Recreation Therapist, Fredericton

Division: Anchor Youth Space Deadline to apply: June 25, 2025,4:00 pm Email resume to: Human Resources Schedule: Permanent, Part-Time Salary/Wage: $40,000 annually Openings: 1

Job Description Position Description Recreation Therapist (RT) employs a relational, empowering, trauma‑informed, and equity‑focused approach to practice with youth ages 12 to 25. RT facilitates well‑being and improved quality of life for and with youth who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and addictions. RT collaboratively develops and implements tailored, responsive individual and group programming, including life skills programs, mental health/addiction education and peer support groups, and cultural and recreational activities. The RT works collaboratively with youth, members of the Integrated Youth Services team, and others, to help youth meet their goals and to support changes to care plans as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well‑being, informed by the Pan‑Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti‑racism (EDIRAA).

Under the clinical supervision of the site MHA clinician, provide direct service to youth, ages 12 to 25, including:

Collaborating with colleagues, youth, and caregivers to identify appropriate youth to work with the OT, develop treatment goals, develop and implement treatment plans, integrate with other services, and continually monitor youths’ progress to ensure the appropriate type and intensity of services.

Conducting, interpreting and utilizing standardized assessments of functioning and life skills.

Collaborating with care providers to integrate service delivery at all levels, successfully connect youth/caregivers to services, and facilitate the coordinated transfer and secure attachment of young people to adult services.

Where required, assisting youth in entering data (identified in the minimum data set) into the IYS‑NS data platform.

Making use of data to guide care conversations and interventions.

In accordance with an established site outreach plan, proactively engage with youth and young adults in the community who may benefit from IYS, in order to develop a rapport and introduce them to IYS.

Maintain timely and accurate electronic case documentation.

On an ongoing basis, work with site staff and management, IYS coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, and the IYS‑NS Provincial Leadership Team, to ensure that the Pan‑Canadian Principles of IYS guide all aspects of site services.

Take part in relevant committees, working groups, and IYS‑NS Communities of Practice.

Take part in IYS planning, development, team‑building, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives (locally, provincially and occasionally nationally).

Take part in regular performance appraisals and employer/IYS‑NS training and professional development.

Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and IYS‑NS policies procedures, applicable legislation and regulations, and professional standards and code(s) of ethics.

Assist with the reception, welcome, and drop‑in functions of the IYS‑NS site.

Participate in internal team meetings as required

Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions

Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers

Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity so as to portray New Dawn and IYS in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision

Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations

Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships

Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally

Other duties as assigned by the Site Manager, Integrated Youth Services

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or Recreation Therapy required

Certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by the National Council of therapeutic Recreation Certification (NRTRC) required

Current and up-to-date CPR and First Aid training required

Current and up-to-date Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention training; or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required

Brain Story training or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required

Mental Health First Aid training or willingness to obtain within 3 months of employment required

Compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and problem solving

Experience working with and advocating for vulnerable populations

Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with guidance

Exceptional attention to detail and verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work effectively with others toward shared goals

Highly organized and ability to work well under pressure

Proficiency with Microsoft suite of programs and applications

High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability

Understands servant leadership and community‑centricity

Work Conditions

Travel may be required

Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals

Overtime may be required; working evenings/weekends as needed

Interacts with employees, management, and the public at large

Environment can be busy and/or noisy at times

AIP Employer New Dawn is proud to be an

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

employer. This means that New Dawn has been approved as an AIP employer and, as such, can endorse the AIP‑PR application of an eligible employee.

Note: employees are responsible for verifying that the employment position/category is eligible under the AIP program, or any other immigration program/stream for which they intend to seek the support/endorsement of New Dawn.

Compensation Package Salaried Employee Compensation Package New Dawn Enterprises believes in supporting the well‑being of its employees and, in service of this, has created the following compensation package for permanent, salaried employees of New Dawn Enterprises, in addition to their salaries.

New Dawn offers its employees group benefits provided by Group Health. Fifty percent (50%) of these benefits are paid by the employer, except for Long‑Term Disability benefits which are fully (100%) paid by the employee. The plan also includes a component for Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and Vision Care. Dependent life is also included.

Self‑Directed Registered Retirement Savings Plan Employees may choose to begin participation in New Dawn’s Self‑Directed RRSP plan after completion of three (3) months of employment. Employees may contribute up to 5% of their gross salary, deducted from their pay cheque. This is matched by the employer to a maximum of five percent (5%).

Reduced Hours Work Week In recognition of the benefits of greater work‑life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human wellbeing, New Dawn has adopted a Reduced Hour Work Week. All full‑time salaried employees are required to be in the office for 32 hours per week. These hours can be worked over four or five days. At the start of employment, a schedule will be drafted that meets both the needs of the company and the employee.

Professional Development New Dawn acknowledges and is committed to the ongoing professional development and lifelong learning aspirations of its staff. The acquisition of new position‑relevant skills and perspectives by employees creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization.

Employees are strongly encouraged to research and outline education and/or professional development opportunities to discuss with their manager in the creation of their work‑plan.

Paid Holidays New Dawn observes thirteen (13) public holidays and other days for which staff will be paid. They are: New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day

In the spirit of family, the President reserves the right to close the office between Christmas and New Year’s to enable employees to spend time with their families. This option will be reviewed, and a decision made annually depending on operational requirements. These non‑statutory days will have no impact on employee vacation time.

Paid Vacation All new employees entering the organization as a salaried employee will earn 15 days of paid vacation during the annum.

Mental and Physical Health Days Employees will be entitled to seven (7) days paid leave at the beginning of each calendar year. This can be carried forward to a maximum of fifteen (15) days total. It can be used for physical and metal wellness/illness and appointments for the employee or their family members.

Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) New Dawn’s Group Benefits Plan also includes the provision of an Employee and Family Assistance Program. The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) is a support system that employees and their families can turn to for confidential help with stress, anxiety and depression, family and relationship issues, addictions, legal and financial difficulties, health and nutrition concerns and workplace and career difficulties. The program is confidential and optional and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Employees of New Dawn Enterprises can take advantage of a 20% discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre.

Years of Service The Years of Service Recognition Program recognizes and rewards the service of New Dawn employees at milestones in their careers. All permanent full‑and‑part‑time New Dawn employees are eligible to receive the Years of Service award.

STAR Program New Dawn is proud to recognize and reward the excellent work and achievements of its employees. Managers at New Dawn will be given an annual budget to provide ongoing and immediate recognition to their direct reports throughout the year.

Corporate YMCA Membership Program In an effort to create more opportunity for staff health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership gives staff a 12% discount on the cost of membership, additionally New Dawn pays half the cost of an individual discounted membership.

New Dawn New Dawn is Canada’s oldest Community Development Corporation. Since 1976, we’ve been working to create a more just, healthy, and self‑determined community by responding to local needs and driving long‐term, systems‑level change.Today, New Dawn continues to focus on self‑reliance, resilience, and community‑led transformation. Every day, we engage thousands of community members and employ over 150 Cape Bretoners through programs and services that are practical, creative, and grounded in care. Our work spans health and social care, housing, the arts, youth, immigration, and community development. Some of these services generate revenue, which we reinvest into our organization — fueling sustainability and deepening community impact.

Anchor Youth Space Anchor Youth Space Sydney is part of a provincial Integrated Youth Services (IYS) initiative designed to provide community‑based programming, resources, and services to support youth aged 12 to 25. The IYS model offers a “one‑stop shop” where youth and their caregivers can access a range of services without the need for appointments or fees.

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