Position Type: Independent Contractor
Reports To: Program Director
Direct Reports: Recreation Therapy Assistants, Program Coordinator, Volunteers (3–4)
Location: Remote (Home Office) with community-based service delivery throughout Calgary and surrounding area

About YouQuest

YouQuest is an innovative, community-based organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with Young-Onset Dementia (YOD) and supporting their families. Through meaningful recreation, social connection, physical activity, and community engagement, YouQuest empowers participants to remain active, independent, and engaged in their communities.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Recreation Therapist who is passionate about person-centred care, enjoys working in dynamic community settings, and is excited to help shape one of Alberta’s leading Young-Onset Dementia programs.

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist serves as the clinical lead during YouQuest Service Days and plays a central role in ensuring participants experience meaningful, engaging, and safe recreation opportunities that reflect their individual interests, strengths, abilities, and goals.

Reporting directly to the Program Director, the Recreation Therapist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating YouQuest Service Days while providing leadership and mentorship to Recreation Therapy Assistants, the Program Coordinator, Students, and Volunteers throughout each program day.

Using the Therapeutic Recreation Process, the Recreation Therapist conducts participant assessments, develops individualized recreation approaches, monitors participant wellbeing, and ensures activities are delivered with dignity, creativity, flexibility, and clinical excellence.

When not leading Service Days, the Recreation Therapist collaborates with the YouQuest team to prepare upcoming programming, communicate with families, complete participant documentation, and support continuous program improvement. There may also be opportunities to represent YouQuest at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

Experience supporting individuals living with dementia is required. Experience working with individuals living with Young-Onset Dementia is considered a strong asset.

Key Responsibilities

Recreation Therapy Services

• Serve as the clinical lead for participant assessment, care planning, and ongoing participant support.
• Meet with prospective participants and their families to conduct intake assessments and assist with onboarding.
• Deliver individualized therapeutic recreation interventions that maximize participant engagement, independence, and quality of life.
• Attend and lead all scheduled YouQuest Service Days unless alternate arrangements have been approved.
• Participate in Volunteer Coaching Sessions as scheduled.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate community-based recreation activities and off-site events in collaboration with the Program Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator.
• Collaborate with caregivers regarding participant needs, accommodations, and program planning.
• Maintain accurate participant documentation using YouQuest systems and tools while ensuring confidentiality and professionalism.

Program Planning & Coordination

• Work collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator to ensure Service Days are well planned and effectively delivered.
• Facilitate communication with participant families regarding programming, participant needs, and service updates.
• Contribute to administrative processes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and share weekly program forecasts outlining participant needs, volunteer requirements, vendors, transportation, and daily itineraries.

Volunteer Leadership & Mentorship

• Supervise volunteer interactions with participants throughout Service Days.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and role modelling to volunteers.
• Support student practicum placements and contribute to performance feedback and evaluations.

Intake, Assessment & Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments for new participants.
• Complete ongoing participant assessments as required.
• Gather and document participant and caregiver feedback regarding Service Day experiences.
• Provide volunteer feedback to the Program Director and Volunteer Coordinator.
• Identify opportunities to improve participant experiences and overall program delivery.

Organizational Leadership

• Participate actively in team meetings and planning sessions.
• Ensure the Program Director is informed of opportunities, emerging participant needs, and potential risks affecting service delivery.
• Positively represent and promote YouQuest with participants, caregivers, volunteers, students, donors, community partners, healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience as a Recreation Therapist, preferably supporting individuals living with dementia.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals living with Young-Onset Dementia is strongly preferred.
• Current membership in the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) or eligibility to obtain membership.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence with access to a reliable personal vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong clinical judgement and participant-centred decision making.
• Creativity in designing engaging therapeutic recreation experiences.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a remote team.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams), electronic documentation systems, and online communication platforms.
• Experience with WordPress, social media, or website management is considered an asset.
• A positive, flexible, and solution-focused approach to changing participant needs and dynamic environments.

Physical Requirements

YouQuest participants are highly active and engaged in community-based recreation. The successful candidate must be able to safely participate in physically demanding activities, including:

• Hiking distances of up to 5 kilometres.
• Rock climbing and other adventure-based recreation activities.
• Racquet sports and a variety of outdoor recreation experiences.
• Lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and movement throughout Service Days.

Working Conditions

• This is a remote independent contractor position requiring a dedicated home office.
• Contractors are responsible for providing their own computer, software, internet access, printer, office equipment, and related resources.
• Service Days occur throughout Calgary in community facilities, recreation centres, parks, and outdoor environments.
• Work environments include varying temperatures, lighting conditions, weather, noise levels, and occasionally crowded public settings.
• Regular travel between community locations is required.
• Professional liability insurance must be maintained by the contractor throughout the contract period.

Why Join YouQuest?

Joining YouQuest means becoming part of an innovative and compassionate team that is redefining dementia care through recreation, community engagement, and meaningful relationships. Every Service Day offers participants opportunities to experience purpose, joy, adventure, and connection while providing invaluable support to their families.

If you are an experienced Recreation Therapist who believes in person-centred care, enjoys thinking creatively, and is inspired by making a lasting impact in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply.

Schedule

• Wednesdays, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, starting August 31, 2026
• Tuesdays, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm and Thursdays, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm starting January 5, 2027 Description

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume outlining your experience and qualifications. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.