Blythedale Children's Hospital is a leading pediatric hospital dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care. As the only free-standing children's specialty hospital in New York State, we admit patients with complex medical conditions to our state-of-the-art 94-bed inpatient facility from academic medical centers across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Located just 25 miles north of Manhattan in beautiful Westchester County, we offer an inspiring work environment where healthcare professionals thrive. Learn more about Blythedale on our website here.
OverviewWe’re seeking compassionate and enthusiastic Therapeutic Recreation Assistants (TRA) to join our dynamic team. In this position you will be responsible for supporting the developmental and recreational programming for patients and residents throughout the hospital – including the infant/toddler unit, child/adolescent and Brain Injury units, and Long Term Care. Our ideal candidate is a team player who is passionate about working with children with medical complexities.
Shifts will either be Sunday to Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday.
Work hours will either be 10:30am-6:30pm or 11:30am-7:30pm.
Weekend (Saturday, Sunday) Work Hours are - 9:30am-5:30pm.
Holidays: 2 holidays required out of the 8 observed holidays.
ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), and/or Program Manager, the TRA will:
- Assist in planning and delivering individualized and group recreational activities based on patients’/residents’ developmental and therapeutic needs.
- Support the implementation of care plans for patients and families
- Participate in special events, visiting groups, and support donation activities
Evening, weekend and holiday shifts are required per departmental policy.
Schedules are designed to meet the needs of our patients and programs.
Qualifications- Experience working with children is required
- Experience in preparing and implementing activities preferred
- High School Diploma Required
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in child development or closely related field strongly preferred
- Standing, walking, stooping.
- Ability to transfer children and equipment.
- Ability to meet flexible scheduling demands and patient care needs.
- Competitive Salary: We offer a salary that reflects your skills and experience.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Access to mentorship, leadership training, and career advancement programs.
- Comprehensive Health Benefits: Including medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family.
- Retirement Plans with Employer Matching: Secure your future with our strong retirement plans.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies.
- Safe Work Environment: Commitment to everyone’s safety and well-being.
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: A workplace that values and supports all employees.
Blythedale Children's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Skills Required
- Experience working with children
- High school diploma
- Experience preparing and implementing activities
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in child development or a closely related field
What We Do
Blythedale Children’s Hospital is New York State’s only independent specialty children’s hospital, caring for children with complex medical illnesses and disabling conditions. It combines multidisciplinary medical care, rehabilitation, teaching, research, advocacy, specialized education, and family support. Its programs are designed to improve children’s health and quality of life, help them reach rehabilitative goals, and support discharge home and return to their communities.
