Forensic Program
Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care - St. Thomas, ON
Full Time
Salary Range: $35.93 - $41.37 /hour

The Forensic Psychiatry Program has adopted the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Model as its overarching philosophical framework. This philosophy is built on a set of principles and values that emphasize client and family involvement in decision making, client choice, the provision of a range of services to meet treatment, rehabilitation and support needs, and a commitment from mental health services' professionals to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients based on their stated preferences, wishes, desires and life plans. As part of the forensic system, this must also be accomplished within the parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order. The Forensic Psychiatry Program is also highly invested in both education and research and has various connections with the University of Western Ontario.

An opportunity exists within the Forensic Treatment Team for a Therapeutic Recreationist to provide comprehensive assessment/rehabilitation/treatment to clients with serious mental illness using the principles of client centred care within the context of an interdisciplinary team approach.


Essential Qualifications

• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA
• University Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a Therapeutic Recreation focus or University Degree in Human Sciences or Services with a Post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation
• Current membership with Therapeutic Recreation of Ontario (TRO)
• Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, and implement a personalized approach to service delivery within the guidelines of the Therapeutic Recreation Service Delivery Model in accordance with TRO standards of practice
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation
• Knowledge, skills and recent experience in providing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with serious mental illness
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in applying the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, symptom management and their impact in providing therapeutic recreation interventions
• In-depth knowledge of major mental illness from a biopsychosocial perspective
• Experience in crisis intervention
• Experience in the development of teaching materials and the teaching of patients, family and caregivers
• Must be capable of establishing positive interpersonal relationships and able to work as an effective team member
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in French would be an asset
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a therapeutic recreation professional
• Experience in mental health
• Experience in Forensic Mental Health

Teaching and Research

• St Joseph's Health Care London through its affiliation with Western University and Fanshawe College is a leading research and teaching hospital. As an employee of St Joseph's, you will be expected to engage in role related teaching and research activities in addition to any of your clinical duties

Immunization Requirements

• Provide documentation you have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine (primary series/boosters, XBB or KP.2) OR one dose of KP.2 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start date.
• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox)
• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing