Recreation Specialist

Summary Job Description:

The Recreation Specialist assists in the planning, organizing and facilitating of therapeutic recreational, educational, social, and wellness activities for youth residing in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC). Under the direct supervision of the Recreation and Volunteer Supervisor, this position supports youth treatment goals by promoting social interaction, physical wellness, emotional regulation, and community engagement in a safe, structured environment. The Recreation Specialist works collaboratively with interdisciplinary treatment teams to enhance youths’ overall quality of life. 

This position offers a full-time, 35 hours per week schedule based in Wading River, NY. It requires routine travel throughout Suffolk and Nassau County, and occasionally New York City. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and requires weekend and evening work.

About Little Flower

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a human services nonprofit supporting the well-being of children, youth, families, and individuals across New York City and Long Island since 1929.

Our staff of more than 500 builds well-being by providing prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and medical and mental health services.

Principle Responsibilities

• Assists in planning, coordinating, and facilitating daily recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities for youth.  
• Assists in developing activity schedules that meet the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and developmental needs of youth.  

• Encourage youth participation in structured recreational programming.  
• Supervise youth during recreational activities, outings, and special events while maintaining safety and program expectations.  
• Promote positive social interactions, teamwork, communication, and healthy coping skills through recreation.  
• Adapt activities to accommodate varying abilities, treatment goals, and youth interests.  
• Maintain recreational equipment, supplies, and activity areas in a safe and organized manner.  
• Document participation, observations, and significant youth behaviors in accordance with agency policies.  
• Communicate youth progress and concerns to the interdisciplinary treatment team.  
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, accreditation standards, licensing regulations, and safety procedures.  
• Transport youth to community outings and recreational events as assigned.  
• Respond appropriately to behavioral or crisis situations using approved intervention techniques.  
• Work collaboratively with RTC staff to coordinate and schedule recreation activities including on campus and off ground trips.
• Provide nursing staff timely notification of off grounds trips to ensure medication is provided
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Required Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field preferred.  
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or young adults in behavioral health, residential treatment, healthcare, education, or human services preferred.  
• Certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training through Little Flower or Little Flower UFSD. If the candidate does not currently possess this certification, they must be willing to complete training within 60 days of hire.
• Valid New York State driver's license with an acceptable driving record  
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire.  

• Ability to pass required background checks and pre-employment screenings.  
• Must be available to work Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with flexibility to accommodate scheduling needs as required.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Knowledge of recreational programming and group facilitation techniques. 
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and person-centered practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Travel Requirements

This position offers a full-time, in-person work schedule and is based in Wading River, NY. It requires routine travel throughout Suffolk and Nassau County, and occasionally New York City.

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.

Accessibility

Some job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may be designed to protect the safety and health of the employee, their fellow employees and the individuals being served and may therefore exclude some individuals.