Recreation Therapy Aide

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Therapy Assistants (3414.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services (D313) 
• 2011 NOC: Other assisting occupations in support of health services (3414) 
• 2016 NOC: Other assisting occupations in support of health services (3414) 

Recreation therapy aides work with people who have physical, mental or social disabilities. They organize and lead a variety of social and leisure activities (such as exercises, sports, crafts, music, drama, community outings and special events). These activities provide opportunities for clients to take part in recreation as therapy.

Under the direction of recreation therapists and other professionals, recreation therapy aides:

• review client assessments and goals (for therapeutic recreation programs and recreation-based activities)
• conduct one-on-one, small group and large group activities
• support clients through treatment programs
• help prepare, maintain and store equipment and supplies (such as audio-visual or exercise equipment, or craft supplies)
• use equipment (such as ceramic moulds and exercise equipment) and teach clients how to use it
• observe, report and document client engagement and progress
• provide recreation therapists with feedback (as needed) regarding program adjustments or client participation
• prepare and clean up program work areas
• support the work of volunteers and students.

Sometimes recreation therapy aides drive buses for community outings.

Recreation therapy aides may work in health care settings, as well as community settings where leisure takes place (such as private homes, community facilities or outdoor settings). As a result, working conditions vary. Some aides work shifts that include evenings and weekends.

Recreation therapy aides often take part in activities requiring above-average strength and stamina.

Recreation therapy aides need to possess:

• excellent people skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to listen, speak and write well
• the ability to observe
• the ability to be organized
• empathy
• enthusiasm
• flexibility
• the ability to take part in physical activities
• the ability to work with little supervision
• a strong interest in leisure and wellness activities.

They should enjoy:

• having clear guidelines for their work
• working with people, especially seniors and persons with disabilities
• handling and maintaining equipment and supplies
• being creative and spontaneous.

Recreation therapy aides work for:

• rehabilitative, psychiatric and acute-care hospitals
• community centres
• mental health facilities
• residential-care facilities
• adult day-support programs
• prisons and correctional centres
• private and government recreation centres
• private community-based agencies.

Without further education, opportunities for advancement are limited.

Recreation therapy aides are part of the 2011 National Occupational Classification 3414: Other assisting occupations in support of health services. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.

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

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

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

In Alberta, the D313: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 246 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) website: canadian-tr.org

Therapist Assistant Association of Alberta (ThAAA) website: thaaa.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.