Recreation Assistant

Nor-West Regional Special Services; Van Cortlandtville (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Nor-West Regional Special Services is seeking a part-time Recreation Assistant to support therapeutic recreation programs across multiple sites. You will assist with setup, execution, and cleanup, supervise participants, and communicate with families and staff to maintain a safe, inclusive environment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma, strong communication and human services skills, and dependability with safety protocols; background checks are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional coursework in recreation or related fields is a plus.
• Experience or interest in recreational sports and ability to assist in instruction/supervision.
• Ability to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a patient, empathetic manner.
• Reliable, organized, and able to follow safety protocols and program guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of therapeutic recreation programs, assisting with activity setup, implementation, and cleanup.
• Supervise participants during recreational activities and provide encouragement and guidance.
• Communicate regularly with participants, caregivers, and colleagues to ensure safety and inclusivity.
• Perform basic administrative tasks such as attendance tracking and equipment organization.

Skills

Recreation/therapeutic recreation

Communication

Recreational sports experience

IDD support

Safety protocols

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lifeguarding/CPR/First Aid

Job description

Company Description

Nor-West Regional Special Services is a Therapeutic Recreation organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across four partner municipalities: Cortlandt, Ossining, Peekskill, and Yorktown. Based at 3131 E. Main St. in Mohegan Lake, NY, the organization focuses on providing inclusive, engaging recreation programs that support social, emotional, and physical well-being. Team members collaborate with local communities and families to offer accessible activities tailored to participant needs and interests. Nor-West values respect, safety, and meaningful participation for all individuals in its programs.

Role Description

The Recreation Assistant is a Part-time, role located at differing program site across our service area. This position supports the delivery of therapeutic recreation programs, assisting with activity setup, implementation, and cleanup for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include supervising participants during recreational activities, providing encouragement and guidance, and helping ensure a safe, inclusive environment. The Recreation Assistant may assist with specific program elements such as aquatics, Special Olympics training, bowling, and group games, and will communicate regularly with participants, caregivers, and colleagues. The role also includes basic administrative tasks such as attendance tracking, equipment organization, and following established policies and procedures. Hourly rates are based on experience.

Qualifications

• Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation skills, with the ability to support group and individual activities.
• Strong Communication and Human Service skills for interacting with participants, families, and staff in a respectful, supportive manner.
• Experience or interest in recreational sports, with the ability to assist in instruction and supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a patient, empathetic, and professional manner.
• Reliable, organized, and able to follow safety protocols and program guidelines.
• High school diploma or equivalent; additional coursework or certification in recreation, special education, or related fields is a plus.
• Reliable transportation to and from programs - specifically evenings or weekends as program schedules require.
• Criminal Background and NYS registry checks REQUIRED for all applicants.
• Lifeguarding skills, including current or attainable certification in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid a plus!