Recreation Aide

Van Duyn Center; City of Syracuse, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Paid time off

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k)

Education reimbursement

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing is seeking a dependable Recreation Aide to join our Activities Department. You will lead and assist with recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities for residents and help create meaningful daily experiences.

We value self-motivation, strong organizational skills, and the ability to engage groups or individuals. The role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays, with a supportive team and opportunities to grow in

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with transporting residents.
• Ability to stand, walk, push wheelchairs, and assist with event setup.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Experience working with older adults or rehabilitation populations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist with recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities.
• Encourage resident participation and engagement.
• Facilitate group programs including games, music, exercise, current events, discussion groups, holiday celebrations, and special events.
• Provide one-on-one visits and individualized activities for residents who may not participate in group programming
• Assist with community outings, special events, and facility celebrations
• Transport residents safely to and from activities
• Decorate and prepare activity spaces for seasonal and special events
• Coordinate activity materials, supplies, and equipment
• Assist with resident shopping programs and special requests
• Work collaboratively with nursing, therapy, social work, and other departments to enhance resident quality of life
• Help maintain monthly calendars and activity schedules

Skills

Self-motivated

Organizational skills

Time-management

Public speaking

Compassionate

Creative thinking

Reliable attendance

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Recreation Aide

The perfect setting to enjoy life.

We are seeking a dependable, energetic, and compassionate Therapeutic Recreation Aide to join our Activities Department. As a Recreation Aide at Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents every day.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and assist with recreational, social, educational, and therapeutic activities

• Encourage resident participation and engagement

• Facilitate group programs including games, music, exercise, current events, discussion groups, holiday celebrations, and special events

• Provide one-on-one visits and individualized activities for residents who may not participate in group programming

• Assist with community outings, special events, and facility celebrations

• Transport residents safely to and from activities

• Decorate and prepare activity spaces for seasonal and special events

• Coordinate activity materials, supplies, and equipment

• Assist with resident shopping programs and special requests

• Work collaboratively with nursing, therapy, social work, and other departments to enhance resident quality of life

• Help maintain monthly calendars and activity schedules

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with transporting residents

• Ability to stand, walk, push wheelchairs, and assist with event setup

• Flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays

What We're Looking For:

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Comfortable speaking in front of groups and leading activities

• Compassionate, patient, and able to build rapport with diverse populations

• Creative thinker who enjoys planning events and engaging others

• Reliable attendance and professional demeanor

• Ability to adapt to changing resident needs and facility priorities

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in activities, recreation, behavioral health, human services, long-term care, rehabilitation, education, childcare, social services, direct support, or healthcare

• Experience working with older adults, individuals with mental health diagnoses, traumatic brain injuries, or rehabilitation populations is preferred

Why Join Van Duyn?

• Meaningful work that makes a difference every day

• Supportive team environment

• Opportunities for professional growth

• Full benefits package

• Paid time off

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k)

• Education reimbursement

• Employee recognition programs