Recreational Activity Therapy Specialist

Hoyleton Youth & Family Services; Hoyleton (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Paid time off

HSA

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Parental leave

Cell phone reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Hoyleton Youth & Family Services is seeking a Recreational Activity Therapy Specialist to assist with residential recreational and vocational programming. The role involves supervising residents during activities to boost self-esteem, social skills and physical well-being.

You will help formulate individual treatment plans, teach life skills, and support residents through work experiences, coordinating transportation and employer contacts as needed.

Qualifications

• Must possess and retain a valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field preferred.
• One year of experience in residential care or related human services field preferred.
• Mental Health Professional by Illinois Medicaid Rule 132 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise residents during recreational/educational activities to promote self-esteem, social skills and physical well-being.
• Assist in formulating and maintaining Individual Treatment Plans for each child.
• Provide instruction in identified life skills and create life-experience opportunities.
• Coach, attend meetings and represent residents in IIAA and Special Olympics.
• Assist with supervision of Activity Therapy facilities and equipment maintenance.
• Support residents with work experiences on/off campus and Summer Youth Employment program.

Skills

Supervision

First aid basics

Communication with youth

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Mental Health Professional per 132 preference

Job description

Position Summary

The Recreational Activity Therapy Specialist assists with the administration and implementation of the residential recreational and vocational program.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Works directly with and supervises residents as they are engaged in a variety of recreational and educational activities designed to promote positive self-esteem, social skills and physical well-being.
• Assists in formulating and maintaining an Individual Treatment Plan for each child according to the individual needs related to temperament, personality, energy level, intellectual functioning and social abilities.
• In accordance with the Resident’s plan, provides instruction in identified life skills area and provides opportunities for life experiences designed to enhance their potential.
• Assists in coaching, attending meetings and representing residential youth in the IIAA and Special Olympics.
• Assist with the supervision of the use and maintenance of Activity Therapy Department facilities and equipment.
• Assists with the implementation of work experiences of the residents on/off campus and the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program; provides support to participants, setting up interviews, coordinating transportation and maintaining contact with employers.
• Report incidents or behavior problems to the Program Manager.
• Submit Medicaid documentation as required.
• Assisting with a physical restraint may be required to ensure personal safety of both clients and staff.

Requirements

• Must possess and retain a valid Illinois driver’s license and provide proof of insurance.
• The personal characteristics and experiential background that support the delivery of appropriate care for children, win respect, guide development, and participate in the overall treatment program designed for the clients served.
• The temperament suited to working with and caring for children with special needs as appropriate.
• Basic skills in first aid and the identification of medical needs.

Education and/or Experience

• Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or other relevant human services field preferred.
• Qualifications as a Mental Health Professional by Illinois Medicaid Rule 132 preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in residential care or related human services field preferred.

CARE & TCI

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed.

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance.

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees Must

• Pass the written test annually.
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role).

Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a residential & community-based environment and may require travel to agency sites, client locations, and partner organizations based on role responsibilities.

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, which may include walking, standing, client restraints, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds as required by job duties.

Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client‑related activities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Optional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support
• Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth
• BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts