Recreation Therapist – BSO Lead- Full time – Hamilton

Job Description 

BSO Therapeutic Recreation Position Description

Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) is a service enhancement that has been implemented across Ontario since 2012 to better support older adults with responsive behaviours. BSO’s three pillars are (1) System Coordination & Management; (2) Integrated Service Delivery: Intersectoral & Interdisciplinary; and (3) Knowledgeable Care Teams and Capacity Building.

Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant BSO (HNHB BSO) consists of various interprofessional teams that have been implemented across the health care continuum. The BSO Recreation Therapy position has been newly created to further enhance and expand upon the scope of BSO teams.

As part of the HNHB BSO structure, this position will hold multiple accountabilities to Extendicare Hamilton, HNHB BSO, and Ontario Health West. Direct support and accountability for this position will be provided by the hiring organization, Extendicare Hamilton, and indirect reporting accountabilities and supports will be guided by HNHB BSO and Ontario Health West.

Core Qualifications:

• Therapeutic Recreation degree and/or postgraduate therapeutic recreation diploma
• Membership in good standing with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO) and/or with Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA)
• Registered Recreation Therapist (R/TRO) certification; or eligible to obtain registration with TRO

Additional Training/Certificates:

• P.I.E.C.E.S.TM and/or U-FIRST!
• Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) basics training
• Montessori Methods or Dementiability Methods for Dementia Care
• Mental Health First Aid for Seniors Training an asset
• Indigenous Cultural Competency Training or equivalent training an asset
• Teepa Snow “Positive Approach to Care” Training an asset

Additional Attributes:

• Demonstrated positive person-family centred values and practice
• Demonstrated understanding that all behaviour has meaning, as reflected in practice
• Flexibility and adaptability to competing needs within fast-paced work environments
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as an effective member of an inter-agency and interdisciplinary team; with a strong collaborative nature
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate in a non-stigmatizing way
• Ability to positively represent and advocate on behalf of BSO in public forums/committees
• Demonstrated awareness and competency regarding cultural diversity, including francophone, LGBTQ and Indigenous-specific considerations
• Proficient computer skills
• Physical ability to assist residents and move program equipment
• Good attendance and work record
• Criminal Reference verification

Experience:

• Relevant clinical experience (3–5 years as a Recreational Therapist) working with older adults and care partners in long-term care and community settings
• Experience working within an interprofessional team model; long-term care setting preferred
• Experience implementing quality improvement initiatives
• Experience supporting the lived experience of older adults living with dementia or at risk of responsive behaviours and their care partners
• Experience with electronic documentation, including assessments, and care planning functions

Knowledge:

• Demonstrated extensive knowledge working with individuals with various forms of dementia, delirium, complex mental health, substance use, other neurological conditions, including those with or at risk of responsive behaviours and the effects on care partners
• Knowledge and familiarity with recent research and best practices for our patient population and ability to apply this knowledge
• Knowledge and understanding of all pertinent legislation and policies, including the Long-Term Care (LTC) Homes Act, the Personal Health Information and Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004), the Mental Health Act and other pertinent legislation
• Knowledge of internal and external community resources

Shared Care Delivery:

• Demonstrated patient-family-care partner focus and commitment to the Mission, Vision, Values and goals of BSO, Extendicare Hamilton and respective partner agencies
• Plan, facilitate and implement purposeful individualized therapeutic recreation founded on interest, need and ability in accordance with established policies, primary care and clinical team collaboration, and overall plan of care and within the scope of practice
• Enhance the positive impact and spread of BSO (1:1 and group) therapeutic modalities to address and prevent responsive behaviours, while adapting to individual changing needs
• Promote brain health through engagement activities tailored to maintaining skills and abilities and focused on validation, individual success, and social stimulation
• Work in collaboration with all care partners to find the best possible quality care solutions for the patient/family
• Create and nurture continuous improvement of Behavioural Support and organizational practices for improved system co-ordination
• Support the spread of improvement practices with internal team members (e.g. activation and restorative teams) regarding overall prevention of responsive behaviours through therapeutic programming or education

Clinical Accountability:

• Actively participate in all relevant professional development as coordinated at the regional, hub and local level as guided by HNHB BSO Structure
• Participate in and/or facilitate referral-based complex case reviews
• Actively engage in BSO quality improvement initiatives within the organization and as part of the regional structure
• Monitor, document, and evaluate therapeutic activities and relevant literature
• Formulate individualized therapeutic program plans and goals
• Conduct evaluation of practices using measurable outcomes
• Maintain accurate, complete, organized and legible clinical records
• Maintain and submit standard data collection, as required by the regional lead organization (HNHB BSO) and Ontario Health West

Please forward your resume in confidence to the attention of:

Pilar Henderson
Executive Director, Extendicare Hamilton
[email protected]

Time Type:

When you choose to build your career with Extendicare, you’re joining a team dedicated to making a difference. By focusing our energy on enriching the lives of our residents every day, we transform both the quality of their lives and the quality of our own work experiences. 

If you have a passion for caring, turn it into a rewarding career with Extendicare! 

Extendicare and affiliated organizations including our partner homes in Extendicare Assist, accommodate the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes upon request.