Recreation Therapy Assistant

Recreational Therapy Assistant

Location: Vancouver Hospice OR Abbotsford Hospice

Reporting to: Manager, Recreation Therapy

Job status: Temporary, full-time 12 week contract (37.5 hours weekly)

Start Date: June 3, 2024

End Date: August 30, 2024

Compensation: $25.65/hour

ABOUT US

Canuck Place Children's Hospice (CPCH) is British Columbia's recognized pediatric palliative care provider. For over two decades, through the many programs and services we provide, we have made a significant difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Be part of a talented and innovative team that takes pride in supporting and providing the highest quality pediatric palliative care.

It is the expectation for all roles across the organization to know the organization's philosophy of pediatric palliative care and uphold a commitment to further ones knowledge. Our philosophy of pediatric palliative care is as follows: Pediatric palliative care improves quality of life, promotes comfort, and reduces suffering for children with life-threatening conditions (serious illness) and their families through a holistic approach addressing; physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. It is collaborative person & family-centered care delivered using a team-based approach throughout the continuum of care across all ages and stages of illness, including bereavement. It values choice and honest and compassionate communication.

At Canuck Place we understand that uniqueness is powerful. We hold each other accountable for an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their experiences and ideas and know that they belong. We believe diversity drives innovation and the best pediatric palliative care for children and their families therefore we welcome that every person brings an individual perspective and experience to advance our mission. We have more work to do to advance diversity and inclusion and we are building a culture where difference is valued. We have a commitment to inclusion across gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity and disability status, to ensure our team members are empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. All staff are encouraged to contribute their perspective and lived experience through our internal employee groups such as Care 4 the Caregiver, Culture, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging), Green Team, Truth and Reconciliation and Wellness Committees.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO WORK HERE?

Canuck Place careers are full of connection, community, and care. We aim to nurture a supportive culture rooted in compassion, collaboration and support while providing expert care to children and families. Our team includes individuals with a special blend of sensitivity, compassion, and appreciation for life. Canuck Place is where no moment is missed. A place where you can make a difference.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Recreation Therapy Manager, the Recreation Therapy Assistant will assist in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of a variety of recreation therapy programs and practice standards, which reflect Canuck Place Children's Hospice (CPCH) philosophy and objectives. The Recreation Therapy Assistant will support the recreation therapy and clinical department in liaising and collaborating with community-based services and resources to advocate for accessible and adaptive recreation and leisure activities and opportunities and provide in-house and community outreach services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the supervision of the Recreation Therapy Manager, plans, develops, implements, and evaluates recreation therapy programs.
• Collaborates with Recreation Therapists to coordinate services for children and families.
• Assists to maintain clinical reports of children's care activities, consistent with established standards and compiles database statistics.
• Ensures the safety of children and families by assessing and evaluating the risks associated with in-house and outside activities and taking steps to minimize risks.
• Works in collaboration with the Director, Volunteer & Support Services and care team members to coordinate volunteers for recreation activities both inside and outside of CPCH.
• Establishes positive working relationships and liaises with community agencies/organizations to provide recreational activities for children and families.
• Acts as a community resource for families requiring adaptive and accessible information.
• Advocates for children and families regarding community recreational opportunities and accessibility for all abilities.
• Assumes other related responsibilities, as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Between 15 and 30 years of age, is a requirement of the Canada Summer Jobs program.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada and a valid Social Insurance Number.
• A minimum of 1 year related experience administering recreation therapy programs for children and/or people with disabilities; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience is an asset.
• Enrollment in Bachelor's program or diploma program related to Recreation Therapy is considered an asset.
• Valid and current CPR certification is required.
• Experience working with children with life-threatening illnesses or in a palliative care setting is an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS

What you bring to the role:

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, recreation program philosophies and principles.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, recreation therapy assessment and treatment techniques.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, normal growth and development for children with life-threatening illnesses.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with children, families, staff and representatives of community agencies.
• Ability to work effectively with children and families in sensitive situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent and effective interpersonal, verbal and written English communication skills.
• Solid reputation for promoting sensitivity to diversity and treating everyone with equity and respect.
• First Aid and CPR certificates are required.

You have:

• High integrity; creativity; balance, good judgment and objectivity; high vision and conceptual capabilities; consultative, facilitate and collaborative; sense of humor.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrates flexibility that allows you to work with high energy, creative people.
• Able to thrive and effectively manage priorities in a changing, ambiguous environment.

Please note:

• Evidence of Health Canada approved vaccinations must be provided prior to your first day of work.
• Flexibility is necessary, as this position may require occasional weekend and evening work and travel within and outside the Lower Mainland.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

We understand that the recruitment process is not a one size fits all, our inclusion values and flexibility extend to your hiring experience. Canuck Place is committed to providing inclusive access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. We are continuously working to improve our systems, policies, and practices to ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. Should you require accessibility accommodation through the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Canuck Place Children's Hospice hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations, genders and gender identities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your cover letter and your resume at . This posting will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates who have been short-listed will be contacted.