Who We Are

For 150 years, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has been a leader in world-class care. As an acute tertiary and quaternary teaching hospital, LHSC provides leading-edge medical care to people from across western Ontario and beyond. LHSC is located just two hours from Toronto and two hours from Detroit in the city of London which is known for its beautiful and walkable downtown core located on the Thames River, a vibrant culinary scene and scores of activities that highlight local arts, culture and music. Our team of more than 17,000 physicians, staff, learners and volunteers works tirelessly to support patients as they navigate their unique health-care journeys. As one of Canada's largest acute-care teaching hospitals, LHSC is a renowned centre of innovation with a history of groundbreaking research that has influenced how people are cared for around the world. With nearly 1 million annual patient visits across University, Victoria and Children's Hospitals, LHSC provides compassionate leading-edge care and is proud of our strong regional, national and international partnerships. For more information, please visit www.lhsc.on.ca.

Posting Period

Open: October 9, 2026

Deadline: October 15, 2026

Non-Union

Department Name

Behavioural Support Sciences

Reporting to the Coordinator or Manager, the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) will enhance the development of, and attitude towards, life-long leisure skills; eliminate barriers to leisure and optimize opportunities for meaningful engagement with individuals who are 65 years of age and over or with an age-related condition such as a neurocognitive disorder. The TRS will collaboratively work with individuals along with their formal and informal partners in care as part of the multi-disciplinary team.

Following the Therapeutic Recreation Ontario's Scope of Practice, Therapeutic Recreation is a collaborative and purposeful process facilitated by trained professionals offering recreation and leisure assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation to achieve individual goals. The profession uses meaningful recreation and leisure education, counselling and experiences to promote, restore, rehabilitate, and/or maintain quality of life and well-being. Therapeutic Recreation supports the development of strengths while addressing social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive needs.

Rate of Pay: $36.04 per hour - $45.05 per hour

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Duration: Until September 2027

Location: Community/hospital based with travel

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a two (2) year Diploma in Recreation Therapy required; Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation preferred
• Registered Member of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO)
• Membership in Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) preferred
• Experience working with different types of dementia and mental health are preferred
• Minimum two (2) years recent, related experience working with individuals with mental illness and addictions in an outpatient, inpatient, and/or residential environment
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Gentle Persuasion Approach Training preferred
• Demonstrated advanced ability to assess, plan and implement a personalized approach to service delivery within the guidelines of the Therapeutic Recreation Service Model in accordance with TRO standards of practice
• Proven advanced knowledge of and ability to formally evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic recreation program using validated tools
• Demonstrated advanced interpersonal and communication skills with the geriatric mental health and addictions population including individuals exhibiting responsive behaviors
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge and skills in working with various types of dementia, delirium, mental health issues, addictions, other neurological conditions, and with people who experience an acute behavior change that can best be served by a behavioural support system preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of crisis intervention practices
• Proven ability to conduct training sessions, educational opportunities, and research regarding therapeutic recreation
• Develops individual and group programs/activities that promote social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive needs
• Proven ability to advocate on behalf of clients
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of community resources
• Demonstrated excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills and ability to be flexible & adaptable to change
• Demonstrated advanced computer skills including MS Word, email, Power Chart, Internet, and data bases relevant to therapeutic recreation
• Demonstrated practice and commitment to the principles of patient and family centered care
• Demonstrated practice and commitment to patient and staff safety at LHSC
• Demonstrated practice and commitment to LHSC's Mission, Vision and Values
• Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis

Has your experience been obtained through alternative pathways? LHSC acknowledges that skills, education and lived experience come in many forms and may have been developed differently from those listed in the job posting. Although LHSC has discretion in determining whether a candidate meets the qualifications and licensing requirements, we welcome applications from those with different experiences who may not meet every requirement listed. Tell us your story and apply today with your resume!

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

LHSC does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants for a position.

Reason for Job Posting

Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy

Immunization Requirements:

Before beginning employment at LHSC, all new hires must provide documentation related to LHSC's Health Review requirements. For more information and a detailed list of requirements, please visit Health Review Requirements | LHSC.

Teaching, Learning and Research

LHSC Centre is proudly one of Canada's largest acute-care teaching and research hospitals. LHSC has an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, with education agreements in collaboration with over 55 schools, hospitals, and community agencies from across Ontario, Canada and internationally; among our many education partners, our three regional partners are Western University, Fanshawe College, and Thames Valley District School Board. LHSC provides students with a place where they can learn and discover knowledge and skills to take them forward in their careers as health care professionals. Approximately 2,900 Nursing, Health and other students ranging from secondary school to university graduate level programs receive training at LHSC every year. As an employee of LHSC, you will be expected to engage in role-related teaching, professional development, and research activities in addition to standard position duties and responsibilities.

We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive work environment that inspires respect. LHSC is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from equity-denied groups including Indigenous people, racialized people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. LHSC is also committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Upon individual request, we will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to reasonably accommodate candidates, including those with disabilities, while maintaining a fair, consistent and equitable recruitment approach. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application, interview or selection processes, please contact Recruitment Services at 519-685-8500, extension #34321 or [email protected].

As part of the selection process applicants may be required to complete an examination or test. Please be advised that a reference check may be conducted as part of the selection process.

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates, as a condition of job offer, would be required to provide a satisfactory police information check (original document) completed in the last 6 months.

Please be advised, if you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit, we recommend reviewing permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. As per the Government of Canada, LHSC is considered a hospital/healthcare organization, even if an employee is functioning in a non-patient facing role. Individuals on a work or study permit seeking employment in this sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process, including but not limited to a medical exam, which may also apply to employees looking to renew their work or study permits. It is the employee's accountability to ensure they are adhering to their specific permit restrictions, and we encourage all candidates and LHSC employees to be proactive and review restrictions as soon as possible as it could be a lengthy process.

Great People. Great Care. Great Opportunities.