Why Choose DRDH?

At Deep

River & District Health, we’re more than just a workplace – we are a connected, compassionate team committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care to our community. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, volunteer, or student, choosing DRDH means joining a dynamic environment where every person matters. Our health campus includes a hospital, long-term care home, family health team, and a variety of outpatient services and programs. With approximately 160 dedicated team members, and the invaluable support of many volunteers, we serve our community with care, professionalism, and compassion. We’re proud to offer the best of both worlds: the lifestyle benefits of a small, welcoming community surrounded by nature, and the innovation and teamwork of a progressive, modern healthcare organization.

People

First. Always. At DRDH, we empower our team to ensure patients and residents feel secure, comfortable, and well-cared for. We invest in our people, support lifelong learning, and offer opportunities for professional growth and development. Join a team where collaboration, excellence, and innovation are at the core of everything we do.

OPPSUP38-2026-07-29 Recreation Therapist

Status

Full Time

Available Spots

1

Competition Number

OPPSUP38-2026-07-29

Posting Date + Time

2026-07-29 - 3:00 PM

Closing Date + Time

2026-08-04 - 11:59 PM

Job Category

Allied Healthcare Professionals

Department

Community Programs

Hours

Variable Shifts | 1.0 FTE

Within

OPSEU Support

Description

Position Summary The Recreational Therapist is responsible for implementing recreation therapy and leisure programs and services supporting quality of life within Community Programs. The Recreation Therapist provides individual and group therapy and recreational programming for clients/patients with the purpose of reactivating varying abilities, enabling them to attain and maintain their maximum physical, social, and mental potential.

The Recreational Therapist plans, implements and evaluates recreation, social and educational programs for the diversified members of the client population. All duties are performed in a manner that respects and recognizes the uniqueness, dignity, worth, self-respect and self-determination of the client/patient and promotes maximum independence.

Position Relationships

Reporting to the Manager of Community Services,



the Recreation Therapist works in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team and within established reporting structures. Collaborates with nursing staff and interacts with clients/patients, staff, volunteers, and members of the general public.

Duties

- The Recreation Therapist is accountable for the planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation of daily therapeutic recreational programs. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team and interacts with clients and family, staff, volunteers, and members of the general public.
- Performs the responsibilities of the position within the legislative and regulatory standards set out by the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Applies the fundamental principle of the Fixing Long Term Care Act in the operation of the home.
- In consultation with other disciplines, maintains and provides a comprehensive and organized program of recreational and social activities to meet the interests of the clients
- Conducts regular needs assessments to determine the capacities of the clients being served and the appropriate personalized interventions and therapy based on current best practices.
- Develops, organizes, delivers, evaluates and monitors the implementation of recreation and social programs. Writes clear, concise, and comprehensive program descriptions using appropriate Program Evaluation Tools.
- Conducts assessments and contributes to individualized therapeutic recreation and leisure care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
- Works collaboratively with clients/patients, family and the care team to support meaningful engagement and person-centered care/service.
- Reports changes in resident/patient condition to the appropriate registered staff.
- Keeps abreast of knowledge of current therapeutic recreation literature, resources, standards, trends, and research. Promotes person centered care/service through participation in interdisciplinary teams, as opportunities arise. Assumes responsibility for self-development through participation in related education programs, workshops and in-services.
- Adheres to all policies and procedures.
- Supports and demonstrates the mission,



vision and values of the organization.
- Other duties may be assigned and may not be limited to the scope of an individual department.

Qualifications:

Education

- Recreation Therapy Diploma
- A member in valuable standing with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO)
- Completion of a food safety awareness program recognized by a Public Health Unit

• A certificate in Gerontology preferred • Smart Serve certification is preferred
- DementiAbility training preferred
- Montessori Methods for Dementia training preferred Gentle Persuasive Approach certification preferred.
- Experience in long-term care setting preferred.
- Therapeutic verbal and written communication skills required.
- Ability to work well with others in a team approach, and adapt to changing situations required.
- Computer literacy required.
- Ability to maintain staff, patient and resident confidentiality.
- Exceptional Attendance required.
- Must agree to adhere to the standards of behaviour of the organization.

This position is for a vacancy Deep River and District Health (DRDH) is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful workplace that values equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and those from equity-deserving communities. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), DRDH is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any stage, please notify us in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made to meet your needs. Please note that artificial intelligence (AI) is not used in the review or assessment of applicants. All applications are reviewed and considered by trained human resources personnel and hiring managers. Positions are based onsite in Deep River, Ontario.

Please note: All DRDH applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities. Upon hiring, all applicants must provide government issued documentation of a valid medical contraindication or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

📌 OPP-2026-07-29 Recreation Therapist (Deep River)
🏢 Deep River and District Hospital
📍 Deep River