Are you passionate about helping others enjoy fun leisure activities? Do you have a positive and enthusiastic attitude? If so, a career as a recreation therapist might be the perfect fit for you. Recreation therapists work with individuals who have illnesses and disabilities to enhance their overall health and quality of life through leisure and recreation activities.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Recreation Therapist

The role of a recreation therapist is to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to leisure activities and social engagement, and to help them develop new skills to pursue their interests. Working as part of a healthcare team, recreation therapists assess clients' needs, interests, and values related to recreation and develop personalized action plans and programs. They deliver these programs on an individual basis or in group settings, and keep records of client progress to share with the healthcare team. They also evaluate the success of the programs they implement.

Working Environment and Skills Required

Recreation therapists can work in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, private homes, community centers, or even outdoors. To excel in this field, recreation therapists should possess excellent interpersonal skills and be effective communicators. Leadership skills are essential, as they often work with both individuals and groups. Being creative and resourceful is also beneficial in developing and delivering engaging programs. Additionally, recreation therapists should have good judgment, initiative, and accountability, and should be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Professional Classifications and Outlook

The profession of a recreation therapist falls under several classifications, including 2006 NOC: Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (3144), 2006 NOC-S: Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (D044), 2011 NOC: Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (3144), and 2016 NOC: Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (3144).

If you have a passion for helping others and want to make a positive impact on their lives through leisure and recreation, a career as a recreation therapist might be a great choice for you.

Open