Recreation Therapist I

Your Opportunity: Are you passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients during critical moments in their lives? A Concurrent Disorder Unit (CDU) is opening at AHE on unit 10-1A. We are seeking an experienced Recreation Therapist 1 (RecT) to join our multidisciplinary team. The CDU will be an inpatient unit intended to support patients with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders.

The team will provide evidence-based stabilization and recovery-oriented care for adults requiring medical withdrawal management and acute psychiatric stabilization. As a Recreation Therapist I, you will play a vital role in supporting patients through their recovery journey in a compassionate, trauma-informed environment.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will design and deliver therapeutic recreation programs that promote physical, emotional, social, and cultural well-being for patients. You will provide assessment, patient/family support, discharge planning, group facilitation and individual work with patients. This position offers the opportunity to use creativity and evidence-based practices to engage patients in meaningful activities that build coping skills, resilience, and connection.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, self-motivation and self-care, and the ability to remain adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Creativity and innovation are essential for designing engaging therapeutic programs, while cultural competence ensures programming is respectful and inclusive.

Strong ethical conduct and professionalism are foundational to this role, along with effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Description: As a Recreation Therapist I, you will be working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, providing comprehensive services for patients (clients, residents) within your assigned program or service area.

You will ensure the level of therapeutic recreation practice is evidence based, patient-and family-centred, and in accordance with policies, procedures and standards of practice. You will complete assessment, treatment, education and management of clients' treatment progress and provide clinical support and consultation.

You will collaborate and communicate with the health care team and participate in patient rounds, family conferences and meetings as related to the client and family. Classification: Recreation Therapist I Union: HSAA Prof/Tech Unit and Program: Unit 10-1A Concurrent Disorders Unit Primary Location: Alberta Hospital Edmonton Location Details: As Per Location Multi-Site: Not Applicable FTE: 1.

00 Posting End Date: 15-OCT-2026 Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits Date Available: 02-NOV-2026 Temporary End Date: 26-JUL-2027 Hours per Shift: 7.75 Length of Shift in weeks: 10 Shifts per cycle: 50 Shift Pattern: Days, Evenings, Weekends Days Off: As Per Rotation Minimum Salary: $40.81 Maximum Salary: $54.34 Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable Required Qualifications: Completion of bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation and Leisure Studies.

Active or eligible registration with Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). Additional Required Qualifications: Experience in therapeutic recreation within mental health or addiction settings, with strong skills in trauma-informed approaches. Ability to engage patients in meaningful, culturally safe activities and adapt programs for diverse needs is essential.

Candidates should have excellent communication and de-escalation skills, proficiency in documentation and electronic health records, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

As required.