Recreation Assistant

Duties Description

Assists in planning and conducting recreational and rehabilitation activities for a group of individuals.

• Collaborates with treatment team members, community organizations, families, volunteers, and direct care staff to plan recreational and rehabilitation activities consistent with individuals’ interests and therapeutic requirements; and facilitates therapeutic recreational programs as prescribed by the treatment team.
• Determines group interests, evaluates available and required resources, and adapts them to meet individuals’ needs.
• Teaches or coaches individuals on sports, games, dancing, drama, exercise, and other group activities, and encourages participation.
• Instructs individuals on creative arts and crafts, and assists them with handling equipment and supplies.
• Observes and records individuals’ responses to and participation in activities.
• Organizes and maintains rooms, equipment, decorations, supplies, entertainment, and other requirements to conduct activities.
• Reviews individuals’ medical records and completes treatment planning documents in accordance with program standards and requirements.

Linked In:

Promotion: One year of service as a Direct Support Assistant, Developmental Disabilities Secure Care Treatment Aide 1, Licensed Practical Nurse, Mental Health Therapy Aide, Secure Care Treatment Aide 1, or Teaching Assistant and reachable for appointment on the current Civil Service Eligible List for this title.

Open Competitive: Two years of experience in providing direct care to individuals receiving care and/or treatment in facilities and programs.

Transfer: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive, non‑competitive or 55‑b/c status in the posted title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law. The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades.

To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT‑IT website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non‑competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status.

• Paid Holidays and Leave:
  • Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially.
  • Five (5) days paid personal leave each year.
  • Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year.
  • Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events.
• Health Care Coverage:
  • Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost.
• Paid Parental Leave:
  • Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care.
• Retirement Program:
  • Participate in The NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best‑managed and best‑funded public retirement systems in the nation.
• Professional Development and Education and Training:
  • NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, visit .
  • Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities…