Youth Recreation Specialist – Therapy & Growth

Youth Villages; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k)

Paid time off

Sick days

Holidays

Parental leave

Mileage reimbursement

Licensure supervision

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Youth Villages operates residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia for youth aged 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health needs. Programs include secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes designed to match each youth’s needs.

A focus on trauma-informed care and life skills supports positive outcomes across education and therapy. On campuses, youth often attend accredited schools alongside therapy, while recreation staff create engaging activities to support recovery and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related program required.
• Degrees include recreation therapy, parks and recreation, exercise science, psychology, or mental health.
• Must have or be able to pass Lifeguard certification (required).
• Experience in experiential education, community recreation, wilderness therapy, rock climbing, yoga, personal fitness, art, or music preferred.
• Experience with at-risk youth is preferred.
• Experience working with youth is required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Flexible schedule required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and facilitates recreation programs (music, dance, arts, crafts, nature, swimming, games).
• Promotes participation in clubs, student council, intramural sports, and volunteer activities.
• Collaborates with residential treatment team to balance recreation with services.
• Maintains and replaces recreation equipment as needed.
• Oversees use of canoes and high ropes course equipment.
• Trains Youth Villages staff on new activities and materials.
• Completes daily documentation in an EMR system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Multi-tasking

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related program

Lifeguard certification

Tools

EMR system

Job description

Youth Villages operates residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia for youth aged 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health needs. Programs include secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes designed to match each youth’s needs.

A focus on trauma-informed care and life skills supports positive outcomes across education and therapy. On campuses, youth often attend accredited schools alongside therapy, while recreation staff create engaging activities to support recovery and