Activity & Leisure Specialist

Cunningham Children's Home; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Holiday Pay

Paid Leave

Job summary

Cunningham Childrens Home in Urbana, IL is seeking an Activity Leisure Specialist to plan and lead goal-oriented sports, recreation, and leisure activities that support our clients social, emotional, and physical well-being.

You will work with the Special Therapies team to assess needs, design engaging programs, supervise youth in group activities and community outings, and document participation and progress while collaborating with staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field with 3+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Applicants with a high school diploma or GED must have at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or to be completed during introductory period.
• Willingness to complete American Red Cross lifeguard training for summer programming.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate recreation, art, music, and leisure programs based on individual client goals.
• Coordinate schedules for therapeutic services, sports, and off-campus activities.
• Facilitate and supervise youth in team sports, group activities, and community outings.
• Maintain recreation facilities, equipment, and sensory supplies.
• Provide documentation and reports on client participation and progress.
• Support and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and partner agencies for special events and ongoing programming.

Skills

Event planning

Youth engagement

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a human services field

3+ years experience with children/adolescents/mental health

5 years experience with children/adolescents/mental health (high school diploma or GED + experience)

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

American Red Cross lifeguard training

Job description

Activity Leisure Specialist

Location: Urbana, IL

Organization: Cunningham Childrens Home

Cunningham Childrens Home in Urbana, IL a residential treatment program serving youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities is seeking a dedicated Activity Leisure Specialist to join our Special Therapies team.

In this role, youll help plan and lead goal-oriented sports, recreation, and leisure activities that support our clients social, emotional, and physical well-being. Working closely with the Special Therapies team, youll assess needs, design engaging programs, and help youth build skills, confidence, and healthy coping tools through recreation and community activities.

At Cunningham, our work is guided by our values of spirituality, teamwork, integrity, and respect. We offer outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the rewarding experience of making a lasting impact on young lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate recreation, art, music, and leisure programs based on individual client goals.
• Coordinate schedules for therapeutic services, sports, and off-campus activities.
• Facilitate and supervise youth in team sports, group activities, and community outings.
• Maintain recreation facilities, equipment, and sensory supplies.
• Provide documentation and reports on client participation and progress.
• Support and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and partner agencies for special events and ongoing programming.

Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelors degree in a human services field and at least 3 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and/or in mental health settings preferred.
• Applicants with a high school diploma or GED must have at least 5 years of relevant experience.

Certifications

• Must be CPR and First Aid certified (or able to complete certification during introductory period).

Willingness to complete American Red Cross lifeguard training for summer programming.

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid Illinois drivers license, proof of auto insurance, and a driving record meeting agency standards.
• Must successfully complete background checks, physical, TB screening, and required trainings.

Schedule

• Core schedule: MondayThursday, 9:30 a.m.6:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m.5:00 p.m. (40 hours/week).

Flexibility required for occasional evening or weekend events.

We Offer Our Employees The Following Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Leave
• Garner Health Paytient Card Healthcare Navigation and Medical Cost Savings Benefits
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Accident, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to a 6% Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Referral Program
• We also offer our employees a professional PSLF resource, SavvyFi, to help navigate the loan forgiveness process.

Salary is based on the candidates experience. We are committed to the values of spirituality, teamwork, integrity and respect. Prospective employees will be required to submit to a pre-employment physical and background check.

Join Our Team

Cunningham Childrens Home is a place where you can make a difference every day while working alongside a compassionate, mission-driven team. If youre passionate about helping youth thrive through recreation, creativity, and connection, wed love to hear from you.