Recreation Therapist

Recreation therapists work with people who have physical, mental, emotional, cognitive or social limitations that may affect their attitudes, ability and motivation to participate in leisure and maintain healthy, balanced lifestyles. Recreation therapists address patients' barriers to independent, meaningful social contact and community participation.

Recreation therapists work with patients to:

• remove barriers that prevent patients from participating in meaningful leisure
• educate patients about the physical, mental, social and emotional health benefits of participating in recreation activities
• help patients practice skills and improve their ability to participate in leisure and community activities as independently as possible
• maintain or improve quality of life and overall health despite illness or disability.

Recreation therapists work in collaboration with physicians, nurses, nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers to:

• assess patient skills, needs, interests and values related to recreation and leisure 
• develop intervention plans and programs 
• deliver programs for individuals or groups 
• maintain records about client progress and communicate with the health team
• evaluate the success of intervention plans and programs.

Working conditions vary considerably. For example, recreation therapists may work in health care settings, private homes, community facilities or outdoor environments. In some settings, they work shifts that include evenings and weekends. 

Recreation therapists may be required to participate in activities that require above average strength and stamina. Lifting up to 10 kg often is required.

Recreation therapists need the following characteristics:

• excellent interpersonal communication skills
• enthusiasm and a positive, flexible attitude
• judgment, initiative and accountability
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

They should enjoy working with people, developing and implementing innovative programs, and using specially designed equipment and techniques.

Recreation therapists are employed in a variety of settings:

• hospitals and related urgent and community care facilities
• long term care and assisted living residences
• rehabilitation hospitals and clinics
• day programs and outpatient services
• private community based agencies.

Advancement opportunities vary depending on the organization and the therapist's academic qualifications.

Recreation therapists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3144: Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association website: www.alberta-tr.org

Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association website: www.canadian-tr.org

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.