- Provide leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts Department, including Recreation Programmers, Rehabilitation Assistants, Horticulture Therapist, Musicians, Artists, Music Therapists, students, interns, and volunteers.
- Maintain a visible presence throughout resident home areas, providing operational support, guidance, and leadership to staff while promoting meaningful resident engagement and high-quality programming.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and evaluate team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and resident-centred care.
- Provide hands-on coaching, mentorship, and point-of-service education to staff, students, and volunteers to support best practices in therapeutic recreation, creative arts, and resident engagement.
- Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic recreation and creative arts programs that enhance residents' quality of life, engagement, and well-being.
- Assess residents' interests, abilities, strengths, and needs; develop individualized recreation plans; evaluate outcomes; and maintain appropriate documentation.
- Coordinate staffing resources and schedules, in collaboration with the Recreation Therapy leadership team, while overseeing special events, community partnerships, outings, transportation, equipment, and program supplies to ensure effective service delivery.




- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and participate in resident care conferences to support holistic, resident-centred care.
- Support departmental budgeting, quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation, policy development, and accreditation or regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain robust relationships with residents, families, volunteers, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
- Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment that reflects best practices in therapeutic recreation, dementia care, and long-term care.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide hands-on support and direct participation in programs and resident activities when operationally required.
- Diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy from a recognized college or university.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in long-term care, including leadership, supervisory, or management responsibilities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the aging process, dementia care, and person-centred approaches to service delivery.
- Membership in good standing with a professional association such as Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) or the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA).
- Current Food Handler Certificate.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, organizational, resource management, and computer skills.
- Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and build positive relationships with residents, families, staff, and volunteers.

📌 Recreation Therapist (Ottawa)
🏢 Perley Health
📍 Ottawa