Perley Health is a unique and innovative community that empowers Seniors and Veterans to live life to the fullest. Home to more than 600 Seniors and Veterans in long-term care and in independent apartments, Perley Health provides a growing number of clinical, therapeutic and recreational services to residents, tenants and people from across the region.
One of the largest and most progressive long-term care homes in Ontario, Perley Health is also a centre for research, education, and clinical innovation. Our Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care conducts and shares the practical research needed to improve care. Future caregivers come here to study and to acquire hands-on skills and experience.
Perley Health's values are brought to life each day by our over 800 employees. And more than 400 regular volunteers connect us closely with the community. Together, we improve the well-being of Canada's aging population.
We are embarking on a multi-year growth strategy, and are seeking an experienced:
SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Manager, Therapeutic Recreation & Creative Arts, the Recreation Therapist is a full-time, onsite leadership position responsible for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and supervision of therapeutic recreation and creative arts programming that enhances the quality of life and well-being of residents. This role provides leadership, coaching, and support to recreation staff, students, interns, and volunteers while working collaboratively with residents, families, community partners, and the interdisciplinary care team. As a key member of the leadership team, the Recreation Therapist supports the day-to-day operations of the department, promotes innovative resident-centred programming, and maintains a visible presence throughout resident home areas, providing hands-on mentorship, coaching, point-of-service education, and operational support to staff. Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, and special events is required to meet resident and operational needs.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts Department, including Recreation Programmers, Rehabilitation Assistants, Horticulture Therapist, Musicians, Artists, Music Therapists, students, interns, and volunteers.
- Maintain a visible presence throughout resident home areas, providing operational support, guidance, and leadership to staff while promoting meaningful resident engagement and high-quality programming.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and evaluate team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and resident-centred care.
- Provide hands-on coaching, mentorship, and point-of-service education to staff, students, and volunteers to support best practices in therapeutic recreation, creative arts, and resident engagement.
- Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic recreation and creative arts programs that enhance residents' quality of life, engagement, and well-being.
- Assess residents' interests, abilities, strengths, and needs; develop individualized recreation plans; evaluate outcomes; and maintain appropriate documentation.
- Coordinate staffing resources and schedules, in collaboration with the Recreation Therapy leadership team, while overseeing special events, community partnerships, outings, transportation, equipment, and program supplies to ensure effective service delivery.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and participate in resident care conferences to support holistic, resident-centred care.
- Support departmental budgeting, quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation, policy development, and accreditation or regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, families, volunteers, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
- Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment that reflects best practices in therapeutic recreation, dementia care, and long-term care.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide hands-on support and direct participation in programs and resident activities when operationally required.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy from a recognized college or university.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in long-term care, including leadership, supervisory, or management responsibilities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the aging process, dementia care, and person-centred approaches to service delivery.
- Membership in good standing with a professional association such as Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) or the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA).
- Current Food Handler Certificate.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, organizational, resource management, and computer skills.
- Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and build positive relationships with residents, families, staff, and volunteers.
Why Join Perley Health?
Work within one of Ontario's most respected long‑term care centres.
Contribute to a collaborative, mission‑driven team that values innovation, education, and continuous improvement.
Support Seniors and Veterans in living meaningful, engaged lives.
Competitive benefits & Hospital of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) available for staff who qualify.
On-site Child Care: The Intergenerational Child Care Centre has opened on the Perley Health campus, in partnership with Andrew Fleck Children's Services. Perley Health staff will receive priority access to child care spaces, subject to availability.
For more details, visit: https://www.perleyhealth.ca/generations-connected.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter through the Perley Health careers portal or applicable job posting platform.
We thank all candidates for applying; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
For candidates selected for consideration, Perley Health, upon request, will make reasonable accommodation for any disability-related needs with respect to the recruitment process and materials.
