Recreation Therapy Aide

Recreation therapy aides work with people who have physical, mental or social disabilities. By organizing and leading a wide variety of social and leisure activities (for example, exercises, sports, crafts, music, drama), community outings and special events, recreation therapy aides provide opportunities for clients to participate in recreational and therapeutic activities.

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

• review patient referrals and goals for therapeutic recreation programs and recreation-based activities
• conduct individual and group activities such as sports, active and passive games, arts, craft, drama, music, gardening, cooking and baking programs, community outings and special events
• support patients through treatment programs that have been designed to maintain or restore physical, emotional, mental and social capabilities
• prepare equipment and supplies (for example, audio-visual or exercise equipment, craft supplies) and assist with their maintenance and storage
• operate equipment and teach patients how to use equipment such as ceramic molds and exercise equipment
• observe, report and document patient involvement and progress
• advise recreation therapists about program adjustments and modifications to treatment plans as needed
• prepare and clean up program work areas
• support the work of volunteers and students.

Aides also may drive special buses for outings into the community.

Most recreation therapy aides work in health care facilities. They often work regular weekday hours but their hours can vary. In some environments, evening and weekend work is required.

To avoid injury, recreation therapy aides must use proper methods when lifting and moving heavy patients and equipment.

Recreation therapy aides need the following characteristics:

• interpersonal and leadership skills
• oral and written communication skills
• observation skills
• organizational skills
• empathy
• enthusiasm
• flexibility 
• the ability to participate 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, particularly seniors and persons with disabilities
• handling and maintaining equipment and supplies
• being creative and spontaneous.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Recreation therapy aides are employed by:

• rehabilitative, psychiatric and acute care hospitals
• community and 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 3237: Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment. In Alberta, 87% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)
• Retail Trade (PDF)

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 industries listed above)
• 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.

Over 7,700 Albertans are employed in the Other assisting occupations in support of health services occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.2% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 246 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As recreation therapy aides form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for recreation therapy aides.  

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

Therapist Assistant Association of Alberta (TAAA) website: www.thaaa.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.