Recreation Therapist

AABR INC•New York, NY

9d•$66,300 - $68,300

About The Position

The Recreation Therapist plans, coordinates, and implements recreational, leisure, and community inclusion activities for individuals served across AABR residential programs, including IRAs and ICFs. The role supports quality of life, social engagement, and community integration in accordance with OPWDD regulations and person-centered planning principles. The position has a standing Friday–Sunday schedule and requires flexibility to support evening, weekend, holiday, and special-event programming. The role is based at the Main Office in College Point, NY, with travel between residential programs and community locations.

Requirements

A degree or coursework in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field is preferred; equivalent education and experience planning recreational programming for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is very desirable.
Prior experience planning or leading recreational, leisure, or community activities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
Valid, unrestricted New York State driver's license with a satisfactory driving record; must meet AABR's insurability standards for operating agency vehicles.
CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and ability to learn agency-specific scheduling and documentation systems.
Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, including ability to coordinate activities across multiple residences and programs.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, their families, and interdisciplinary staff.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and respond flexibly to changing schedules and priorities.
Ability to work the standing Friday–Sunday schedule, including evenings, and support special events outside standard hours as needed.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25–35 lbs.
Ability to assist with individuals' mobility and transfers as needed, in accordance with agency training.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout residential and community settings for extended periods.
Ability to travel between AABR program sites and community locations, including by personal or agency vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and implement individual and group recreational, leisure, and community inclusion activities across AABR residential programs, reflecting each individual's preferences, interests, and person-centered plan.
Coordinate and lead recreational programming during evenings, weekends, and holidays across residences, consistent with the Friday–Sunday schedule.
Plan and execute special events, community outings, and seasonal celebrations.
Collaborate with residence managers, Assistant Residential Directors, QIDPs, and interdisciplinary team members to align programming with individuals' habilitation plan goals.
Transport or coordinate transportation for individuals to and from community activities and events, including operating an agency vehicle as needed.
Maintain timely, accurate documentation of activities, attendance, and individual participation and progress in accordance with OPWDD and agency requirements.
Monitor recreation activity budgets and submit expense documentation as required.
Ensure activities meet applicable health, safety, and OPWDD regulatory standards, including appropriate staff-to-individual supervision ratios.
Use agency computer systems and software, including email, scheduling tools, electronic documentation and record-keeping systems, and Microsoft Office, to plan activities, communicate with staff, and maintain records.
Support recreational components of agency-wide special events, such as holiday parties, celebrations, and community inclusion trips.
Perform other duties as assigned by the VP of Residential Services or designee.