Recreational Therapy Assistant
Location(s): Abbotsford and/or Vancouver
Location Notes: This position may be filled in one of two ways: One (1) temporary full-time position (1.0 FTE), with the successful candidate working across both the Abbotsford and Vancouver locations, typically 2 to 3 days per week at each site; or Two (2) temporary part-time positions (0.5 FTE each), with one position based in Abbotsford and one position based in Vancouver.
Reporting to: Manager, Recreation Therapy
Term: 12-month contract (Maternity Leave Cover), with the possibility of extension
Job status: One (1) Temporary Full-time position (1.0 FTE) or Two (2) Temporary Part-Time positions (0.5 FTE each), 37.5-75 hours bi-weekly depending on the appointment. Please refer to the Location section for site-specific work arrangements.
Anticipated Start/End Dates: Mid-January 2027 - February 2028
Compensation: Alignment with Facilities Subsector Grid 30 - $35.30 per hour
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit your cover letter and your resume at https://www.canuckplace.org/about-us/careers/ by October 12, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates who have been short-listed will be contacted.
ABOUT US
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH) is British Columbia’s recognized pediatric palliative care provider. For over two decades, through the many programs and services we provide, we have made a significant difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Be part of a talented and innovative team that takes pride in supporting and providing the highest quality pediatric palliative care.
It is the expectation for all roles across the organization to know the organization’s philosophy of pediatric palliative care and uphold a commitment to further ones knowledge. Our philosophy of pediatric palliative care is as follows: Pediatric palliative care improves quality of life, promotes comfort, and reduces suffering for children with life-threatening conditions (serious illness) and their families through a holistic approach addressing; physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. It is collaborative person & family-centered care delivered using a team-based approach throughout the continuum of care across all ages and stages of illness, including bereavement. It values choice and honest and compassionate communication.
At Canuck Place we understand that uniqueness is powerful. We hold each other accountable for an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their experiences and ideas and know that they belong.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO WORK HERE?
Canuck Place careers are full of connection, community, and care. We aim to nurture a supportive culture rooted in compassion, collaboration and support while providing expert care to children and families. Our team includes individuals with a special blend of sensitivity, compassion, and appreciation for life. Canuck Place is where no moment is missed. A place where you can make a difference.
We offer competitive compensation and a benefits package focusing on wellness and self-care that includes:
- 20 days’ vacation (pro-rated to your full-time equivalency) to start with ongoing annual anniversary increases up to an organizational maximum of 45 days
- Up to two paid mandatory wellness days a year
- Generous paid leave including compassionate and special leave when you need it
- Municipal Pension Plan (MPP) *if already participating through another employer
- 100% employer paid benefits package from your first day which includes extended health and dental and $1,500 annually for counselling
- Health and Wellness Spending account that provides up to $1,000 annually to ensure you can focus on the benefits that are important to you and your family (Eligible after successful completion of the 6-month probationary period).
- Flexible working options
- Meal program on-site at the hospices
- Continuous paid training and development opportunities so everyone has the opportunity to learn new skills and grow
- Ongoing parental support including top up for maternity and parental leave and paid leave for new grandparents
YOUR ROLE
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Manager, Recreation Therapy, the Recreational Therapy Assistant will assist in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of a variety of recreation therapy programs and practice standards, which reflect Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH) philosophy and objectives. The Recreation Therapy Assistant will support the recreation therapy and clinical department in liaising and collaborating with community-based services and resources to advocate for accessible and adaptive recreation and leisure activities and opportunities and provide in-house and community outreach services. The Recreation Therapy Assistant will assist with departmental administrative tasks as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under the supervision of the Recreation Therapy Manager / Recreation Therapists - assists with planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating recreation therapy programs.
- Carries out interventions, as developed by the Recreation Therapists, in group and one-on-one sessions using recognized recreation therapy techniques and practices to improve or maintain children’s physical, social, cognitive and emotional function.
- As a member of the interdisciplinary team, participates in program wide planning and development of care plans for children and families and provides feedback regarding recreation therapy.
- Collaborates with Recreation Therapists to coordinate services for children and families.
- Assists to maintain clinical reports of children’s care activities, consistent with established standards and compiles database statistics.
- Ensures the safety of children and families by assessing and evaluating the risks associated with in-house and outside activities and taking steps to minimize risks.
- Works in collaboration with the Manager, Volunteer Services and care team members to coordinate volunteers for recreation activities both inside and outside of CPCH.
- Establishes and maintains positive working relationships and liaises with community agencies/organizations to provide recreational activities for children and families.
- Advocates for children and families regarding community recreational opportunities and accessibility for all abilities.
- Liaises with donor representatives regarding tickets for the children to attend events and determines which children should attend events. Informs development staff of donor relationships and coordinates work with them.
- Assumes other related responsibilities, as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Completion of post-secondary program in Recreation Therapy or related field.
- A minimum of 3 years related experience administering recreation programs for children and/or people with disabilities; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Valid and current First Aid with CPR certification is required.
- Class 4 unrestricted BC driver’s license is required.
- Experience working with children with life-threatening illnesses or in a palliative care setting is an asset.
QUALIFICATIONS
What you bring to the role:
- Knowledge of recreation program philosophies and principles.
- Knowledge of recreation therapy assessment and treatment techniques.
- Knowledge of pediatric palliative care.
- Knowledge of normal growth and development for children with life-threatening illnesses.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize workload.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with children, families, staff and representatives of community agencies.
- Ability to work effectively with children and families in sensitive situations.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Excellent and effective interpersonal, verbal and written English communication skills.
- Solid reputation for promoting sensitivity to diversity and treating everyone with equity and respect.
- First Aid with CPR certificates are required.
- Access to a personal vehicle is required.
- Occasional evening and regular weekend work is required.
You have:
- High integrity; creativity; balance, good judgment and objectivity; high vision and conceptual capabilities; consultative, facilitate and collaborative; sense of humor.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Demonstrates flexibility that allows you to work with high energy, creative people.
- Able to thrive and effectively manage priorities in a changing, dynamic environment.
Please note:
- Evidence of Health Canada approved vaccinations must be provided prior to your first day of work.
- Flexibility is necessary, as this position will require regular weekend and occasional evening work and travel within and outside the Lower Mainland.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
We understand that the recruitment process is not a one size fits all, our inclusion values and flexibility extend to your hiring experience. Canuck Place is committed to providing inclusive access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. We are continuously working to improve our systems, policies, and practices to ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. Should you require accessibility accommodation through the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations, genders and gender identities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
