Part Time Recreation Therapist Assistant Community Homes Admin

What’s Upstate; Town of Oneonta (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

What’s Upstate is seeking a dedicated professional to support individuals receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). The role focuses on engaging participants in social, educational, vocational, recreational, and cultural activities that promote integration, independence, and social inclusion.

Responsibilities include facilitating transportation to community events, recording attendance, collaborating with a Recreation Therapist, encouraging participation, documenting progress, and

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate transportation and assist at community events.
• Keep attendance records and provide progress notes.
• Collaborate with Recreation Therapist to promote integration, independence and social inclusion.
• Provide encouragement, guidance, and positive reinforcement during recreational activities.
• Promote activities, events, outings and invite participants to join.
• Assist participants with the help of direct support staff to group programs, outings, and events.
• Promote social interaction and foster a sense of community among participants.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care and effective community inclusion.
• Advocate for inclusive, accessible recreation opportunities.
• Assess and mitigate risks to ensure a safe environment.
• Assist with outings and community-based activities to engage individuals in society.
• Foster independence by practicing life skills in real-world settings.
• All other duties assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Empathy

Adaptability

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Some College Credits or Associates Degree

Training in working with adults with developmental disabilities

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.

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.