POSITION TITLE

Recreation Therapist

SHIFT TYPE

Days, Monday to Friday with the possibility of a Compressed Work Week

DEPT/PROGRAM

Horizons

JOB CLASS

Recreation Therapist

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Full Time Permanent

RATE OF PAY

$35.67 - $39.38 per hour

WORK SCHEDULE

37.5 Hours per Week

EMPLOYEE GROUP

OPSEU

POSTING TYPE

NEW Vacancy

Open

POSTING DATE

September 25th, 2026

HYBRID ELIGIBLE

No

OPEN POSITIONS

1

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is a 315-bed academic and teaching hospital that provides specialized mental health, addiction and geriatric care. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, we serve some of the most complex and disadvantaged individuals in Ontario and are the sole provider of high-secure forensic mental health services in the province.

The Manager of the Horizons Program for Geriatric Psychiatry is currently seeking a temporary full-time Recreation Therapist. The purpose of the position is to utilize recreation- based interventions to maximize independence and promote the achievement of optimal leisure lifestyles. They are responsible for assessments, interventions and evaluations that promote or maintain leisure skill development, knowledge and behaviors in the physical, cognitive, affective and social domains.

For information about funding incentives for nurses, our enhanced employee referral program, housing, orientation and other employment-related information please follow this link to our employment web page. https://www.waypointcentre.ca/get-involved/join-our-team

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

- Practice in accordance with the standards of practice set out by Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) as well as in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and philosophy of Waypoint.
- Conduct Therapeutic Recreation (TR) assessment through a combination of techniques such as assessment tools, interviews, observations, file review and information from relevant sources and communicate results with Clients/Patients, team members and key support networks.
- Develop and implement appropriate client/patient TR intervention plans based on assessment results in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including identifiable measurable outcomes.
- Communicate progress with clients/patients, clinical teams and relevant others.




- Develop program service descriptions and outcome measures for evaluation and delivery of recovery-based TR Programming based upon a continuum model of care which takes into consideration strengths and abilities of each service recipient. Support client/patient transition to achieve maximum independence while working with client/family/friends to restore client's natural leisure support system; provide direction to Recreation Therapy Assistants regarding the implementation and evaluation of TR programs.
- Identify and obtain resource needs;
- Provide directions to Recreation Therapy Assistants to maintain and monitor recreational equipment, resources and facilities.
- Collaborate with inter-skilled clinical teams by attending pertinent meetings to discuss & review patient/client treatment plans & progress and communicate assessment results & therapeutic recreation plans & actions. Maintain all documentation to Waypoint standards.
- Seek, support, and develop appropriate partnerships with a range of community service providers
- Facilitate connections with community services needed for transition to and/or independent
- participation within the client’s community of choice.
- Provide interventions in a variety of community settings and/or involve the community within the client’s environment.
- Monitor and support volunteers and Recreation Therapy students.
- Actively participate in the Therapeutic Recreation Council, exchange knowledge, plan and implement research & evaluation projects including accessing research literature & integrating it in evidence-based practice.
- Drive hospital vehicles as required.
- Identify and adhere to safety and security procedures and be alert and respond to potentially unsafe/volatile situations.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

- Recreation Therapy Degree or a Degree or Diploma in a related field with a post-graduate certificate in Recreation Therapy is required.
- A current registration with the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (R/TRO or R/TRO DIP)



or certification with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (CTRS) is required, with a preference for R/TRO or CTRS.
- A class G driver’s license in good standing is required, with a preference for a class “F” driver's license.
- Experience with evidence based assessment, treatment, interventions and best practice in Recreation Therapy is required.
- Recent mental health experience is required, with a preference for experience in a mental health facility or service, including familiarity with the recovery philosophy and trauma informed care.
- Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) is an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER:

- A comprehensive and generous benefit plan including dental coverage, paid vacation and holidays, sick days and extended health benefits
- Participation in the Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- Relocation support program for eligible staff
- Participation in the employee referral program
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Access to Waypoint’s Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Nurses may be eligible to participate in the Community Commitment Program for Nurses (CCPN), or the Tuition Support Program (TSPN)
- Results oriented work ethic to work independently and undertake tasks needed to accomplish work objectives and deliver quality, consistent and timely results
- Demonstrated leadership, conflict resolution, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Proven written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to adapt readily to change and reflects an optimistic and positive attitude
- Models and promotes core ethical practice, Waypoint Values (Caring, Respect, Accountability, Innovation)
- Preference for proficiency in French/English language skills.

HOW DO I APPLY? Waypoint employees apply through the Employee Self-Service portal at https://employees.waypointcentre.ca and external applicants apply to Join our Team, Career Opportunities | Waypointby close of business (4:00 pm)on October 5th, 2026 quoting Job ID WC26-250. Attach your cover letter and resume detailing why you are interested in this opportunity and how you meet the qualifications and key accountabilities specified. Waypoint does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.

📌 Recreation Therapist (FT) (Penetanguishene)
🏢 Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
📍 Penetanguishene