Therapeutic Recreation Program Assistant

Cayuga Health System; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cayuga Health System in Ithaca, New York, seeks a dedicated Therapeutic Recreation Program Assistant to support the Recreation Therapy team in delivering patient-centered care. You will help plan, organize, and facilitate recreational and therapeutic activities that promote engagement, wellness, and progress toward treatment goals.

Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, you will maintain resources, document accurately, and ensure safety and compliance while delivering compassionate

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in recreation, human services, social work, psychology, or related healthcare field.
• At least two years direct experience leading recreation or therapeutic groups and activities.
• Knowledge of leadership, group dynamics, and recreation skills.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and work independently or in a group.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Recreation Therapy staff and interdisciplin ary team members to provide quality, individualized care in a safe and structured setting.
• Comply with all hospital policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate recreational programs, group activities, and therapeutic interventions that support patient treatment goals.
• Assist with the development and implementation of treatment plans and maintain accurate documentation, records, and departmental files.
• Participate in team meetings, patient care discussions, and interdisciplinary conferences.
• Deliver exceptional service with professionalism, empathy, respect, and a commitment to person-centered care.
• Coordinate with department staff, volunteers, pet therapy programs, community agencies, and other service providers to enhance programming opportunities.
• Maintain activity supplies, equipment, and program spaces in a safe, organized, and functional manner.
• Complete all required compliance, safety, and educational training within established timeframes.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the Recreation Therapy team and departmental objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Group dynamics

Recreation skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in recreation or related healthcare field

Two years direct experience leading recreation or therapeutic groups

Job description

Therapeutic Recreation Program Assistant

Position Summary

The Therapeutic Recreation Program Assistant supports the Recreation Therapy team in providing quality, individualized care within a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment. This position assists with planning, organizing, and facilitating recreational and therapeutic activities that promote patient engagement, socialization, wellness, and achievement of treatment goals. The Therapeutic Recreation Program Assistant collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, maintains program resources, and provides compassionate, patient-centered service.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Work closely with Recreation Therapy staff and interdisciplinary team members to provide quality, individualized care in a safe and structured setting.
2. Comply with all hospital policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
3. Plan, organize, and facilitate recreational programs, group activities, and therapeutic interventions that support patient treatment goals.
4. Assist with the development and implementation of treatment plans and maintain accurate documentation, records, and departmental files.
5. Participate in team meetings, patient care discussions, and interdisciplinary conferences.
6. Deliver exceptional service with professionalism, empathy, respect, and a commitment to person-centered care.
7. Coordinate with department staff, volunteers, pet therapy programs, community agencies, and other service providers to enhance programming opportunities.
8. Maintain activity supplies, equipment, and program spaces in a safe, organized, and functional manner.
9. Complete all required compliance, safety, and educational training within established timeframes.
10. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the Recreation Therapy team and departmental objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in recreation, human services, social work, psychology, or other related healthcare field.
• At least two years direct experience leading recreation or therapeutic groups and activities.
• Knowledge of leadership, group dynamics, and recreation skills.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and work independently or in a group.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Basic computer and documentation skills.

Key Competencies

• Patient-centered care
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Activity planning and facilitation
• Communication and interpersonal effectiveness
• Organization and attention to detail
• Professionalism and empathy
• Safety and regulatory compliance
• Flexibility and adaptability