Recreation & Activities Assistant - Full-Time

The Arc of Ocean County; Brick Township (NJ); On-site; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid On-the-Job Training

Career advancement opportunities

Employee referral bonus program

Paid time off and holiday pay

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with agency-mat

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking an energetic and creative Recreation Assistant to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community-based recreational experiences. You will help them discover interests, participate in their communities, and enjoy meaningful social and recreational experiences.

You’ll plan outings, lead fitness, cooking, and arts activities, adjust for abilities, and foster inclusion while building friendship and confidence in Ocean County.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license in good standing with no more than five (5) motor vehicle points.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate recreational activities that encourage participation, personal growth, and community involvement.
• Coordinate outings, seasonal celebrations, fitness activities, arts and crafts, cooking programs, and other engaging experiences.
• Adjust activities to accommodate different abilities, interests, and participation styles.
• Create an environment where individuals feel welcomed, included, and encouraged to take part.
• Accompany and assist individuals during community outings, recreational programs, and social events throughout Ocean County.
• Encourage participants to develop friendships, strengthen communication skills, and build confidence in social settings.
• Safely transport individuals to scheduled activities using agency vehicles when assigned.
• Promote positive community interactions and model inclusion, respect, and acceptance.
• Coordinate activity schedules, materials, event preparation, and other program logistics.
• Provide guidance and encouragement to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) involved in recreational programming.
• Maintain a structured environment that prioritizes participant safety while preserving the fun and flexibility of each activity.
• Respond appropriately to individual needs while maintaining dignity and person-centered supports.
• Communicate participant needs, updates, and concerns with supervisors, coworkers, families, and community partners.
• Contribute creative ideas that strengthen programming and enhance the experiences of the people we support.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal

Organization

Time management

Independence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Driver's license (NJ)

Job description

Create Experiences. Build Connections. Bring Community to Life.

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking an energetic and creative Recreation Assistant to join our Family Support Department. In this role, you’ll help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover new interests, participate in their communities, and enjoy meaningful social and recreational experiences.

From organizing community outings and seasonal events to leading fitness, cooking, and creative activities, you’ll have the opportunity to turn everyday moments into opportunities for friendship, confidence, and greater independence.

Position at a Glance

Schedule:
Tuesday–Friday | 1:00 PM–9:00 PM
Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Pay: Starting at $22.50 per hour, with opportunities to earn up to $26.50 per hour
Pay Schedule: Bi-weekly

Lead Activities That Bring People Together

• Plan and facilitate recreational activities that encourage participation, personal growth, and community involvement.
• Coordinate outings, seasonal celebrations, fitness activities, arts and crafts, cooking programs, and other engaging experiences.
• Adjust activities to accommodate different abilities, interests, and participation styles.
• Create an environment where individuals feel welcomed, included, and encouraged to take part.

Strengthen Community Connections

• Accompany and assist individuals during community outings, recreational programs, and social events throughout Ocean County.
• Encourage participants to develop friendships, strengthen communication skills, and build confidence in social settings.
• Safely transport individuals to scheduled activities using agency vehicles when assigned.
• Promote positive community interactions and model inclusion, respect, and acceptance.

Keep Programs Organized & Successful

• Coordinate activity schedules, materials, event preparation, and other program logistics.
• Provide guidance and encouragement to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) involved in recreational programming.
• Maintain a structured environment that prioritizes participant safety while preserving the fun and flexibility of each activity.
• Respond appropriately to individual needs while maintaining dignity and person-centered supports.

Work as Part of the Team

• Maintain accurate program documentation and activity records.
• Communicate participant needs, updates, and concerns with supervisors, coworkers, families, and community partners.
• Contribute creative ideas that strengthen programming and enhance the experiences of the people we support.

Why Your Role Matters

Recreation creates opportunities to do much more than have fun. It can help individuals build relationships, develop confidence, explore new interests, and become more active members of their communities. Your leadership can help turn those opportunities into experiences people genuinely look forward to.

Build Your Career While Making a Difference

• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Opportunities for Career Advancement
• Supportive Team Environment
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Meaningful Work That Makes a Difference Every Day

Make Every Experience Count

If you’re someone who brings energy, creativity, and a genuine interest in helping others get involved, this role offers the chance to turn your talents into meaningful experiences. Join The Arc of Ocean County and help create more opportunities for connection, discovery, and community participation.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

We’re looking for someone who combines creativity and organization with the confidence to take initiative, build relationships, and help create meaningful experiences for the people we support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license in good standing with no more than five (5) motor vehicle points.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience planning recreational activities, community events, or social programming.
• Previous experience supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Experience mentoring, guiding, or supporting team members.
• Demonstrated employment stability, including at least one (1) year with a previous employer.
• Genuine interest in creating engaging, person-centered experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Benefits That Support Your Future

At The Arc of Ocean County, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and continued professional growth.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Coverage
• Low Deductible Medical Insurance with $0 Copay Options
• Comprehensive Prescription Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Agency Match
• Tuition Reimbursement and Career Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Additional Supplemental Benefit Options Available.

Turn Your Passion Into Purpose

As a Recreation Assistant, you’ll help create opportunities for individuals to build friendships, discover new interests, and become more connected to their communities. If you’re ready to bring your energy and creativity to work that has a lasting impact, The Arc of Ocean County would love to have you on the team.