Recreational Therapist
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Surrey, BC
This is a Regular Full-Time Opportunity with the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment Team (FACT).
Join our multi-disciplinary team of passionate and committed professionals working to support our clients who experience mental health and/or substance use challenges and who have involvement with the criminal justice system to integrate into the community with support. This outreach based Recreation Therapist position will support the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment Team (FACT).
FACT is a newly established service delivery model intended for people with enhanced care needs who are involved in the criminal justice system. The FACT team is a multi-disciplinary healthcare team of professionals who work together to provide holistic and comprehensive services to best serve client needs. This team will be based in Surrey and support specific clients living in parts of the Fraser Regional community.
Although this position is currently operating on a M-F (0830-1630hrs) basis, this may become a rotating position. The hours will rotate from 0830 hrs – 1630 hrs and 1000 – 1800hrs on weekdays (Monday to Friday). On the weekends and statutory holidays, the position will rotate from 1000hrs – 1800hrs.
This role is ideally suited to a person who enjoys supporting clients to achieve success with reintegration in their community, working in a team environment, solving problems, and working collaboratively with partners. This person must be committed to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and DRIPA (2019).
What you’ll do
- Provide Recreation Therapy assessment, and plan and provide interventions in accordance with current evidence-based models and established standards of professional practice, and the client and family centered plan of treatment by reviewing records, identifying priority client goals/issues/needs/expectations, planning, implementing, evaluating and documenting clinical Recreation Therapy services to maintain client’s optimal health and well-being.
- Participate in the design, delivery and coordination of Recreation Therapy services for clients by methods such as evaluating recreation and leisure needs and interests of clients, establishing recreation services to meet the varied interests of clients, working with recreation assistants, students and volunteers to carry out related programs and coordinate inter-floor and facility wide activities and schedules. The Recreation Therapist will also establish working relationships with other disciplines and medical staff, determining appropriate adaptations for recreation activity, priorities, coordinating the work activities of designated staff and students, reviewing workflow, facilitating workplace solutions with other supervisory personnel, and developing goals and objectives for the recreation service with designated management and other designated team members to ensure that accreditation and Recreation Therapy safety standards are maintained as well as services are performed in an effective, efficient, and cost effective manner.
- Design and develop a recreation program suitable to the varying needs and interests of clients. Collaborates with the team, recreation assistants, volunteer services and community based groups and organizations to enhance recreation and leisure involvement of all clients within the program/site and the broader community. As applicable, make connections with various groups to encourage regular use of facility space and involvement of clients in recreation/leisure activities.
- Provide and promote leadership, and maintain knowledge in Recreation Therapy and clinical practice related to nature and scope of human service delivery systems, program specific health management, and the diversity of client populations including cultural and diagnostic groups served within the therapeutic recreation process, including etiology, symptomatology, prognosis, treatment of conditions and related secondary complications by methods such as facilitating continuous learning, reviewing literature in designated areas, consulting with clinical and community experts, evaluating clinical practice and referral systems, developing or revising practice guidelines, and developing/presenting education sessions based on knowledge of Recreation Therapy.
- Participate in and facilitates interdisciplinary communication, practice and team based client/family care through leadership, role modelling, education, coaching, and mentoring activities that facilitates team goal setting, problem solving, conflict resolution and collaboration to ensure comprehensive service delivery and avoid service duplication. Participate in the development of new/revised interdisciplinary practice and team based client/family care models to enhance/improve client centered care.
What you bring
Qualifications
- Baccalaureate in Therapeutic Recreation. Two (2) years' recent, related experience working with the designated population group in the applicable program area/setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Eligible for membership in the British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association.
- Valid BC Driver’s License. Local area travel may require the use of a personal vehicle.
- Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
- Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based Recreation Therapy practice related to applicable program health issues and treatment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of theories and concepts of therapeutic recreation, leisure, social psychology and current trends and practice in designated areas.
- Comprehensive knowledge of recreation therapy theory and practice within a client and family centered model of care.
- Comprehensive knowledge of organizing therapeutic recreation services including the development of a written plan or operation.
- Comprehensive knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Wage/Salary Range: $37.89 - $47.31 per hour
Location: 10022 King George Highway, Surrey, BC V3T 2W4
Hours of Work: Rotate from 0830-1630hrs & 1000-1800hrs M-F. Weekends and STATS will rotate from 1000hrs-1800h
Requisition # 189334E
What we do
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.
BCMHSUS program is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
Attention current employees of PHSA:
You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.
The internal job posting expires on October 3, 2025 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.
If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.
If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].
