RECREATION & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SPECIALIST

HILLSIDE INC•Atlanta, GA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation & Physical Activity Specialist plans, leads, and supports structured physical education, recreation, fitness, and movement-based activities for children and adolescents receiving behavioral health services at Hillside. This position is part of the Recreation Therapy Department and works closely with recreation therapists, residential staff, clinical teams, nursing, and education staff to provide safe, engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that support physical wellness, social skills, emotional regulation, teamwork, and healthy leisure interests. The ideal candidate is energetic, creative, comfortable working with youth with behavioral and emotional needs, and able to adapt activities to different ages, abilities, treatment needs, and levels of participation. Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is preferred but not required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreation, Health and Physical Activity, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.
Experience leading sports, recreation, fitness, physical activity, or group programming with children or adolescents.
Ability to safely lead active groups and adjust programming based on the needs of participants.
Strong group leadership and youth engagement skills.
Knowledge of age-appropriate physical activity, recreation, fitness, and sports programming.
Ability to create activities that are structured, engaging, inclusive, and adaptable.
Ability to maintain safety and supervision in active and sometimes fast-paced environments.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to respond calmly and effectively to challenging behaviors and changing situations.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Understanding trauma-informed care and the impact trauma can have on behavior, relationships, participation, and emotional regulation.
Ability to balance healthy competition with cooperation, inclusion, skill development, and enjoyment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage equipment, schedules, activities, and documentation.

Nice To Haves

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
Experience working with children or adolescents in behavioral health, residential treatment, therapeutic recreation, special education, or a related setting.
Experience working with youth who have emotional, behavioral, developmental, or trauma-related needs.
CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

Plan and lead structured physical education, fitness, sports, recreation, and movement-based groups for children and adolescents.
Develop activities that promote physical fitness, coordination, teamwork, cooperation, confidence, sportsmanship, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Modify activities based on youth age, developmental level, physical ability, behavioral needs, safety considerations, and treatment goals.
Provide a variety of individual and group activities, including team sports, fitness activities, outdoor recreation, cooperative games, movement-based activities, and other structured recreational programming.
Create an environment that encourages participation while recognizing that youth may have different interests, abilities, and comfort levels with physical activity.
Use trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches when engaging youth and responding to behavioral or emotional challenges.
Maintain appropriate structure, supervision, boundaries, and safety during all activities.
Recognize changes in youth behavior or functioning and communicate relevant observations to members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Collaborate with Recreation Therapy staff and other departments to coordinate programming, special events, campus activities, and seasonal recreation opportunities.
Assist with maintaining recreational equipment, supplies, activity spaces, gym areas, and outdoor recreation areas.
Complete required documentation, attendance records, incident reports, and other program-related records accurately and within established timeframes.
Follow organizational policies related to safety, supervision, infection prevention, emergency response, and risk management.
Participate in departmental meetings, staff development, training, and other organizational activities as assigned.
Support Recreation Therapy programming outside of regularly scheduled physical education groups when needed.
Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position.