Recreational Therapist - Per Diem

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 38,573,000; Part time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark seeks a Per Diem Recreational Therapist for Providence Place in Jersey City, NJ. The role supports a program serving female residents aged 15–17 with psychiatric needs, with 8–15 hours weekly, schedule varying across Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Responsibilities include planning and directing leisure activities, assessing resident needs, and documenting outcomes to inform treatment teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.
• Six months to one year experience with youth experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or significant behavioral changes preferred.
• Valid NJ driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Plans and directs recreational programs for residents.
• Organizes activities according to residents' capabilities, needs, and interests.
• Prepares reports describing resident responses to activities and progress.
• Posts a monthly plan of recreational activities.
• Conducts individual assessment sessions to optimize residents' well‑being.
• Gathers data from records, staff, families, and residents to gauge needs.
• Encourages residents with special needs to learn new skills and engage in healthful leisure.
• Observes and records participation, and adjusts programs as needed.
• Submits progress reports to treatment teams.

Skills

Recreational therapy

Program planning

Assessment

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

We are currently seeking aPer Diem – Recreational Therapistfor our Providence Place program located in Jersey City, NJ.(Will work 8-15 hours a week – hours/schedule will vary each week dependent on needs of the program between Friday, Sat, & Sun.)

Providence Place is a psychiatric community home for females, aged 15-17, referred from the State Children’s System of Care.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Plans and directs recreational programs for residents.
• Organizes according to residents capabilities, needs and interests. encourages participation in leisure activities.
• Prepares reports describing individual resident response to recreational activities and reactions to the therapeutic program.
• Pepares and posts a month in advance the planned recreational program for the residents.
• Conducts individual assessment sessions to further optimize resident's mental and physical well- being.
• Obtains data from case records, staff family members and residents themselves to gauge capabilities, needs and interests.
• Encourages clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health promoting leisure efforts, such as sports, games, arts and grafts and gardening.
• Observes and records residents participation and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
• Submits reports to treatment teams to reflect residents and evidence of progress or regression.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid NJ driver's license Required plus one of the following
• Bachelors degree in related field
• Six months to one year experience working with youth experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or significant behavioral changes

Preferred qualifications: Certification from the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Specialists preferred.

AGENCY MISSION:

In response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Catholic Charities, as a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, serves the poor and marginalized and advocates for their needs in order to promote the inherent dignity and worth of all people without regard to race, religion, or culture.