$35.81 to $50.33 per hour
Other benefits
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)
Bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy, leisure studies, recreation administration or a related field
AHS Therapeutic Recreation Student Placement information
Recreation therapists work with people who have physical, mental, emotional, cognitive or social limitations that can affect their attitude, ability and motivation to participate in leisure activities. Recreation therapists help to remove barriers that prevent clients from participating in meaningful leisure. This is done through various evidence-based interventions, adaptive equipment, educating patients about the benefits of recreation and helping them practice skills to improve their ability to participate in recreation and leisure activities. The goal for the recreation therapist is to use recreation and leisure to improve functions and create optimal health and well-being for individuals with illness or disabling conditions.
The recreation therapist is responsible for providing therapeutic recreation services in the area of functional intervention, leisure education and recreation participation. Responsibilities can include assessing a client’s recreation and leisure needs, developing treatment plans and programs, providing therapeutic programs and interventions to meet these needs and evaluating the client’s progress. Recreation therapists can also coordinate the day-to-day operations of their assigned area, plan events and provide consultation to their inter-disciplinary team.
Recreation therapists at AHS can work in a variety of environments, including facilities, homes, community settings and outdoor recreation areas. In some settings, they work shifts that include evenings and weekends. Recreation therapists often work in collaboration with other AHS employees, such as physicians, nurses, nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers.
Recreation therapists may be required to travel in all weather and road conditions to work with their client. For some positions a vehicle and acceptable drivers abstract are required. Working as a recreation therapist also has its physical demands as they often participate in physical activity with their clients, help to transfer clients and may need to push or carry different types of equipment. Recreation therapists may also be subject to verbally or physically aggressive clients and families.
