Recreation Therapist

Position Summary

The Recreation Therapist plans, coordinates, and implements recreational, leisure, and community inclusion activities for individuals served across all AABR residential programs. The role supports individuals' quality of life, social engagement, and community integration in accordance with OPWDD regulations and person-centered planning principles, and requires flexibility to support evening, weekend, and special event programming - including this position's standing Friday–Sunday work schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement individual and group recreational, leisure, and community inclusion activities for individuals served across all AABR residential programs (IRAs and ICFs), reflecting each person's preferences, interests, and person-centered plan.
• Coordinate and lead recreational programming during evenings, weekends, and holidays across residences, consistent with the position's Friday–Sunday schedule.
• Plan and execute special events, community outings, and seasonal celebrations for individuals served.
• Collaborate with residence managers, Assistant Residential Directors, QIDPs, and interdisciplinary team members to align recreational programming with individuals' habilitation plan goals.
• Transport, or coordinate transportation for, individuals to and from community activities and events, including operating an agency vehicle as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of activities, attendance, and individual participation/progress in accordance with OPWDD and agency requirements.
• Monitor recreation activity budgets and submit expense documentation as required.
• Ensure all recreational activities comply with applicable health, safety, and OPWDD regulatory standards, including appropriate staff-to-individual supervision ratios.
• Use agency computer systems and software (e.g., email, scheduling tools, electronic documentation/record-keeping systems, Microsoft Office) to plan activities, communicate with staff, and maintain required records.
• Support recreational components of agency-wide special events (e.g., holiday parties, celebrations, community inclusion trips).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the VP of Residential Services or designee.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree or coursework in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience planning recreational programming for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) very desirable.
• Prior experience planning or leading recreational, leisure, or community activities for individuals with I/DD strongly preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid, unrestricted New York State driver's license with a satisfactory driving record required; must meet AABR's insurability standards for operating agency vehicles.
• CPR/First Aid certification required, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential a plus, though not required.

Skills & Abilities

• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and ability to learn agency-specific scheduling and documentation systems.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate activities across multiple residences and programs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with individuals with I/DD, their families, and interdisciplinary staff.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and respond flexibly to changing schedules and priorities.
• Flexibility to work the position's standing Friday–Sunday schedule, including evenings, and to support special events outside of standard hours as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–35 lbs.
• Ability to assist with individuals' mobility and transfers as needed, in accordance with agency training.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout residential and community settings for extended periods.
• Ability to travel between AABR program sites and community locations, including via personal or agency vehicle.