Part Time Recreation Therapist Assistant

Springbrook NY, Inc; Town of Oneonta (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Springbrook NY, Inc is seeking a direct support professional to help individuals in HCBS programs engage with the wider community beyond residential settings. The role focuses on social, educational, vocational, recreational, and cultural activities to promote independence and inclusion.

Responsibilities include transporting participants to events, recording attendance and progress, collaborating with a Recreation Therapist, and supporting safe, accessible community participation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; some college credits preferred.
• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate transportation and assist participants at community events.
• Maintain attendance records and provide progress notes.
• Collaborate with Recreation Therapist to promote inclusion and independence.
• Encourage participation and provide verbal invitations for activities and outings.
• Promote social interaction and community belonging among participants.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care and inclusion.
• Advocate for accessible recreation opportunities.
• Assess risks to ensure a safe, accommodating environment.
• Assist with outings to help participants engage in society.
• Foster life skills through real-world practice.

Skills

High School Diploma

Associates Degree preferred

Interpersonal and communication skills

Adapt activities to diverse needs

Problem-solving abilities

Documentation skills

Ability to lift 50lbs

Driver for Springbrook vehicles

Education

High School Diploma

Associates Degree or relevant college credits

Job description

Position Summary

Supports individuals receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), by offering these participants opportunities to engage with, and contribute to the wider community outside the residential setting. This includes but is not limited to engaging people in social, educational, vocational, recreational, and cultural activities that promote integration, independence, and social inclusion.

Position Summary

Supports individuals receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), by offering these participants opportunities to engage with, and contribute to the wider community outside the residential setting. This includes but is not limited to engaging people in social, educational, vocational, recreational, and cultural activities that promote integration, independence, and social inclusion.

Principle Duties And Responsibilities

• Facilitate transportation and assistance as needed for a variety of community events, clubs, groups that the participant has a stated interest in
• Keep accurate records of attendance, provide progress notes and feedback concerning community access
• Collaborate with Recreation Therapist to promote integration, independence and social inclusion for each participant
• Provide encouragement, guidance, and positive reinforcement during recreational activities. Promote activities, events, outings and encourage participants with verbal invitations and reminders. Assist participants with the help of the direct support staff to group programs, outings, and events.
• Promote social interaction and foster a sense of community among participants.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team (e.g., healthcare professionals, caregivers, family members) to ensure coordinated care and effective community inclusion.
• Advocate for inclusive, accessible recreation opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Assess and mitigate any risks associated with the activities, ensuring that the environment is safe and accommodating.
• Assist with outings and community-based activities to help individuals with developmental disabilities engage in society and explore new environments.
• Foster independence by providing opportunities for individuals to practice life skills in real-world settings.
• All other duties assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, And Knowledge Requirements

• High School Diploma Required. Some College Credits or Associates Degree Preferred.
• Training in working with adults with developmental disabilities or similar experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to adapt activities to meet diverse needs and abilities.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to adjust plans in real-time.
• Patience, empathy, and understanding when working with individuals with varying levels of ability.
• Work environment may include both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Must be able to complete participation documentation
• Must be able to lift 50lbs independently and assist in lifting weights exceeding 50lbs.
• Meet the requirements to drive Springbrook vehicles as required.

Springbrook is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Springbrook to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, age, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, traits historically associated with race and/or any other status or characteristic protected by law.