What are the responsibilities and job description for the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist position at Boys & Girls Haven?
Since 1948, Boys & Girls Haven has been dedicated to transforming the lives, hearts, and minds of Kentucky’s most vulnerable youth and their families. Through a comprehensive continuum of care that includes residential and in-home foster care, independent living programs, career and life skills training, and preventative community-based services, Boys & Girls Haven aims to reduce disruptions in children’s lives, heal the effects of abuse and neglect, and promote well-being among families.
Our Mission
At Boys & Girls Haven, we provide a Home and a Future for some of Kentucky's most vulnerable and at risk youth. As a nonprofit foster care agency, we exist to Shelter, Heal, and Teach children and young adults to become resilient members of our community through an integrated spectrum of care.
| Core Schedule: | Tuesday- Saturday 12- 8:30pm |
Role Summary:
The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing structured recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities for youth across Boys & Girls Haven residential program. This role helps foster connection, social learning, and healing through engagement in meaningful experiences that align with the Trauma-Resilient Communities framework, and the organization’s mission to empower youth toward independence and well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Coordination
- Develop and implement a monthly campus activities calendar that includes therapeutic recreation, life skills, creative arts, physical fitness, and community engagement opportunities.
- Coordinate activities for weekends, holidays, and special events to ensure consistent youth engagement.
- Collaborate with therapists, direct care staff, and educators to ensure activities align with treatment goals and TRC principles.
- Incorporate youth choice and voice in the planning process to promote democracy and empowerment.
- Schedule, communicate, and collaborate with external instructors, coaches, mentors, and organizations that offer on- and off-campus programming.
- Ensure all external activities and partners align with Boys & Girls Haven’s mission, trauma-informed principles, and safety standards.
- Represent BGH professionally in community outreach related to youth activities and partnerships
Supervision & Safety
- Ensure all activities are trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive.
- Maintain safety protocols for on-campus and off-campus activities, including transportation and supervision ratios.
- Manage and maintain recreation equipment, supplies, and shared activity spaces.
- Support positive behavioral interventions through proactive engagement and restorative practices.
- Work collaboratively with clinical, residential, and education teams to reinforce treatment themes through recreation.
- Participate in treatment planning meetings to offer input on youth engagement and strengths.
- Partner with community organizations, volunteers, and donors to expand activity offerings and special events.
- Support implementation of TRC’s 7 Commitments and SELF framework in daily work.
- Track attendance, participation, and progress toward recreational and social goals.
- Manage an activity budget, submit purchase requests, and maintain accurate records.
- Prepare monthly reports and updates for leadership and program meetings.
- Assist with coordination of campus-wide events and celebrations.
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Human Services, Psychology, or related field preferred
· Knowledge of trauma-informed care, youth development, and restorative practices.
· Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to engage youth through creativity and consistency.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable through agency policy.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Working Conditions:
- The role involves working directly with children and adolescents in a residential setting, both individually and in group formats.
Physical Requirements:
The role may require physical activity such as assisting with movement, demonstrating tasks, or providing hands-on interventions. Safe Crisis Management is also expected in this role. Must be able to maintain professional boundaries and support children in a therapeutic manner.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boys & Girls Haven is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, age, or other protected statuses.
General Acknowledgment:
The employee is expected to adhere to and to act as a role model in the adherence to all BGH policies, procedures and performance expectations.
Employment at BGH is for no definite term and considered at-will, meaning that either the company or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause or notice. This job description does not in any way constitute or imply a contract of employment.
Compensation and Benefits
Boys & Girls Haven offers a competitive compensation package and a full range of employer-paid benefits, including:
- Free health, dental, life, insurance
- 401(k) company match at 50% up to 6%
- Paid Time Off policy, including 24 days off per year (including holidays)
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for employment, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record
- Must be able to provide Education requirements
- Boys & Girls Haven is a Drug-Free Workplace and will conduct pre-employment drug testing as well as testing for cause or suspicion.