Recreation Therapist (PPT) (SEIU 23.26)

Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Norfolk County is where big vision meets unlimited potential.

As one of Ontario’s largest single-tier municipalities and home to over 70,000 people, Norfolk is bold, diverse, and proudly local - a municipality that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and connection. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to grow your skills, expand your ideas, and shape your career.

As a Recreation Therapist at Norview Lodge, you’ll assess residents’ needs and develop engaging therapeutic recreation programs that enhance quality of life and well-being. Your work will foster meaningful social connections, support resident-centered care, and help create a positive and enriching living environment for residents and their families.

Big vision. Real opportunities. Unlimited potential. That’s Norfolk.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To assess individual needs, program planning (equipment, supplies, materials, volunteers, schedules), implementation and evaluation including special events.
• To implement current therapeutic treatment / techniques as ordered by a designated professional.
• To conduct research into activation programs, i.e. materials, ideas, resources, as well as innovations being applied elsewhere as appropriate.
• To assess the Therapeutic (recreation / social) needs of Residents by consulting with the health care team/Therapists and adapting programs as required to suit the needs of each individual Resident.
• To participate in fundraising initiatives to support departmental operations.
• To participate in the recruitment of volunteers and provide training, leadership and guidance to them.
• To purchase program department supplies as needed to facilitate programming.
• To maintain a high level of personal contact with Residents and their families; encouraging family involvement where possible.
• To participate as a team member in providing Resident centered care and service.
• To undertake all duties and responsibilities in compliance with Health and Safety standards, guidelines and legislation.
• Participate in annual mandatory education as per MOHLTC regulations as well as in-service educational opportunities.
• Maintain awareness (at all times) of emergency procedures; participate in drills and associated educational opportunities.
• To be aware of and comply with all Corporate and facility policies and procedures.
• Confidentiality is of extreme importance and must always be maintained.

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience:

• Grade 12 graduation, plus post-secondary diploma or degree in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology or related field.
• Over 3 months relevant experience working as a recreation therapist, preferably in LTC or other health care setting, experience within student placement practicums would be considered.
• Possess and maintain a current Food Handlers certificate.
• Current valid Ontario class F driver’s license or ability to obtain and have access to a reliable vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process
• Volunteer management and / or experience would be an asset to this position.
• Point Click Care experience an asset.
• Certification in Activation Techniques in Gerontology would be an asset

Skills and Abilities:

• Resident and Customer focus
• Proven understanding of elders and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities
• Proven planning, organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Empathy and compassion required
• General knowledge of medical terminology
• Good communication skills (both oral and written), public speaking ability an asset
• The ability to work as a team member
• Proven creative skills and ability to teach with enthusiasm, patience and understanding
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills as well as excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to interact with residents, families, volunteers, and staff and intervene utilizing diplomatic skills.
• General knowledge of assistive devices, therapy and recreational equipment
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department specific software to data search and entry and to create and modify word processed documents
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Benefits

Posting #: SEIU 23.26

Position: Recreation Therapist

Position Code: 7NLACA

Status: Permanent Part Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employee Group: SEIU Local 1

Wage: $27.479 - $28.688 per hour (2024 rate) (less $1.00 per hour for the probationary period)

Hours Worked per Week: Up to 24

Division: Emergency and Social Services

Department: Norview Lodge

Reports to: Supervisor, Programs and Volunteer Services

Location: Simcoe, ON

Posting Period: October 23, 2026 - November 5, 2026

How to Apply:

• Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf
• If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file.
• Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County - NorfolkCounty.ca

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

The Corporation of Norfolk County does not use Artificial Intelligence for the purpose of screening, assessing, or the selection of candidates.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.