POSITION DESCRIPTION
SECTION A: Position Identification
POSITION TITLE:
Recreation/Leisure Therapist
CLASSIFICATION
DEPARTMENT
Addiction Services
DIVISION
POSITION #
MANAGEMENT
EXCLUDED
BARGAINING UNIT
SECTION B: Reporting Structure:
Your Supervisor’s Title: Manager Community–Based Services, Addiction Services
His/Her Supervisor’s Title: Director Addiction Services
Other positions that report to your immediate supervisor:
SECTION C:
SECTION D:
Program/Functional Area
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Manager, Community Based Services, the Recreation/Leisure Therapist is responsible for the
promotion of Recreation Therapy Services. Through assessment, he/she will develop, plan, organize, implement and
evaluate treatment plans for clients, using recreation and leisure as a treatment modality. Facilitates outcomes through group
and individual treatment interventions. Actively participates in interdisciplinary team meetings. Document care including
baseline assessments, individual treatment plans to progress in client’s chart in accordance with departmental standards.
Communicates finding to family and treatment team.
SECTION E:
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
(indicate approx % of time spent on each)
Daily:
Assessments and Treatment Plans
●
Conducts comprehensive assessments of clients using various recreation/leisure assessment tools and interview
techniques to determine client needs. Treatment plans are based on above mentioned needs; determines
appropriate intervention strategies, client goals and performance measures.
Program Delivery to Clients
●
Looking at leisure – Leisure education, leisure awareness, leisure resources versus leisure barriers, healthy leisure,
definitions, benefits of leisure values. Communication skills and styles, increasing self-esteem and confidence,
leadership development, group tasks, problem solving initiatives designed to focus on current needs of the group.
●
Leisure Sampling – Exposure to various recreation and leisure activities. Introduction to environmental education and
ethics. Alternatives to substance use. Physical exercise.
●
Theme Group – Various topics – drug information, sex education, communication skills and styles, social skills,
Form revised 2010
●
●
motivation, self-esteem.
Create and Explore – Expose clients to various forms of art, music and theatre and benefits of creative/expressive
leisure.
Stress Group – Stress reduction techniques and activities. Processing current stressful situations for clients.
Breathing exercises and guided imagery.
Progress reports, Discharge Plans and Leisure Counseling (Individual) (20%)
●
Updating client’s progress on their individual treatment plans. Preparation for discharge/return to their community.
Leisure education increases access to leisure resources, sustainable leisure. Revision of goals and performance
measures.
Program Preparation, Development and Evaluation (5%)
●
Researching new program ideas, treatment team meetings, evaluation of current practices, Preparation-set up for
programs, arranging transportation, money, trip, itinerary, etc.
Documentation (15%)
●
Typing progress reports and treatment plans; case notes for individual sessions; group report forms; memos; reports
and various human resource forms.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION F:
●
MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Recreation specializing (Major) in Therapeutic Recreation
SECTION G:
CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION/DESIGNATION:
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Recertification
SECTION H:
●
●
●
●
●
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
A demonstrated professional and clinical knowledge base, effective integration of personal and professional
qualities, a knowledge base and a comprehensive range of clinical skills appropriate to the field of addictions are
essential.
To ensure a treatment team that is able to competently address the needs of all target populations within the
coverage area, the required clinical knowledge and skill base may, at times, need to be more specific and/or
specialized, i.e. adolescents, seniors, women, first nations people.
A well developed and demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals, paraprofessionals and lay persons is essential.
A sound working understanding of a community health approach and community service delivery systems is
necessary.
Strong leadership abilities and an ability to function effectively as a clinical reference for other team members are
required.
Form revised 2010
SECTION I:
●
●
●
●
●
●
Required adherence to and modelling of professional confidentiality, legal requirements, treatment standards and
expectations and professional codes of ethics.
Routinely assumes primary clinical initiative in the development and implementation of the clinical direction with
each client. Failure to do so may result in consequences ranging from increased dysfunction to loss, death.
Identifies and differentiates the degree of urgency and severity of both evolving and acute crisis situations, ensuring
appropriate (life enhancing and life saving) networking and response.
Competently demonstrates an ability to critically analyze relevant information quickly, accurately and clearly to
determine the level of functioning and severity of the problem(s).
Demonstrates a high degree of professional judgment and guidance in collaborating with para professional
colleagues regarding treatment concerns.
Determines innovative selection and application of appropriate professional intervention/treatment models of
practice which may maximize the efficient and effective use of available human resources.
SECTION J:
a)
b)
●
NATURE AND EXTENT OF CONTACTS:
Within Organization(s)
Contacts in person, by correspondence and telephone with personnel in various facilities/programs. Requires
diplomacy and a clear understanding of procedures and mandate.
Outside Organization(s)
Contacts in person, by correspondence and telephone with the public at large, clients, education, medical and legal
professionals, employers, other agencies and organizations, the business community and the media. Requires
diplomacy, sensitivity and a clear understanding of procedures, mandates and lines of communication.
SECTION J:
●
●
●
JUDGEMENT & INITIATIVE:
TYPE AND LEVEL OF SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
To participate, as required, in peer supervision activity.
May be required to provide team leadership functions and to assist in evaluation of the results.
Required to demonstrate a high degree of professional judgement and guidance in collaborating with para
professional colleagues regarding treatment concerns.
May be required to chair, co-chair internal committees/task forces/focus groups.
SECTION K:
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
SECTION L:
DEGREE OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR DECISIONS AFFECTING
COSTS/RESPONSIBILITY FOR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
a)
Direct Responsibility
Determines innovative selection and application of appropriate professional intervention/treatment models of
practice which may maximize the efficient and effective use of available human resources.
Prevents costly intervention through use of appropriate and sound clinical assessment skills and judgement.
Prevents inappropriate handling of audio visual and computer equipment thus reducing maintenance and
replacement costs.
Makes appropriate selection of audio visual and other educational program materials as well as appropriate
therapeutic interventions/techniques so as to avoid potential costly liability and unnecessary human suffering.
Manages a limited travel budget while maximizing service delivery within an expansive geographical coverage area.
Form revised 2010
b)
Indirect Responsibility
Day to day observation and reporting of situations which may potentially jeopardize the safety and security of both
clients and staff.
SECTION M:
●
●
●
●
SECTION N:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & VISUAL DEMAND:
The constant processing of clients traumatic experiences and intensity of feelings involved in the therapeutic process
leads to an accumulative effect of work related stress.
The demand for vigilance and analysis of legal and ethical responsibilities is complicated by the need to balance the
demands of the system with the demands of the treatment relationship.
Pressures of extended hours and after hour interventions may result I high stress.
Vigilance regarding the potential for accusations such as sexual assault, discrimination, and exploitation is constantly
required.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT and UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS:
Normal to very accessible to the community.
May work in isolated office site.
Hostile/aggressive/impaired clients may present a risk/threat of physical/emotional harm.
May work alone in office after normal working hours.
Potential for abusive phone calls, threats and personal/property damage.
May be required to travel alone in adverse weather situations.
Client population is high risk category for HIV and Hepatitis.
May be required to work with resistant and/or clients mandated into treatment.
SECTION O:
SAFETY (patient, worker & workplace):
Commit to maintain and protect patient, client and personal safety on an ongoing basis.
Annually access the training and education on patient, client and personal safety made available by GASHA.
Prepared by:
Date:
Signature
Name (please print)
Approved by:
Date:
Signature
Name (please print)
VP Approval:
Date:
Signature
Name (please print)
DISTRIBUTION:
Human Resources Services
Department
Form revised 2010