Recreational Activity Therapy Specialist

About the role

The Recreational Activity Therapy Specialist assists with the administration and implementation of the residential recreational and vocational program. They work directly with and supervise residents as they engage in various activities designed to promote positive self-esteem, social skills, and physical well-being.

Responsibilities

• Works directly with and supervises residents as they are engaged in a variety of recreational and educational activities designed to promote positive self-esteem, social skills and physical well-being.
• Assists in formulating and maintaining an Individual Treatment Plan for each child according to the individual needs related to temperament, personality, energy level, intellectual functioning and social abilities.
• Provides instruction in identified life skills area and provides opportunities for life experiences designed to enhance their potential.
• Coaches, attends meetings, and represents residential youth in the IIAA and Special Olympics.
• Assists in the supervision of the use and maintenance of Activity Therapy Department facilities and equipment.
• Aids in the implementation of work experiences of the residents on/off campus and the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program; provides support to participants, setting up interviews, coordinating transportation and maintaining contact with employers.
• Reports incidents or behavior problems to the Program Manager.
• Submits Medicaid documentation as required.
• Assisting with a physical restraint may be required to ensure personal safety of both clients and staff.

Requirements

• Must possess and retain a valid Illinois driver’s license and provide proof of insurance.
• Must have basic skills in first aid and the identification of medical needs.
• Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or other relevant human services field.
• Preferred qualifications as a Mental Health Professional by Illinois Medicaid Rule 132.
• One (1) years of experience in residential care or related human services field preferred.

Care & TCI Hoyleton

CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, guides our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed. Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance.

Working Conditions

• This position operates in a residential & community-based environment and may require travel to agency sites, client locations, and partner organizations based on role responsibilities.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, which may include walking, standing, client restraints, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds as required by job duties.
• Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
• Optional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support
• Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth
• BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts