Compensation Pay Range: $38.57-$47.34
Job Description Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.
CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers - all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system. Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.
POSITION SUMMARY Responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of recreation/leisure programming and services to clients and families at CHEO. To work in the context of an interdisciplinary team in developing and creating programming to meet the needs of clients. Promotes quality improvement in all endeavours and supports safety initiatives, to minimize risk and strive for optimal organizational performance and safety benefiting staff, clients, their families, volunteers, visitors and the community. Works in compliance with the law and with safe work practices and policies established by CHEO to maintain a protected work environment.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and maintain an up to date inventory of Recreation Therapy /leisure activities.
Develop, plan implement and evaluate recreation therapy programs, group activities and workshops for children and youth with physical and developmental disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conduct assessments and provide recommendations to clients in the area of community recreation/l.
Develop and maintain strong community partnerships with community organizations
As a member of the Developmental and Rehabilitation Team work collaboratively with other health care professions to ensure an integrated approach to care.
Participates in continuous quality management initiatives.
Plan and execute client activities in a cost-effective manner, monitoring and responsibly utilizing assigned program funds and supplies within designated budgets.
Provide clinical guidance, functional direction, and support to students,



volunteers, or support staff during recreational programming
Acts as a resource on recreation/leisure to CHEO staff, and community based providers.
Carries out other responsibilities as assigned by the Clinical Manager
Maintains confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies and procedures related to privacy.
Follows organizational policies and procedures related to safety, including reporting and follow-up for incidents/accidents and near misses, identification and management of risks and emergency procedures e.g. safe storage and administration of medications.
Follows routine precautions for infection prevention and control including proper hand hygiene.
Participates in education and improvement activities related to safety.
Follows standards of practice for the discipline/organization regarding safe application of assessment interventions and techniques for direct care including all activities of daily living.
Receives training in safe and effective use of equipment, ensures that any equipment used with clients is clean and in proper working order; reports any equipment in need of repair or maintenance.
Educates clients and their families.to promote a healthy leisure life style
Follows established policies and procedures for non-violent crisis intervention , lifts and transfers as well as supporting all activities of daily living
Receives training and maintains current knowledge of CPR and/or First Aid in accordance with organizational policies and procedures as may be applicable to their position.
Because of the changing nature of the work and the work to be done, responsibilities and duties may be added or deleted from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors’ Degree from an accredited University in Therapeutic Recreation OR Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation with a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Essential)
Membership of the Therapeutic Recreation Association; R-TRO designation (Essential)
Minimum two- (2) years recent related experience working with children, youth and adolescents with physical, and or developmental disabilities and or Autism Spectrum disorder in a pediatric setting (Essential)
Demonstrated skills in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of Recreation Therapy programming. Proven ability to integrate children and youth with disabilities in a community or group setting. (Essential)
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work in a team setting. (Essential)
Available to work evenings and weekends (Essential)
Valid Ontario Class G drivers licence with access to vehicle (Essential)
Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification (Preferred)
Current First Aid and CPR with AED (Essential)
Bilingualism (French and English) (Preferred)
Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) (Essential)
Timeline may be extended or shortened based on operational needs.




*Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Please note that this position will be based out of Ottawa. Please note that location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer. All OPSEU members shall be granted an interview upon passing the pre-screening. Pre-screening might include testing. Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested. Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.
Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).
CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process and welcome interest from all qualified applicants.
We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.
CHEO is much more than a hospital. Our commitment to outstanding care and continued development impacts every part of a child and youth's health and well-being. We play a crucial role in building a healthy future for our community. Working at CHEO means a rewarding career. A career at CHEO provides a: competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package unique culture that fosters dedication, communication, respect and teamwork place where your opinions will be respected, contributions valued and your initiatives rewarded family-friendly environment that supports you and your own family, as well as the children, youth and families we serve chance to grow - personally and professionally - through your comprehensive orientation program and on-the-job learning support for continued education and learning potential for a relocation reimbursement benefit truly unique work environment.
We are redefining what it means to be a hospital. Exceptional and integrated care is what families, children and youth deserve. We are committed to partnering with them and the community to provide this care - where, when and how it’s needed.
CHEO continues to be selected by local, national and international competitions showcasing employers who lead their sector in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees. For the eleventh time, CHEO has been recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. We are among a select group of organizations at the forefront of their respective industries who offer exceptional places to work. We were given this honour based on our outstanding: workplace atmosphere benefits employee communications training and skills development community involvement.

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📌 Recreation Therapist, Development and Rehabilitation – Temporary Full-Time (0.8) (until January 2027 (Quebec City)
🏢 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
📍 Quebec City