Recreational Specialist

The Children s Center of Hamden Inc•Hamden, CT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Children's Center of Hamden is seeking a passionate and creative Recreation Specialist to join our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). In this role, you'll design and facilitate therapeutic recreation experiences that help children build emotional regulation, social skills, confidence, resilience, and healthy leisure habits. Through engaging individual, small group, and large group activities, you'll create meaningful opportunities that support each child's individualized treatment goals while promoting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Working collaboratively with our Recreation Supervisor, Cottage Managers, Direct Care team, and multidisciplinary treatment team, you'll play a vital role in helping children discover their strengths, develop new skills, and experience success through recreation.

Requirements

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Child Development, Psychology, Education, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
Equivalent experience working with children or adolescents in a therapeutic, behavioral health, or residential setting may be considered.
Experience facilitating recreational, educational, or therapeutic activities with youth preferred.
Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Ability to motivate, engage, and positively support children with diverse behavioral and emotional needs.
Commitment to providing trauma-informed, strengths-based, and child-centered care.
Valid Connecticut Driver's License with a safe driving record required.
Ability to obtain and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI/CCG) certification.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

Plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation activities that support individualized treatment goals.
Assess each child's recreational interests, strengths, abilities, and developmental needs.
Facilitate engaging recreational activities through individual, small group, and large group programming.
Provide leadership and coaching to Direct Care staff in the planning and facilitation of therapeutic recreation activities.
Educate staff on the therapeutic purpose of recreational interventions and strategies that maximize each child's participation and success.
Gather feedback from staff regarding children's participation and use that information to strengthen future programming.
Coordinate and supervise approved community recreation outings in accordance with agency policies and treatment plans.
Maintain accurate documentation and complete required records within established timeframes.
Collaborate with the Recreation Supervisor to maintain recreational supplies, equipment, and program resources.
Ensure recreational environments and equipment remain safe, organized, and well maintained.
Promote a safe therapeutic environment by maintaining required certifications, participating in mandatory trainings, and following agency policies and procedures.
Maintain professional boundaries and contribute to an inclusive, welcoming environment for children, families, and colleagues.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Disability
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness programs
The Children's Center covers 90% of the employee premium on medical plan options
Contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
403(b) retirement savings plan
Social Security benefits
Vacation
Sick time
Personal time