Recreation Therapist

About the role

This position at Child and Family Services is dedicated to providing therapeutic play and recreational interventions to support children in a residential treatment setting. The role involves creating safe and healing spaces, designing and leading activities that promote emotional regulation, skill-building, and joy.

Responsibilities

• Create Safe & Healing Spaces
• Design and lead trauma-informed recreational and therapeutic activities
• Assess each child's social and interpersonal skills, physical and emotional strengths
• Develop personalized recreation-based treatment goals
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to meet each child's holistic needs
• Participate in treatment team meetings and service planning
• Facilitate engaging activities like art, movement, outdoor play, games, and more
• Partner with community providers to bring in diverse and enriching experiences
• Model Trauma-Informed Practice
• Use Trauma-Informed Care and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) approaches
• Work with families to access community activities

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation (or related program approved by NYSED), OR certification/registration as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• At least 1 year of experience supporting children with emotional or behavioral challenges (residential experience is a plus!)
• Skills & Strengths: Passion for working with children and families through a trauma-informed lens, strong communication and teamwork skills, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to think “outside the box,” comfort managing challenging behaviors with calm, compassionate de-escalation skills, ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Qualifications

• Ability to participate in physical activities (walking, lifting up to 25 lbs, etc.)
• Valid NYS driver’s license and auto insurance

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays and bereavement time
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical insurance options
• Dental insurance options
• Vision insurance options
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions (1000 hours each year)

Pay

$28.59 per hour

Schedule

Full-time