Job Title: Behavioural Health Recreation Therapist

Job Type: Regular Full Time

Employee Group: Non – Union

Department: Recreation, St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre

Reports To: Life Enrichment Manager

Salary: $33.1954 - $39.0534 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

Purpose of the role

The Behavioural Health Recreation Therapist support residents expressing responsive behaviours or at risk of responsive behaviours through proactive, meaningful engagement and routines that honour their individual needs. Helps reduce the frequency and intensity of responsive behaviours on the unit. Focuses on managing responsive behaviours by working collaboratively with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff to support residents with complex behavioural issues and those who may trigger responsive behaviours in others.

Enhances daily activities on the Bluebird Terrace Unit, including meal enhancement, recreation programming, and environmental safety aimed at creating an optimally supported home area for all residents.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & SUCCESS CRITERIA

- Support meal enhancements during lunch and dinner periods.
- Stage common areas daily, encouraging resident participation in tactile and engaging activities.
- Assist staff in supporting residents exhibiting responsive behaviours during personal care or activities.
- Deliver 1:1 program to help alleviate responsive behaviours through meaningful engagement or environment adjustment.
- Monitor safety and behaviours during shift changes.
- Model positive, person-centered care approaches among staff and families.
- Adjust environmental factors (music, lighting, TV) to manage stimulation levels appropriately.
- Communicate concerns and strategy suggestions to BSO Therapeutic Advisor.
- Ensure wayfinding signage and “All About Me” posters are current and visible.
- Encourage family involvement in personalizing resident spaces.




- Provide recreation programming to support residents’ energy and engagement.
- Promote valuable sleep hygiene and reduce excessive daytime sleeping through activity engagement.
- Support residents’ safe participation in group or off-unit programs requiring 1:1 support
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of care interactions in accordance with professional and organizational standards, including completion of the DOS as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

- Graduation from a degree or diploma program in Recreation and Leisure Leadership from a recognized College or University
- Previous hands-on experience working with persons living with dementia expressing responsive behaviours
- Strong preference given to candidates possessing the following certifications; DementiAbility, GPA (Geriatric Personal Assistance), UFirst/PIECES, PAC and BSO Foundations
- Extensive experience working with persons living with dementia who exhibit responsive behaviours.
- Knowledge of gerontology and dementia care principles
- Strong knowledge of dementia care and responsive behaviours management.
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and empathetic in stressful situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, to effectively engage residents, families, and staff.
- Observant and detail-oriented to identify early signs of escalation and alert staff.
- Skilled at creating and facilitating meaningful, individualized engagement activities.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.




- Good physical stamina to assist with mobility support and participation in activities.
- Familiarity with documentation standards and electronic charting systems (Point Click Care, Dementia Observation System)
- Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of safety protocols and infection control practices.
- Commitment to respecting resident dignity, privacy, and autonomy always.
- Positive attitude with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Basic understanding of sleep hygiene principles and how to support residents' rest cycles.
- Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and good attendance record

What We Offer:

- Comprehensive orientation
- Ongoing training and skills development through Professional Practice Council
- Autonomy and independence
- An enriching nursing experience
- Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

- Free parking
- Employee purchase discount program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre appreciates all responses. However, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Brantford is an equal opportunity employer and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, facilities, and people. St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Brantford is committed to creating a barrier-free, accessible organization, utilizing a collaborative approach in supporting persons with disabilities during the recruitment, assessment, selection, hiring, and the ongoing employment life cycle.

Upon individual request, the Lifecare Centre will endeavor to remove any barrier to the employment lifecycle to accommodate those employees with disabilities. Should any employee require accommodation through the employment lifecycle, please contact Human Resources. AI is not used in our recruitment processes for the selection of candidates

📌 Behavioural Health Recreation Therapist (Brantford)
🏢 St. Joseph’s
📍 Brantford