Recreologist

Position:	Recreologist
Number of Position(s):	One (1)
Position Type:	Permanent full time unionized position (35 Hours/ Week: Monday to Friday, 10:00am-6:00pm).
Language:	Bilingualism (English/French) is required.
Reports to:	Program Manager
Vacancy:	Existing Vacancy

Purpose:

The Recreologist position encourages physical and social activity of Salus clients with participation in community-based recreation and leisure and provides expertise to Front Line Staff. The Recreologist provides clients the opportunity to plan and enjoy their leisure time. The Recreologist organizes group activities and links clients with activities in the broader community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (eg: Recreology, Recreation and Leisure Studies…)
• Two years experience working with clients recovering from mental illness
• Training in CPR, CPI, ASIST, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Concurrent Disorders, ASL and LSQ are assets

Pre Hiring Requirements:

• Academic certificates
• Criminal reference check (Vulnerable Sector Screening)
• Eligible to work in Canada
• Valid drivers’ license and use of own vehicle
• Proof that the successful candidate has received both doses of a Health Canada approved COVID 19 vaccine at least 14 days before the first day of work, subject always to Ottawa Salus’ duty to accommodate under the Ontario Human Rights Code

Responsibilities:

Providing individual client recreation & leisure programs and linking clients with suitable community programs 

• Establish a trusting relationship with clients
• Complete Recreation and Leisure assessments
• Develop with individuals’ recreation/leisure plans based on clients’ interests
• Provide teaching, coaching and support as required
• Re-evaluate program on a regular basis
• Facilitate integration into the broader community

Provide group activities as part of the rehabilitation day program

• Offer activities based on client interest and need
• Elicit client feedback on the effectiveness of the activities and modify as needed

Providing consultative services to residential staff and clients in the area of recreation and leisure

• Provides resource information on community recreation and leisure programs and maintains a current resource binder
• Identify sources for subsidies and funding for Recreation and Leisure programs and have application forms available

Developing and coordinating special activities including client activities and agency activities

Client Events:

• Establishes a recreation committee that represents the broad make-up of the Agency clients
• Organizes and supervises special events (with input from the committee and other sources i.e., questionnaires and other staff input)

Agency Events:

• At the request of the Executive Director and/or Manager assist with agency wide events including but not exclusive to; picnics, Christmas party, recreation and leisure fund raising activities

Developing formal links and network with other recreologists in the community 

• Network and meet informally with colleagues
• Arrange site visits as needed

Participating in on-going evaluation and enhancement of the rehabilitation program

• Participate in program reviews
• Assist in developing evaluation tools
• Provide input and recommendations into the development of policies and procedures

Fulfilling team and other responsibilities

• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with team members
• Attend regular rehabilitation and administrative meetings
• take direction from the Manager on tasks to be accomplished
• Participate in committee work

Participating in lifelong learning

• Participate in agency planning days and other educational opportunities
• Provide an annual outline of learning goals related to the work position

Suitability:

• Displays values and attitudes in keeping with the helping professions (i.e. sensitivity, respect, understanding, sincerity, genuineness, perseverance, patience, compassion, positive outlook, non-judgmental attitude, acceptance, tolerance, empathy, etc.)
• Demonstrates excellent judgement in decision making and in professional approaches to the work
• Demonstrates an ability to work in a team as well as an ability to take independent action and initiative in the job
• Shows a commitment to work
• Demonstrates common sense and good judgment
• Demonstrates the ability to resolve workplace conflict with their manager and colleagues
• Manages stress related to work environment

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of mental health, substance use health, and harm reduction principles
• Demonstrates specific knowledge in the area of Therapeutic Recreation and the use of recreation and leisure in preventing and/or minimizing disabilities and illnesses and improving individuals’ functional abilities
• Demonstrates specific knowledge of health issues and of social problems associated with psychiatric disabilities and the impact of Mental Illness on functional capacity
• Demonstrates knowledge of Psycho-social Rehabilitation Principles
• Demonstrates knowledge in the areas of teaching and coaching, specifically knowledge around modifying teaching style based on client’s learning skills and strengths
• Knows community-based Recreation and Leisure Programs and resources for program subsidies and funding for Recreation and Leisure Programs
• Has knowledge of Group Dynamics theory and practice
• Has mastery of principles of Client-Centered practices
• Demonstrates understanding of: Crisis intervention & prevention, Suicide prevention and intervention

Skills:

• Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with clients
• Ability to complete individual client Recreation and Leisure Assessments
• Develop, implement and monitor individual Recreation and Leisure Programs
• Demonstrates effective teaching and coaching skills 
• Ability to supervise and support volunteers
• Ability to act as consultant and expert in the area of Recreation and Leisure services
• Ability to organize special events and group activities
• Crisis management skills
• Ability to maintain client files and demonstrate appropriate practices such as time management, confidentiality, and the ability to work safely without supervision

Why Work at Ottawa Salus?

Salus has a proven record of successfully supporting clients with serious and persistent mental health and addictions illness to live their best possible life. Regardless of their role in the organization, staff are passionate about their work and supporting clients on their recovery journey. If you are someone that wants to make the world a better place and bring hope to others, you will love working here. We offer all these and many more including:

• competitive earnings
• generous Health benefits and pension plan (HOOPP)
• compressed work week
• paid vacation days
• a friendly team who create a great work environment