Government of Alberta

Recreation Therapist

Government of Alberta

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Office

Location: Edmonton • Canada

Visit company website

Explore more

✨ AI Apply
Apply

Salary

💰 CA$70,181 - CA$88,810 per year

About the role

  • Design, implement, and evaluate recreation programs to support youth in developing healthy leisure interests, social skills, and coping strategies.
  • Work collaboratively with Child and Youth Care (CYC) staff, clinical team members, families, and community partners.
  • Develop and implement weekly and monthly recreation programs such as photography, drama, sports, crafts, scrapbooking, and adventure-based activities.
  • Facilitate annual specialized outings (e.g., canoe trips, outdoor excursions).
  • Complete recreation assessments for youth within their first 30 days and provide recommendations to multidisciplinary care teams.
  • Track program participation and ensure youth meet weekly recreation commitments.
  • Maintain program equipment, recreation spaces, and activity-related budgets.
  • Maintain up-to-date information on community recreation resources, programming, and facility access.
  • Support youth in accessing programs such as the City of Edmonton’s Leisure Access Pass.
  • Build strong relationships with community organizations, camps, and recreation service providers.
  • Support and mentor practicum students and volunteers working within recreation services.

Requirements

  • Post secondary degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Recreation Therapy, Physical Education, or a related field; or a Recreation Therapy diploma with at least two years of experience supporting youth with trauma related challenges.
  • Experience delivering recreation services to youth ages 12–18 who experience emotional and behavioral challenges.
  • Knowledge of leisure education, community recreation resources, experiential education, and Adventure-Based Counselling.
  • Strong skills in planning, problem solving, group facilitation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication.
  • Experience with therapeutic interventions such as art and physical activity.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in trauma-informed, multidisciplinary environments.
  • Computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification.
  • Valid Driver’s License (Required).
  • Wilderness First Aid, Bronze Cross, outdoor recreation experience (canoeing, backpacking, skiing).
  • Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) professional membership.
Benefits
  • Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
  • Leadership and mentorship programs
  • Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
  • Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP)
  • Professional learning and development opportunities
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
recreation program designrecreation assessmentstherapeutic interventionsleisure educationexperiential educationAdventure-Based Counsellingoutdoor recreationprogram trackingbudget managementgroup facilitation
Soft Skills
planningproblem solvingconflict resolutioninterpersonal communicationcollaborationmentoringrelationship buildingsupporting youthteamworkcommunication
Certifications
National Lifeguard Service (NLS)First Aid/CPRWilderness First AidBronze CrossAlberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) membership