Recreation Worker

Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA) – Pleasantville, NY, USA

About the role

JCCA is seeking Recreation Workers to facilitate recreational programs that support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of youth on campus. This position engages youth through structured therapeutic activities aligned with treatment goals.

Responsibilities

• Program Design & Facilitation
  • Collaborate with youth and clinical teams to create therapeutic recreation programs
  • Facilitate daily activities, events, group outings, and creative workshops
  • Prepare monthly activity calendars and track youth participation and progress
  • Use creativity to build new clubs, activities, and interest-based groups
  • Reinforce positive behavior and teach essential life skills through recreation
• Documentation & Evaluation
  • Submit group notes and attendance records in agency systems
  • Track and evaluate program success and youth engagement
  • Monitor recreation budgets and monthly cottage expenditures
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Work closely with residential and clinical teams to support youth goals
  • Maintain communication with staff on programming updates
  • Assist with community partnerships and volunteer-led events
• Operations & Safety
  • Maintain clean and safe recreation spaces, equipment, and transportation
  • Support logistics for programming (supplies, tickets, trips)
  • Ensure youth safety and participate in crisis support as needed
  • Follow all agency policies, procedures, and accreditation standards

Requirements

• Education
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Youth Development, Social Work, or a related field preferred
• Experience
  • Minimum 2 years working with at-risk youth, youth in foster care, or those with behavioral/mental health needs
  • Strong background in youth development, group facilitation, or recreation programming
• Licenses & Certifications
  • Valid NY, NJ, or CT driver’s license
  • TCI and CPR/First Aid (can be obtained after hire)
  • Mental Health CPR preferred

Skills

• Creative and organized with the ability to adapt activities to diverse needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Tech-savvy (Microsoft Office, Canva, etc.)
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Pay

$19.10 - $22.30 per hour

Schedule

• Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday - Saturday, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM