, creates and implements action plans, monitors progress, and evaluates results
• Adeptly manages competing tasks and uses time efficiently and effectively

Job Knowledge & Quality of Work

• High-degree of relevant and current job knowledge and skill
• Consistently produces accurate, thorough, high-quality work in a timely manner
• Builds and promotes a culture of health and safety in the workplace
• Implements and enforces best practices in health and safety within the workplace

Judgement & Decision-Making

• Models independent thinking and creativity
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills
• Makes clear, consistent, transparent and timely decisions after contemplating various available courses of action
• Exercises sound judgment in the best interests of the organization

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Expresses themselves clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Displays high emotional intelligence; uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential situations
• Has a manner, style and presence that makes a positive impression
• Listens to and considers others’ views

Personal Leadership

• Models the organization’s core values of social justice, teamwork, social innovation, and strength-based practices
• Fosters enthusiasm, energy and commitment
• Takes responsibility for personal actions, performance and health
• Is reliable and accountable; shows up on time, ready to work

Teamwork & Collaboration

•  Effectively works with their colleagues to ensure organizational success
• Champions positive working relationships with staff and external stakeholders
• Supports an environment of openness and champions teamwork and communication across programs
• Leverages the expertise and experience of others for organizational success