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.

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 safe work environment.



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. Acts as a resource on recreation/leisure to CHEO staff, and community based providers.

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. secure storage and administration of medications. Follows routine precautions for infection prevention and control including proper hand hygiene.

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; 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. 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; 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. (Available to work evenings and weekends (Essential) Current First Aid and CPR with AED (Essential) Bilingualism (French and English) (Preferred) Vulnerable Sector Check(Level 3) (Essential) Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Pre-screening might include testing. 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. 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. CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

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.

📌 Recreation Therapist, Development and Rehabilitation - Temporary Full-Time (0.8) (until January 2027)
🏢 CHEO
📍 Ottawa