Recreation Specialist

General Purpose:
The Recreational Specialist is responsible for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of recreational activities for individuals served within the residential program. This role focuses on enhancing the quality of life for persons supported by promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being through community-based participation and integration. The Recreational Specialist ensures that all recreational activities align with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) standards and regulations set forth by the Department of Public Health (DPH) for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF), promoting inclusion, community integration, and the development of individual preferences.

Job Duties:

• Develops, plans, and organizes a variety of recreational activities that are tailored to meet the individual preferences and abilities of each person supported.
• Coordinates and facilitates community-based outings and social events, ensuring they promote integration and participation in community life.
• Ensures that all recreational activities comply with the guidelines set forth by Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF), ensuring that activities promote choice, inclusion, and access to community resources.
• Works closely with the interdisciplinary team to assess individuals' interests and needs, and integrates those into the planning and delivery of recreational activities.
• Promotes physical, cognitive, and social development through appropriate recreation, fitness, and leisure programs.
• Provides opportunities for skill-building through structured activities, assisting individuals in developing life skills and fostering personal growth.
• Facilitates group and individual recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, exercise routines, music, and outdoor adventures.
• Promotes the social integration of persons supported by encouraging participation in community events, volunteer opportunities, and cultural activities.
• Develops and maintains relationships with local community organizations, recreational venues, and volunteer opportunities to expand access to community-based recreational activities.
• Completes Recreational assessments in the ICFs
• Completes Quarterly Recreational Notes in the ICFs.
• Assists in providing transportation to community outings and ensures that individuals are appropriately supported throughout the activity.
• Monitors and tracks participation in recreational activities, providing feedback to residential staff regarding progress and engagement levels.
• Works with residential staff to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals during recreational activities and community integration.
• Coordinates with other departments to provide educational and therapeutic activities designed to support individuals' personal goals and outcomes.
• Provides regular reports on recreational activity participation, including assessments of individuals' engagement, preferences, and any necessary follow-up.
• Documents and tracks all activities in the appropriate systems to ensure compliance with HCBS and DPH regulations for ICF settings.
• Assists in adapting activities to accommodate individuals with varying levels of ability and support needs.
• Actively participates in team meetings and contributes ideas for activities that foster independence and enhance overall well-being.
• Ensures that recreational equipment and materials are safe, well-maintained, and accessible to persons supported.
• Promotes positive relationships among individuals through team-building exercises and collaborative activities.
• Engages individuals in meaningful conversation and social interaction during recreational activities, enhancing their social skills and emotional well-being.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in recreational programming, community integration, or working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals with diverse needs.
• Ability to develop, implement, and adapt recreational programs for individuals with various abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must possess reliable transportation and a valid SC driver’s license.
• Ability to lift and assist individuals as needed (up to 50 pounds).
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Working Hours:

The Recreational Specialist is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week. These hours are flexible but will include evenings, weekends, and some holiday hours as needed to accommodate recreational programming and community outings. Travel may be required for community-based activities.

Supervision:

The Recreational Specialist reports to the Lead House Manager.

Working Conditions: 

• Work is performed primarily in residential homes and community-based settings.
• Frequent travel between Residential locations is required.
• Position works primarily during evening hours and includes at least every other weekend but may require more weekend work as needed to support recreational activities.
• Work environments may be active, noisy, unpredictable, or involve individuals with significant support needs.
• Position requires frequent interaction with staff in various positions, management, individuals supported, families/guardians, external contacts and vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Holiday, emergency, or extended work hours may be required based on operational needs.

Typical Physical Demands (including but not limited to):

This position is very active and requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, pulling, pushing, and reaching. The employee must be able to lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines. Must have normal range of hearing and vision.

Typical Mental Demands

Must be able to deal with stress associated with fast-paced work environment and multi-tasking. Formulate decisions and act upon them. Adapt to changing work situations. Grasp and apply new ideas. Communicate effectively with various personalities at all levels. Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive information.

Hazards/Potential Hazards:

Cleaning chemicals, ergonomic hazards: i.e. static postures, repetitive motion, trip hazards. Exposure to communicable illnesses, bodily fluids, and other biohazards. Potential exposure to aggressive, self-injurious, or unsafe behaviors from individuals supported. Vehicle-related hazards while traveling between locations. Stress related to staffing shortages, urgent operational concerns, and employee performance issues.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on the operational needs of the Residential Department and Babcock Center.