Recreation Therapist

If you take pride in being compassionate, honest, professional, and safe, consider an exciting and rewarding career at Shannex. Our communities offer more than a place to work – they welcome and celebrate Great People who inspire meaningful connections while Leading the Way to Better Living.

We are searching for a Recreation Therapist to join our Harbourstone Enhanced Care team based in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits plan (eligible immediately upon hire for part-time & full-time staff) including an Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Life, travel, and other insurances
• Access to virtual healthcare 24/7 for FREE through the group health benefit plan RRSP program (5% employer matching) or pension plan
• Vacation accrual (begins immediately) and travel insurance
• Free onsite parking
• Access to thousands of perks vendors and discounts through our WorkPerks program, including excellent discounts for apparel, restaurants, technology, fitness, travel, and tickets to some of your favorite sports and entertainment events
• Access to continuing education and training through Shannex's Centre of Excellence Opportunities to be part of sector innovation and continuous improvement initiatives Recognition and Rewards for service excellence and safety

• Plans, implements and evaluates a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program plan focusing on physical, social, cultural, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of the residents;
• Using a variety of interview and observational techniques obtains all necessary information related to the therapeutic recreation assessment; addresses all recreation therapy referrals from the interdisciplinary team;
• Develops individual treatment plans with residents/Substitute Decision Makers based on assessment results, applying facilitation techniques to assist residents in achieving identified goals;
• In collaboration with the site Recreation Programmer, develops, approves and implements therapeutic recreation programs in a variety of settings, including small groups and one-to-one;
• Modifies service delivery to support the changing health status or responsive behaviours of all residents;
• Participates in the ongoing evaluation of all therapeutic recreation interventions; works with the recreation programmer to support the preparation, equipment, materials needed for recreation programs, and oversees proper use and care of supplies and equipment;
• Documents resident progress evaluations, admission assessments and other reports as required;
• Create transition plans for residents coming from Acute Care or other Long-Term Care settings;
• Collaborate with the Behavioural Support Team to develop behavioural support plans for residents with complex behavioural concerns;
• Collaborate with external care providers;
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data collected to help guide strategies;
• Some travel within Nova Scotia will be required as part of this position.

In addition to placing high value on continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability, you bring:

• Undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation with certification in the field of Therapeutic Recreation;
• Minimum of one-year combined experience in the delivery of recreation in health care;
• Certified or eligible to be certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification;
• Member of the Atlantic Canadian Society for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists;
• Basic Food Safety Training/ Food Handlers Course;
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification
• A passion for the healthcare sector and/or ensuring seniors have access to quality accommodations, services and care.

Shannex is a family-owned organization with a vision of Better Living for every stage of life. Since 1988, Shannex has grown from a single nursing home in Cape Breton to a trusted partner across healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle sectors. With locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, Shannex continues to build communities designed for connection, wellbeing and longevity. Shannex-owned brands include Allbright Life, Parkland Retirement Living & Lifestyle Residences, Parkland at Home, Faubourg du Mascaret, and Shannex Enhanced Care. Shannex also provides Transitional Health Services, in partnership with Nova Scotia Health. For more information, visit

If you're ready to join the Shannex team of Great People, apply today

Great People is a core value at Shannex based on the belief that our team members are the spirit and foundation of the organization. Shannex believes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging is about creating a culture that embraces the uniqueness of individuals, where every person is treated fairly and where racism and discrimination are not tolerated. At Shannex, every team member belongs.

All applications are kept in strict confidentiality.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.