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Southlake Health

Canadian health system network delivering care

Recreational Therapist

Full-TimePosted on 10/21/2026Deadline 11/4/26
$40.03 - $45.46/hr
Mid
Bachelor's
Newmarket, ON, Canada
In Person
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in a Therapeutic Recreation program, or a bachelor's degree in an Allied Health program with post-graduation from a recognized Therapeutic Recreation degree program.
  • Membership in Therapeutic Recreation Ontario is required.
  • Current BCLS certification is required.
  • A minimum of three years of recent and relevant experience in an acute medical and/or long-term care setting is required.
  • Experience and commitment to working in a fully integrated interprofessional team model are required.
  • Strong written, verbal, and telephone communication skills are required to communicate effectively with clients, families, colleagues, health care providers, community agencies, and others.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team is required.
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are required.
  • Flexibility in scheduling and managing fluctuating workload is required.
  • Teaching and facilitation skills are required.
  • Sensitivity to multicultural issues, particularly those affecting elderly people, is required.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required.
  • Employees must work safely, promote workplace health and safety, and comply with Section 28 of the OH&S Act and all Southlake OH&S policies and procedures.
  • Ability to perform the position's bona fide duties and the duties outlined in the Job Demands Analysis is required.
  • Ability to attend work regularly in accordance with the Attendance Support Policy is required.
Responsibilities
  • Develop, design, implement, evaluate, and revise individualized and group therapeutic recreation, leisure, and life-skills programs as a member of an interprofessional inpatient rehabilitation team.
  • Provide leadership for special community-based events and/or group programming that supports and encourages optimal social and recreational skills and participation patterns for patients over 18 years old and/or patients with physical, cognitive, and/or social disabilities.
Desired Qualifications
  • Training or certification in geriatrics is preferred.
  • Experience in program development is an asset.

About the company

Southlake Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and programs in northern York Region and southern Simcoe County, delivering general and specialized care—including cardiac and cancer services. It coordinates care across multiple sites and through the Southlake@home program, using advanced technology and ongoing research to provide patient-centered care from hospital to home. It stands out with 16 years of Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada, a track record in integrated care, and broad reach for specialized services. Its goal is to save lives, push boundaries, and bring care closer to home by growing with the communities it serves and expanding access for future generations.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Newmarket, Canada

Founded

N/A

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Ontario granted Southlake $16.6 million on August 17, 2026 for operations and repairs.
  • Ontario added $10 million on September 22, 2026 for East Gwillimbury planning.
  • Southlake joined Research Canada on September 24, 2026, strengthening research partnerships.

What critics are saying

  • Southlake's emergency department handles over 123,000 annual visits, straining capacity.
  • Treasurer's report flagged a significant fiscal 2026 deficit and structural funding gap.
  • Persistent deficits force service cuts or staff losses, undermining DHN expansion.

What makes Southlake Health unique

  • Southlake serves 250,000 people across northern York Region and southern Simcoe County.
  • Ontario endorsed Southlake's Distributed Health Network vision on September 22, 2026.
  • Southlake launched an upgraded SHINE electronic medical record with Oak Valley and Stevenson.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Gym Membership
  • Hybrid Work Options
  • Remote Work Options