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How to Write a Recreational Therapist Job Description Sample

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated October 8, 2025
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A Recreational Therapist, or Recreation Specialist, treats physical and mental disabilities and injuries by using the process of assessment, intervention, planning, termination, and evaluation. Common responsibilities of a Recreational Therapist include setting attainable goals for patients, designing rehabilitation programs, and conducting therapy sessions.

What does a Recreational Therapist do?

Recreational Therapists play an important role in improving patients’ social, physical, and emotional well-being. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, educational institutions, and in the private sector.

A Recreational Therapist’s day-to-day duties may include creating a recreational therapy plan, reporting on each patient’s status, helping patients perform activities, and discussing treatment with their family members. They use techniques that involve drama, music, sports, and aquatics to improve their patients’ quality of life. For example, a Recreational Therapist may teach a patient who is paralyzed on one side how to swing a golf club with the other. Additionally, Recreational Therapists teach recreational activities to patients with disabilities to help involve them in the community.

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Recreational Therapist Job Description Examples:

Example 1

As a Recreational Therapist with Kids Recreational Therapy, you will:

  • Work as a solo practitioner travelling to patients' homes or working at the physical rehab clinic among a multidisciplinary team.
  • Create progress notes (SOAP) after patient sessions.
  • Working with children that have autism and/or behavioral challenges or developmental disorders.
  • Delivering interventions that focus on gross and fine motor skills, social skills and emotional regulation under the direction of the Lead Recreational Therapist.
  • Contribute to the organization and delivery of Recreation Therapy services, and participate in meetings.

Education & Experience
  • Baccalaureate in Therapeutic Recreation
  • Eligible for certification and CTRS credential with National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
  • Must have experience working with children that have autism and/or behavioral/developmental disorders.
  • Must have a strong background and knowledge of delivering social and emotional interventions.

Job Type: Part-time
Part-time hours: 5-10 per week

Salary: $33.00-$40.00 per hour

Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

Experience:
  • recreational therapy: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
  • First Aid Certification deadline: 2022-07-01

Example 2

Seeking an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about working with the senior population. We have a unique long-term care setting with a leisurely pace and a great recreation team that is always looking for new ideas and experiences! A successful candidate would assist with the day-to-day social, physical, and spiritual activities and memory care of our residents. A wonderful opportunity for new grads and experienced therapists alike. Starting rate is $20.41/hr

Responsibilities:

Ensures and promotes the provision of resident-centered services to meet the needs of residents

Provides physical support and assistance to the residents as per their individual care plans and as ordered by the Multidisciplinary Team

Provides psychological support to the residents

Participates in the leisure and recreation programs

Participates in records management

Participates in material management

Participates in the quality management program

Requirements

Languages: English

Education: Certification in Recreational Therapy

Experience: Experience an asset

Security and Safety: Vulnerable Sector Check in the last year.

Transportation/Travel Information: Own transportation, not on a bus route

Additional Skills: Perform administrative tasks

Work Setting: Long-term care setting

Job Type: Casual

Pay: From $20.41 per hour

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Holidays
  • Weekends as needed



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Burlington, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work Location: In person

Example 3

Community Living North Halton is a non-profit organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities in the North Halton area since 1955. We are looking to grow our team with a Behaviour Therapist who has the vision to empower others to reach their full potential.

This role is hands on and requires someone who is outgoing, enthusiastic and is looking to enhance the lives of others in need. If that sounds like you, look no further! Community Living North Halton offers rapid career advancement and opportunities for growth and development.

Requirements:

  • Completed University/College Degree/Diploma in Recreation and Leisure, Physical Education, Recreation Therapy or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience.
  • Previous experience and passion for recreation and developmental services.
  • Previous experience working with developmental populations.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • *All the usual license, computer skills, vulnerable sector checks*

Duties:

  • Assist in the organization and implementation of meaningful programs for the participants, in collaboration with the Program Manager.
  • Preparing, carrying out, and evaluating daily activities.
  • Build quarterly activity calendars to match resident needs with a variety of activities in collaboration with the Program Manager.
  • Development and facilitate program specific training for staff.
  • Participates in team meetings to plan programs with residents' interest in mind;
  • Assists with the maintenance of appropriate department records including assessments, evaluations of planned programs.
  • Maintains effective communication and good human relations with residents, families, and staff, keeping them informed of current and upcoming events.
  • Complete in-service education in order to keep informed of current trends in the total care.
  • Assists with assessment of individual activity and ability levels.
  • Other duties as assigned.

HOURS OF WORK:

  • Committed to a regular 80 hour bi-weekly schedule that meets the needs of the people we support.
  • Flexibility of evening and weekend work when required.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Dental care
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • RRSP match
  • Vision care
  • Wellness program
Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evenings
  • Evening shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Morning shift
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental pay types:
  • Overtime pay

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Milton, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work therapy: 3 years (preferred)

Example 4

Recreation Therapist

The Manor Village at Rocky Ridge

Available Shifts:

**Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m. and as required**

The Manor Village at Rocky Ridge is looking for a Recreation Therapist to join their amazing team. If you have the relevant experience and possess a passion for working with Seniors, we welcome your application. Please ensure that you include a cover letter that outlines why you want to join the team at the Manor Village and what makes you an ideal fit for our team.

What we offer:

· Competitive wage

· Terrific staff-associate team

· Wonderful work environment

· The opportunity to grow

What you offer:

· Great flexibility with the ability to connect with all team members

· Diploma in Recreational Therapy or equivalent

· Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet, etc.)

· Genuine caring demeanor, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude

· Membership in regional Recreation Therapist Association

· Previous experience working with Seniors and Seniors with dementia

· Valid license to operate all Manor Village vehicles; operator must be approved by insurer

· Must possess a high degree of flexibility and tolerance to adjust to changes in workloads, assignments, and days (i.e., occasional weekends, evenings, etc.)

· Must be social with interactive communication skills and possess a high degree of creativity

· Previous activities experience of a minimum of one year

· Must possess initiative, judgement, and leadership skills

· Must possess current CPR “C”/AED certification

If you have a sincere desire to excel within our growing company, please submit your resume via email to: Attention: Full Time Recreation Therapist

The concept for The Manor Villages evolved over a decade of planning and development in the determination to develop the finest housing with a quality lifestyle for the senior resident. Precipitated by the changing needs of his Mother Bertie Viola Mann, our President Dr. Garth Manntook it upon himself to personally visit close to seventy (70) senior housing facilities across Canada and the United States to familiarize himself with the industry and refine the lifestyle for the future Manor Villages. After much discussion and countless hours of effort, the vision of The Manor Villages became a reality in 1997 when we proudly celebrated the opening of our first community – The Manor Village at Signature Park which was proudly dedicated in loving memory of Bertie Viola Mann. Since that time, The Mann Family, the management, and staff-associate team have dedicated ourselves to provide excellence in housing design and a ‘Lifestyle Experience’ second to none.

[website]

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

Experience:
  • recreational therapy: 1 year Location: One location

Example 5

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Description
Thresholds Homes and Supports Inc. is a community-based agency that promotes recovery and improved quality of life for people who are experiencing mental health and addiction issues by providing affordable housing and individualized, flexible support services through our wide-ranging programs offered throughout Waterloo Region and Wellington County. Our staff are committed and passionate about what they do, and take pride in the difference they make in our community. Our values include Person-Focused, HOPE, Recovery, SELF-Determination, Quality OF LIFE, Integrity and Collaboration. We also take time to recognize each other and have fun!
**
Summary OF THE Position
The Registered Recreation Therapist (RT) will work with the staff in the ACTT Program to provide rehabilitation and support, through meaningful group programming and one on one interventions that are consumer centered. The focus is on recovery through holistic care to maximize consumers overall quality of life by participating in meaningful activities. There is a focus on decreasing social isolation, improving community integration, and increasing physical activity levels. This position will develop and evaluate group/individualized programs, assist consumers in identifying recreational opportunities in the community and help consumers to access them.
Activities and supports will be determined in conjunction with consumers and provided as required by the consumer’s circumstances in the achievement of their goals and in a way that reflects the organization’s philosophy and values of consumer driven support.
The ACTT RT participates and assists to lead consumer Resident Council meetings and activities in collaboration with a designated Housing Support Coordinator.

*
HOURS OF WORK*
The Registered Recreation Therapist will work thirty-five (35) hours per week, with the hours being flexible to the needs of consumers and may be required to work a minimum of one (1) evening per week. Recreation Therapists will participate, on a rotating basis, in the agency’s on-call system.

*
Salary RANGE: $26.22 - $33.24 per hour*

*
Benefits: *
Health and Dental Benefits
RRSP 5% matched after 1 year
Above ESA standard vacation entitlement & Float Holiday
12 Sick days per year

*
Essential Qualifications: *

  • Bachelors Degree in Therapeutic Recreation program or Bachelors Degree in a related Health program, with post graduation from a recognized Therapeutic Recreation degree program
  • Membership in Therapeutic Recreation Ontario required
  • Minimum three (3) years’ experience within the community mental health field working with adults recovering from serious mental illness, addiction or supportive housing
  • Supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability of being a highly effective communicator with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Experience in supporting individuals experiencing acute crisis and where possible taking action that is consistent with the consumer’s crisis plan of action
  • Prioritizing and organizing work is second nature and able to make recommendations
  • Sound knowledge of community resources and the ability to liaise with community agencies, generic services, mental health professionals, specialized health care, recreation and leisure opportunities and vocational programs
  • Ability to advocate and liaise with housing providers, landlords, boarding homes, shelter operations and operators of other housing facilities
  • Proficient in the use of Word, Excel, electronic record keeping and data collection systems as well as OCAN and CRMS
  • Strong assessment skills and demonstrated ability to assess complex situations and make appropriate decisions independently
  • Certification in First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and suicide risk assessment preferred
  • Must have a valid Ontario driver’s license, relevant insurance and use of a reliable vehicle
  • Able to successfully complete and provide a current Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Vaccination Requirement Statement
All new employees, effective November 1, 2021, will be required to be double vaccinated and to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation. You can provide proof of vaccination or apply for an accommodation in accordance with our Vaccination Policy 2.0, effective November 1, 2021.

If you are interested, please forward your resume and cover letter ing in the subject line: “Posting No. 22-04-223 Recreation Therapist”by to [website]


Thresholds Homes and Supports Inc. is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [website]

Job Type: $26.22-$33.24 per hour

Example 6

Timings: Between Monday - Sunday (5 days a week)

Client & Family-Centered Care Is At The Heart of Everything We Do At Lumacare! Lumacare believes Client and Family-Centered Care is based on a philosophy of care, treatment and support that empowers Clients to be active and knowledgeable partners in their health care. Whether you join Lumacare in a client facing role, in a leadership capacity, or in a support position, it is essential that every member of our team is passionate about promoting and protecting Client and Family-Centered Care.

Your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

Program design/delivery
  • Facilitate recreation, social and exercise programs and supports Program Staff, students and volunteers who assist with these programs. Works with other staff, students and volunteers and suggests duties and tasks on an activity-by-activity basis.
  • Prepare the program equipment and supplies. Set up and clean-up of program equipment and supplies.
  • Participate in program evaluation to determine the effectiveness of programs and to shape future activities and programming
  • Research new and innovative program ideas

Servicing clients
  • Create individual care plans for clients
  • Design programs for engagement and recreational and social activities
  • Conduct leisure assessments upon intake and on an annual basis
  • Motivate, stimulate and redirect clients using approaches appropriate to the individual needs of each client. Monitor client’s physical, mental and emotional well-being and progress.
  • Respond, report and document Client Safety Events accordingly
  • Conduct client tours

Administration
  • Create monthly activity calendars for clients
  • Update client progress and keep clients and caregivers up to date
  • Maintain inventory and replace equipment and supplies as needed
  • Document and inform Supervisor of any changes or incidents. Maintain accurate documentation and statistics relevant to activities program, as needed
  • Participate in internal committees to advance agency initiatives.

The successful candidate will have:
  • Completed Diploma/Certificate in the following: Recreation Therapy/Gerentology or related background. Activationist background is considered an asset.
  • 1 year of experience working in a community or health care setting, with frail older adults is considered an asset.
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience working with older adults living with a diagnosis of mental health is required.
  • Thorough understanding of program planning, implementation and evaluation in utilizing recreation and leisure as treatment modality
  • Ability to function effectively as a resource and support for other team members
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task
  • Strong computer and documentation skills (Microsoft Office)
  • Standard CPR and First Aid
  • Immunizations for tuberculosis, varicella (chickenpox), mumps and hepatitis B
  • A Current Vulnerable Sector Police check completed within last 12 months

This position requires you to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and you must provide Lumacare with proof of vaccination prior to employment.

Lumacare is a fully accredited agency committed to equity in employment. Our goal is a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from women and men, people from racialized communities, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, aboriginal persons and people who identify themselves as LGBT. We seek to attract and retain individuals who will work together to create and sustain a vibrant, healthy, safe and caring community.

Notice to Candidates – you will be contacted if you are selected for an interview. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Lumacare will provide accommodation, accessible formats, and communication supports for the interview upon request.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $39,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Dental care
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • Vision care
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

Application question(s):
  • Do you have a Diploma/Certificate in Recreation Therapy or related background?

Experience:
  • working with older adults with diagnosis of mental health: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
  • CPR/First Aid Certificate? Location: Hybrid remote in North York, ON

Example 7

Community Living Toronto, one of the largest agencies of its kind in North America, is a dynamic, innovative organization committed to a vision of promoting a welcoming community. As a leader in the field, Community Living Toronto offers support to over 6,000 individuals with an intellectual disability as well as support to their families, including residential and day support, assistance with employment, community support, early childhood services and respite.

JOB Summary:

As a part of Community Participation Support and Respite, the Recreation Therapist will work as a part of an inter-professional team to provide and promote a person-centered, holistic leisure lifestyle by contributing to the social, physical, spiritual, emotional and cognitive needs including but not limited to conducting assessments, developing individual recreation/program plans, documentation, skill instruction, development of program/goals objectives, and evaluating a variety of individual and group programs. They will develop, plan, facilitate, schedule, organize, and implement various therapeutic recreation programs. The Recreation Therapist will contribute to the program development, research, and educational activities of the program. Reporting to the Manager of Community Participation Supports, the Recreation Therapist will assist in identifying service gaps and providing education and training to staff.

Qualifications:

Completion of bachelor’s degree in Recreation with a specialization in Therapeutic Recreation. Must be a member in good standing of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO). International TR credential CTRS offered by the natural council for therapeutic recreation certification (NCTRC) is an asset. Minimum of 3-5 years of related experience recreation and/or therapeutic recreation experience working related to recreation leisure mental health dual diagnosis challenging behaviour program development implementation is an asset knowledge of dual diagnosis community development leisure and recreation demonstrated ability to engage individuals in a meaningful leisure lifestyle and possesses effective decision making and problem-solving skills Knowledge of community leisure activities resources referral sources excellent communication skills proficiency in areas related to relationship building collaborating with multidisciplinary teams accountability and conflict resolution proficiency with computers using Ms. office excel word outlook and other software programs needed to produce documents reports databases presentations and communication vehicles for staff training and development.

Responsibilities:

Supports and Services

  • Adhere to standards of practice and code of ethics
  • Develops A meaningful relationship and partner with individuals and their families, their formal and informal supports and internal team to support clients’ successful integration into their communities.
  • Collaborates with the individual(s) receiving service to set realistic goals, determine current interests, abilities, needs, and barriers related to a meaningful leisure lifestyle, including looking at the context of their family environment culture, friends etc.
  • Contributes to the development of best practices unique to therapeutic recreation, leisure, and implementation processes.
  • Utilizes various facilitation techniques to engage the individual in a variety of opportunities.
  • Advocates and develops relationships with key stakeholders to ensure that the individuals are equally valued members of their community

Program Development Administration and Documentation

  • Responsible for community and individualized development through recreation and leisure utilizing community resources.
  • Adheres to agency and regulatory documentation standards regarding individual(s) progress process and implementation ensuring professional and thorough records are maintained and up to date for all individuals receiving services.
  • Evaluates outcome of services where possible involve the individual(s)
  • Assists in program development, research, and creation of workshops for individuals, families and staff.
  • Acts in a professional manner when collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and provide input regarding subject matter expertise in all communication.
  • Participates in community tables and/or cross-sector collaboration initiatives as required.
  • Accountable for the development, delivery, and evaluation of plan process, including opportunities for research.
  • Assist in the creation of training documentation related to therapeutic recreation.
  • Attends team meetings as required.
  • Person Directed Planning and cross-sector team meetings as requested.
  • Attends department meetings and committees as a part of Community Participation Supports and Respite Team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,566.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Paid time off
  • Vision care
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed



Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:
  • recreational therapy: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:
  • Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Location: In person
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Recreational Therapist duties and responsibilities

A Recreational Therapist is responsible for a range of duties that may vary depending on the institution. They sometimes consult with other healthcare professionals regarding a patient’s condition. Recreational Therapist duties and responsibilities include:

  • Recording patients’ assessment progress and discharge status according to the institution’s policy
  • Designing life skill programs, leisure activities, and special programs for therapy
  • Coordinating care intervention with recreational therapy in collaboration with other healthcare professionals
  • Assessing reports from physiotherapists, teachers, physicians, and counsellors to determine a patient’s functioning level
  • Employing music, art and dance activities and specialized aqua therapy sessions
  • Teaching clients about injury prevention, treatment and promoting overall health
  • Observing and analyzing patients during treatment sessions
  • Staying up-to-date with new treatments and research development

Recreational Therapist skills and qualifications

Good communication and interpersonal skills can help Recreational Therapists work with patients, team members, and volunteers and succeed in their roles. Additionally, a Recreational Therapist can benefit from computer skills to record observations efficiently. Some essential skills for Recreational Therapists include:

  • Ability to multitask
  • Openness and sensitivity to different cultures
  • Time consciousness and the ability to respond swiftly in a crisis
  • Objectivity in handling difficult situations
  • Ability to work within teams and independently
  • Demonstrated organizational skills
  • Strong assessment skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of best leisure activities for recreational therapy

Recreational Therapist experience requirements

Entry-level Recreational Therapists can be employed with less than two years of experience, provided they meet the proper education and training requirements. Senior-level Recreational Therapists need more than three years of experience. Candidates who have worked in different institutions can transfer their skills, adapt to a new environment, and work with patients with different disabilities. However, directly related experience is beneficial. For example, a Recreational Therapist working in a pediatric hospital should have experience working with children, preferably in pediatric rehabilitation.

Recreational Therapist education and training requirements

Successful Recreational Therapists typically have an educational credential in recreational therapy or recreation and leisure studies from an accredited university or program. Closely related fields like recreational studies and leisure can be acceptable with specialization in therapeutic recreation. Look for candidates who have earned certifications from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NTCRC), as this can prove their competence in the field. The NTCRC has a partnership with both the Canadian and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Recreational Therapist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Recreational Therapist is $45,777 per year, depending on the location, experience, education and hiring company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Recreational Therapist is not quite what you are looking for, some related job description samples include:

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