Assistant Recreation Therapist

Apploi; Manchester (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Manchester Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is seeking a compassionate Recreation Therapy Assistant to join our team on a per diem basis. You will design and lead engaging activities for older adults, including residents with dementia, to improve quality of life and social interaction.

Ideal candidates enjoy collaborative care, demonstrate creativity, and can work flexible evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Prior experience in similar settings is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in recreation, healthcare, senior living, dementia-care, or customer service preferred.
• Compassionate, patient, enthusiastic, and comfortable working with older adults.
• Creative and able to engage residents with different physical and cognitive abilities.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated team player who can also work independently.
• Ability to safely assist with transporting residents throughout the facility.
• Must be available to work a flexible per diem schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing recreational programs for residents with varying interests, abilities, and clinical needs.
• Lead engaging group activities designed to promote socialization, cognitive stimulation, physical participation, and emotional well-being.
• Provide appropriate programming for residents living with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
• Conduct individualized one-on-one activities and sensory stimulation for residents who do not regularly participate in group programs.
• Encourage and motivate residents to participate in activities based on their preferences and abilities.
• Transport and assist residents to and from activity areas and facility events.
• Observe and communicate residents’ participation, progress, preferences, and concerns to the Recreation Director and interdisciplinary team.
• Assist with special events, holiday programs, community outings, and facility celebrations.
• Maintain activity areas, supplies, and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Follow resident-rights, confidentiality, infection-control, and safety requirements.
• Perform other recreation-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Compassionate

Creativity

Activity planning

Dementia care awareness

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Recreation Therapy Assistant – Part-time

Manchester Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a 126-bed skilled nursing facility providing rehabilitative, subacute, and long-term nursing care. We are nationally recognized for our outstanding reputation and commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

We are currently seeking an energetic, creative, and compassionate Recreation Therapy Assistant to join our team on a per diem basis. The ideal candidate enjoys working with older adults and understands how meaningful activities can improve residents’ quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing recreational programs for residents with varying interests, abilities, and clinical needs.

• Lead engaging group activities designed to promote socialization, cognitive stimulation, physical participation, and emotional well-being.

• Provide appropriate programming for residents living with dementia and other cognitive impairments.

• Conduct individualized one-on-one activities and sensory stimulation for residents who do not regularly participate in group programs.

• Encourage and motivate residents to participate in activities based on their preferences and abilities.

• Transport and assist residents to and from activity areas and facility events.

• Observe and communicate residents’ participation, progress, preferences, and concerns to the Recreation Director and interdisciplinary team.

• Assist with special events, holiday programs, community outings, and facility celebrations.

• Maintain activity areas, supplies, and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition.

• Follow resident-rights, confidentiality, infection-control, and safety requirements.

• Perform other recreation-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Previous recreation, healthcare, senior-living, dementia-care, or customer-service experience preferred.

• Compassionate, patient, enthusiastic, and comfortable working with older adults.

• Creative and able to engage residents with different physical and cognitive abilities.

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Self-motivated team player who can also work independently.

• Ability to safely assist with transporting residents throughout the facility.

• Must be available to work a flexible per diem schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Position Details

• Employment type: Per diem

• Specialty: Geriatrics

• Work location: Manchester Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Manchester Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.