Pediatric Recreational Therapist Aide

Ditmas Park Nursing & Rehab; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Ditmas Children’s Nursing & Rehab is seeking a Pediatric Recreational Therapist Aid to design and lead play-based activities for pediatric residents, including expressive arts and special events. The role emphasizes sensory-rich experiences for non-verbal or differently-abled children, in a compassionate, team-based environment.

The position is full-time with evening and weekend coverage, focusing on safety, development, and family-centered care within the Pediatrics department.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with children and babies.
• Experience with special needs is not required but a plus.
• Associate degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a health-related field is not required but valued.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates developmentally appropriate play opportunities for pediatric patients.
• Leads special events and holiday activities for children and families.
• Maintains safety and infection control during activities.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team and communicates professionally.
• Maintains confidentiality and informs treatment team as needed.
• Builds therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Ensures safety during activities and transports when necessary.
• Complies with all policies and procedures, including emergency and environmental safety.
• Maintains equipment and supplies; requests needs timely.
• Participates in ongoing education to improve skills and programming.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Experience with children and babies

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Therapeutic Recreation or health-related field

Bachelor’s Degree in child development or related field (preferred)

Job description

Ditmas Children’s Nursing & Rehab

POSITION: Pediatric Recreational Therapist Aid

DESCRIPTION: We’re seeking an organized, compassionate, and highly engaged Therapeutic Recreation Assistant to bring joy, creativity, and meaningful engagement to our pediatric residents. In this role, you’ll design and lead developmentally appropriate play activities, expressive arts, and special events that brighten the days of children and their families.

You’ll also create sensory-rich experiences specially designed for babies and children who are non-verbal, wheelchair-bound, or living with visual impairments—helping them explore, connect, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. Whether working one-on-one or in a group setting, your creativity and empathy will help transform everyday moments into opportunities for growth and joy.

SCHEDULE: Full Time - Evening and weekend coverage required

Job Responsibilities:

• Facilitates normalization and positive adjustment of pediatric patients to the facility experience by providing developmentally appropriate play opportunities.

• Facilitates and promotes patient participation in special events, holiday activities, etc.

• Managing behavior and environmental conditions to foster safety and infection control.

• Communicates and collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team in a professional and effective manner.

• Maintains confidentiality per facility policy, communicates relevant patient information to supervisor and other members of the treatment team.

• Develops and demonstrates a therapeutic and supportive relationship with patients and families, maintaining appropriate professionalism and boundaries.

• Ensures the safety of patients and all participants during activities, special events, and programs, including transport to and from activities.

• Complies with all department, facility, and regulatory agency policies and procedures including emergency procedures, infection control, patient safety, and environmental safety.

• Maintains equipment and the working environment in a neat and orderly manner according to departmental procedures. Requests needed equipment and supplies on a timely basis.

• Participates in ongoing education and development to enhance skills and programming.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Experience working with children and babies

• Experience who have special needs—such as those who are wheelchair-bound, non-verbal, or have tracheostomies and G-tubes isnot required, but is a plus and will help you excel in this role.

• An Associate degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a Health-Related field is not required, but highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in child development, early childhood education/elementary education, or a related field preferred.

DEPARTMENT: Pediatrics

STATUS: Full Time

Benefits: **After 90 days of Full-time employment

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

LOCATION: 2103 Ditmas Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA

Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.