Assistant Director of Recreation

Manhattanville Rehabilitation & Health Care Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Manhattanville Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in New York seeks an Assistant Director of Recreation to support the Director in planning, organizing, and supervising engaging programs that promote residents’ physical, emotional, and social well‑being.

You will lead activities, mentor aides, coordinate events, ensure regulatory standards, document participation, and collaborate with nursing and social services to weave activity into care plans.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in recreational programming in a healthcare or senior living setting.
• Leadership and supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations for long-term care facilities.
• Certification as an Activity Director or Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (preferred or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive recreation program for residents.
• Supervise and mentor activity aides and volunteers; provide training and guidance.
• Coordinate special events, outings, and seasonal celebrations.
• Ensure activities meet regulatory standards and are adapted for residents with varying abilities.
• Maintain accurate documentation of programs, attendance, and resident preferences.
• Collaborate with nursing, dietary, and social services teams to integrate activities into care plans.
• Manage inventory of supplies and assist with budget planning for the department.
• Act as a liaison with families and community organizations to enhance engagement.
• Step in for the Director during absences and handle administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Associate/Bachelor's in Recreation Therapy

Gerontology degree

Job description

The Assistant Director of Recreation supports the Director in planning, organizing, and supervising recreational programs that promote residents’ physical, emotional, and social well-being. This role involves leadership, program development, and hands‑on activity facilitation to ensure compliance with state regulations and resident satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive recreation program for residents.
• Supervise and mentor activity aides and volunteers; provide training and guidance.
• Coordinate special events, outings, and seasonal celebrations.
• Ensure activities meet regulatory standards and are adapted for residents with varying abilities.
• Maintain accurate documentation of programs, attendance, and resident preferences.
• Collaborate with nursing, dietary, and social services teams to integrate activities into care plans.
• Manage inventory of supplies and assist with budget planning for the department.
• Act as a liaison with families and community organizations to enhance engagement.
• Step in for the Director during absences and handle administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in recreational programming in a healthcare or senior living setting.
• Leadership and supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations for long-term care facilities.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Certification as an Activity Director or Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (preferred or willingness to obtain).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with frequent resident interaction.