Recreation Specialist

Recreation Specialist

Population:
Adolescents

Location:

1000 Atlantic Avenue Camden NJ (Virtual Facility)

Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 annually PLUS full benefits

Pay or shift range: $50,000 USD to $55,000 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, cell phone packages, hotels, rental cars, computers, amusement parks, theater tickets, and more

• Assist in planning, organizing, and directing therapeutic play and recreation programs to improve the physical, mental, and social well‑being of consumers in an Intense Residential Treatment Program.
• Report to Program Director.
• Maintain structure and follow daily schedule.
• Develop, plan, supervise, and participate in daily recreational and social activities, including outdoor programs and physical exercise, designed to improve youth mental and physical well‑being.
• Design and establish recreational programs of a therapeutic nature suited to the physical and mental capabilities of the youth, adapting games and activities as necessary.
• Produce a comprehensive weekly recreation schedule for the youth and staff to follow, maintaining all schedules on file to meet regulatory standards.
• Provide individualized recreation treatment for youth and consistently implement all program policies and procedures, including the behavioral motivational system.
• Promote and generate enthusiasm for programming.
• Consult and communicate with supervisors, directors, and clinicians regarding behavior issues and program needs.
• Perform light housekeeping duties to ensure a neat, clean, and orderly environment.
• Transport and/or accompany individual or groups of youth to appointments or field trips outside the program.
• Conduct group meetings with youth to discuss program rules, address concerns, and provide instructional information on appropriate behavior management and daily living skills.
• Support constructive youth‑family visitation and community activity involvement.
• Administer medication when necessary.
• Help youth acquire new skills and engage in healthy, legal, age‑appropriate leisure activities.
• Meet with each youth upon admission to evaluate recreational interests, strengths, weaknesses, and to identify appropriate activities.
• Confer with treatment team members to plan and evaluate recreational activities and participate in the development of treatment plan goals.
• Participate in extended clinical coverage by working one weekend day a month and one late night a week until at least 7 p.m.
• Familiarize with all co‑workers’ job functions to initiate appropriate internal referrals.
• Take on special tasks to contribute to overall program functioning (e.g., ordering supplies, shopping, fire drills, pharmacy runs, errands).
• Aid in training new workers on the job.
• Drive program vehicles as requested.
• Purchase, track, adapt, and maintain recreation supplies and equipment, recommending purchases to Program Director.
• Coordinate costs of activities with Program Director and request petty cash or credit card purchases pro‑actively.
• Prepare and submit requested documents and reports reflecting youth behaviors and progress or regression.
• Maintain program vehicles, ensuring functionality and regulatory compliance.
• Establish and maintain community volunteer opportunities for youth.
• Handle with Care bi‑annually and complete all Training Academy classes and ongoing training as developed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in recreation therapy or a related human services field.
• One year of experience providing direct care to youth in a behavioral health agency or institutional setting.
• Experience in planning or implementing recreational activities for youth in residential youth care centers, group homes, youth shelters, camps, or Boy/Girl Scouts is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass Criminal Record History and Child Abuse History…