Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

The New Jewish Home • New York, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Day Care Center at Waters Place is seeking an energetic, compassionate, and creative Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to serve older adults. The role enriches participants’ lives through therapeutic recreation programs that promote wellness, independence, social connection, and quality of life. The Specialist plans, coordinates, and facilitates goal-oriented activities under the supervision of the Program Director, while maintaining required documentation and individualized care plans. The position supports dignity, engagement, and person-centered care in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

The Specialist develops and leads group and individual programs suited to participants’ interests, abilities, and goals, including programming for frail older adults and people with memory impairment, visual challenges, or other special needs. The role also includes assessments and care planning, documenting progress, coordinating with participants, families, and interdisciplinary staff, preparing program materials, maintaining a safe recreation environment, and supporting volunteers.

This is a full-time temporary position at the Adult Day Care Center at Waters Place in the Bronx, New York. The work includes active participation in recreational programming and physical tasks such as moving supplies and equipment, repositioning furniture, pushing wheelchairs, and assisting participants with mobility and transfers.

Requirements

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of experience working with older adults.
• Strong understanding of age-appropriate therapeutic recreation programming for older adults.
• Ability to motivate participation and adapt activities to varying functional abilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Experience developing individualized treatment goals and care plans.
• Commitment to person-centered care and enhancing quality of life.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy.
• Specialty training or demonstrated expertise in music therapy, dance and movement, drama/theater, arts and crafts, or creative expression programs.
• Experience working with older adults with dementia, memory impairment, or sensory limitations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement therapeutic recreation programs for frail older adults, including individuals with memory impairment and visual challenges.
• Design engaging activities that reflect participants’ interests, abilities, and individualized goals.
• Lead group and individual recreation programs and encourage active participation and social engagement.
• Facilitate inclusive activities for participants with special needs.
• Assist with large-group recreational activities and special events.
• Prepare and maintain monthly recreation calendars.
• Develop and update comprehensive care plans for assigned participants.
• Complete therapeutic recreation assessments, progress notes, and required documentation every 180 days.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care meetings and provide updates about participant status, behavior, and wellbeing.
• Maintain attendance records, participation statistics, and program documentation.
• Prepare activity materials, supplies, and equipment, and request recreation supplies as needed.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming recreation environment.
• Clean and store equipment and materials after activities.
• Support and supervise volunteers assigned to recreational programming.
• Collaborate with participants, families, and interdisciplinary staff regarding recreation services.
• Attend departmental meetings, workshops, seminars, and in-service education programs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time