Aquatic Recreation Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Services

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Recreation/Aquatic Therapist is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a therapeutic recreation and aquatics program for a select group of patients. Work involves integrating therapeutic recreation and adapted aquatics knowledge in the provision of activities. Services provided include consultation and community outreach. The Recreation/Aquatic Therapist assesses clients in relation to therapeutic recreation and aquatics and functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Plans, implements and coordinates goal-oriented recreation and aquatic activities for assigned patients.
2. Monitors and provides orientation and direction to individuals using the pool and organizes, promotes, and directs activities related to the operation of the pool.
3. Conducts recreation and aquatic assessments, intervention plans, patient charting and reporting.
4. Participates in and attends interdisciplinary team conferences and patient rounds.
5. Participates in the quality assurance activities of the recreation/aquatics program by providing input to the development, implementation, and evaluation of written procedures and standards, development of assessment forms, patient materials, and program protocols.
6. Plans appropriate recreation outings in the community for inpatients. Accompanies and transports patients in the Health Centre bus and performs assigned care tasks such as medication administration and tube feeds as needed according to established policies and protocols.
7. Provides therapeutic recreation and aquatic consultation services and related reports.
8. Provides direction to Recreation Workers, students, and volunteers as assigned.
9. Participates in and supports research activities by identifying potential evidence-based practice opportunities, gathering data, recording observations, and presenting findings.
10. Provides information and education to the client/family/community service providers on appropriate recreation and aquatic resources. Provides information and support in accessing community recreation/aquatic resources to the family and other community service providers.
11. Provides community outreach services to clients/families/community service providers as appropriate.
12. Provides in-service education to staff, students, and volunteers within the Department and Health Centre.
13. Maintains the pool environment, toys, equipment and supplies used in the pool area to ensure safety and which meet department and health act standards and reports need for items and repairs to supervisor.
14. Participates in professional development opportunities and presents on therapeutic recreation and aquatics-related topics at workshops and conferences.
15. Liaises with outside agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life of children with disabilities through recreation and sport (i.e.-municipal recreation department, wheelchair sports, Active Living Alliance) and advocates for improved access.
16. Maintains records and statistics and ensures compliance with safety practices and procedures.
17. Attends and contributes to departmental meetings.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Baccalaureate in Therapeutic Recreation or equivalent from a recognized program (i.e. – combination of a Therapeutic Recreation Diploma and Degree in Child and Youth Care).
• Two (2) years of recent related experience.
• Valid Class IV B.C. Driver’s License.
• Valid C.P.R. Certificate
• Water Safety Instructors, Royal Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross
• Eligible for professional membership in the B.C. Therapeutic Recreation Association and the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association
• Membership in the Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI)
Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated skills in the areas of recreation and aquatics program planning and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and interact with patients and families by applying knowledge of therapeutic recreation and aquatics.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability to teach adults and children.
• Demonstrated ability to work within an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to travel.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.