Job Title: Addiction Services Recreation Therapist – Mental Health Role in Barrie

Department: Addiction Services
Location: Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Clinical | In-Person
Schedule: As determined by program needs (may include evenings/weekends)
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

About RVH

At Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), we are committed to transforming care through excellence, innovation, and compassion. As a leading regional healthcare provider, we serve a broad and diverse population across Simcoe Muskoka. Our mission is to provide safe, high-quality, patient-centered care. With a strong focus on mental health and addiction recovery, RVH’s Addiction Services department plays a critical role in supporting individuals through every phase of their recovery journey.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and empathetic Recreation Therapist to join our dynamic Addiction Services team. This role offers the opportunity to work across three vital components of our integrated continuum of addiction care, supporting clients at various stages of their treatment and recovery journey.

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist – Addiction Services is responsible for developing and delivering therapeutic recreation programs that empower individuals to improve their quality of life, support recovery, and promote independence. This role spans three key programs within RVH’s Addiction Services:

1. Withdrawal Management Services (WMS)

An 18-bed, voluntary, abstinence-based program that provides 24/7 support for individuals withdrawing from psychoactive and mood-altering substances. The Recreation Therapist will contribute to short-term stabilization and recovery preparation.

2. Live-In Treatment Centre

A structured, 21-day residential treatment program (co-ed, 12 beds) designed to help clients learn healthy coping strategies and tools for long-term recovery.

3. Pre-Treatment Services

An 11-bed program that bridges the gap between withdrawal management and live-in treatment, offering supportive, recovery-oriented services while clients await placement in formal treatment programs.

You will be instrumental in designing recreational and leisure interventions tailored to clients’ abilities, interests, and recovery goals, while also addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs.

Key Responsibilities

As a valued member of the Addiction Services team, your responsibilities will include:

Program Planning and Delivery

Design and implement individualized and group-based therapeutic recreation activities that promote well-being and align with the recovery goals of clients in WMS, Pre-Treatment, and Live-In programs.
Integrate a variety of leisure modalities (e.g., physical activity, creative arts, mindfulness-based practices, outdoor exploration) that foster personal growth, resilience, and community reintegration.
Facilitate structured and spontaneous leisure education opportunities to increase clients’ understanding of healthy recreation and its role in recovery.

Client Engagement and Support

Support clients in developing or relearning leisure skills appropriate to their life goals and recovery stage.
Promote the exploration of healthy activities and interests to replace high-risk behaviors associated with substance use.
Build strong therapeutic alliances that encourage motivation, participation, and long-term engagement in recovery.

Community Integration

Identify and eliminate barriers to community participation by educating clients on available local leisure resources and developing action plans for independent engagement post-treatment.
Coordinate community outings, volunteer placements, and recreational opportunities to reinforce skills and social inclusion.
Advocate for clients’ rights to accessible and inclusive leisure experiences within their home and community environments.

Clinical Collaboration

Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team including addiction counselors, nurses, social workers, and case managers to align recreation therapy plans with clinical care goals.
Maintain detailed clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge recommendations.
Participate in team case conferences, program reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.

Education and Events

Plan and facilitate seasonal special events and recovery-focused celebrations to enhance the therapeutic milieu and foster a sense of community.
Deliver educational sessions for staff and clients on topics such as the therapeutic benefits of recreation, self-care, stress reduction, and lifestyle balance.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education:

A four-year undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related field.
Postgraduate certificate in Therapeutic Recreation is required.
Current professional registration with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) is mandatory.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable and marginalized populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and clients experiencing housing or food insecurity.
Experience supporting individuals with addiction and/or concurrent mental health conditions is essential.
Prior experience in a healthcare setting is preferred, especially in addiction, mental health, rehabilitation, or community-based recovery services.

Skills and Attributes

Group Facilitation: Proven ability to lead therapeutic groups with confidence, creativity, and sensitivity to group dynamics and individual needs.
Critical Thinking: Strong assessment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in high-pressure and emotionally complex environments.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey empathy, encouragement, and clear direction.
Collaboration: A cooperative, team-oriented mindset with experience working across disciplines to deliver integrated care.
Computer Proficiency: Comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite, electronic health record systems, and digital documentation tools.
Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, experiences, and belief systems. Commitment to anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices.
Physical Stamina: Able to participate in and lead physical activities such as walks, group fitness, and recreational outings, as appropriate for clients’ abilities.

Why Join RVH?

At RVH, we believe that healing begins with connection—and connection thrives when professionals are given the tools, trust, and support to do what they do best. As a member of the Addiction Services team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals working toward recovery and wellness.

We offer:

A progressive, evidence-based approach to addiction care
A collaborative and supportive interdisciplinary team
Opportunities for professional development and ongoing education
Access to employee wellness programs and recreational facilities
A welcoming, inclusive environment grounded in compassion, dignity, and respect

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

RVH is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of the patients and communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, including members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our team.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure accessibility is provided in a respectful and supportive manner.

Apply Today

If you are a passionate Recreation Therapist with a heart for addiction recovery and a drive to empower clients through meaningful leisure experiences, we want to hear from you.

Join RVH’s Addiction Services team and help shape lives—one recreation program at a time.

Here’s an original 200‑word company overview for Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre – Barrie, ON, highlighting innovation, customer focus, sustainability, and values, followed by a table of current job roles with estimated salaries:

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) – Barrie, ON | Company Overview

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), founded in 1891 and based at 201 Georgian Drive, is a full‑service, Level III trauma and acute‑care hospital serving Barrie and surrounding communities (en.wikipedia.org). With over 2,500 employees, 380 physicians, and 319 beds, RVH provides comprehensive care in areas including critical care, surgery, cancer, women’s and children’s health, and mental health .

Innovation is embedded in RVH’s mission: modernized facilities, including a Pandemic Response Unit and advanced diagnostic suites, support cutting‑edge treatment and resilient operations . RVH uses digital systems to streamline patient care and enhance clinical coordination.

Customer focus drives RVH’s culture—staffed 24/7, the hospital emphasizes compassionate, patient‑centred service, with roles like Patient Service Clerks and Care Assistants ensuring smooth and supportive experiences (simplyhired.ca).

Sustainability is a key priority. RVH pursues energy‑efficient infrastructure and fosters socially responsible practices through community partnerships, environmental services, and initiatives that promote staff well‑being .

Guided by values of integrity, excellence, respect, and collaboration, RVH is dedicated to delivering high‑quality, reliable healthcare while continuously evolving to meet community needs.

Current Job Openings at RVH – Barrie

Role	Pay Rate	Key Responsibilities
Physician Assistant	CA\$56.88–66.92 /hr	Assist in clinical care across departments (jobbank.gc.ca, simplyhired.ca)
Registered Nurse (various)	CA\$39.07–56.00 /hr	Provide direct patient care, including PACU and CCU
Patient Service Clerk	CA\$29.51–34.57 /hr	Manage reception, coordination, and unit clerical tasks
Clinical Coordinator	CA\$48.39–61.61 /hr	Coordinate specialized hematology/care programs
Social Worker	CA\$49.15–57.82 /hr	Support patient and family mental-social needs