Recreation Assistant

About the role

At Children’s Specialized Hospital, part of RWJBarnabas Health, Recreation Assistants play an important role in creating meaningful, inclusive, and accessible recreational experiences for children and youth with special needs throughout the community. As a member of the Community Programs team, you will work under the supervision of a Recreational Therapist, Child Life Specialist, or certified program instructor to support the coordination and implementation of adapted recreation programs designed to promote participation, social connection, skill development, confidence, and enjoyment. Programs may include aquatics, martial arts, camps, evening recreation, social activities, and other community-based recreation opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Recreational Therapist, Child Life Specialist, or certified program instructor in planning, coordinating, and implementing adapted recreation programs for children and youth with special needs in community-based settings.
• Assist with the preparation and setup of recreation programs and activities, including organizing equipment, supplies, schedules, and other logistical needs.
• Support and facilitate adapted recreation activities, which may include aquatics, martial arts, camps, evening recreation, social activities, and other community-based programs.
• Help adapt activities, equipment, instructional approaches, and environments to accommodate children with a variety of disabilities, abilities, developmental levels, and functional needs.
• Apply knowledge of childhood development and physical and developmental disabilities to support participants and promote safe, successful participation in recreation activities.
• Recognize and respond effectively to challenging behaviors while maintaining a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Assist with assessing participants’ overall level of functioning and identifying appropriate activities and adaptations under the guidance of a Recreational Therapist, Child Life Specialist, or certified program instructor.
• Maintain ongoing communication with participants, families, volunteers, students, therapists, nursing staff, and other team members through email, telephone, and other communication platforms.
• Assist with program coordination and administrative responsibilities, including phone calls, data entry, registration-related tasks, recordkeeping, and other office duties.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of general supplies and equipment, including ordering and replenishing supplies accurately and in a timely manner.
• Clean departmental equipment and organize supplies and program areas, taking initiative to maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the department.
• Assist department staff with the planning and implementation of recreation programs, special events, and other community activities.
• Orient, provide direction to, and supervise volunteers and community groups in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required. Candidates who do not have a high school diploma or GED at the time of hire must obtain one within six months of being hired.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider certification required.
• Previous work experience with children required; experience working with children with special needs or disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Skills

• Knowledge of childhood development and physical and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to plan activities and adapt environments to accommodate a variety of disabling conditions.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, team members, volunteers, and community participants.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, pull, and push participants and equipment.
• Ability to provide therapeutic handling of participants.
• Ability to perform light office duties.

Work Environment

• Ability to work in therapy areas, community locations, nursing units, playgrounds, pools, and other recreation program settings.

Schedule

• Ability to work a per diem schedule including weekday evenings from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am – 12:00pm.