What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Coordinator - Recreational Therapy position at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation?
Good Shepherd shared news of the project at a press conference at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, 3200 Center Valley Parkway, surrounded by community partners, clinical experts, families and supporters.
The center’s creation, which is generously supported through an anonymous donor family, was shaped by Good Shepherd’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), conducted over five months of listening sessions, surveys and focus groups in the Lehigh Valley. The CHNA focused on the needs of people who identify as neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, sensory processing differences, learning disorders, tic disorders and more.
The center’s creation, which is generously supported through an anonymous donor family, was shaped by Good Shepherd’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), conducted over five months of listening sessions, surveys and focus groups in the Lehigh Valley. The CHNA focused on the needs of people who identify as neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, sensory processing differences, learning disorders, tic disorders and more.
- JOB SUMMARY
- Develops, coordinates and facilities inclusive social, recreational, wellness, life-skills and community-based programs for autistic and neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults. Creates meaningful opportunities that reflect each patient's strengths, interests, communication preferences, sensory needs and personal goals. Collaborate with patients, families, clinical professionals and community partners to provide engaging programs that complement the Center's clinical and wellness services.
- ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- DEVELOP AND FACILITATE PROGRAMS
- Plans and leads individual and group programs that promote social connection, wellness, leisure exploration, confidence, independence and community participation.
- Develops age appropriate offerings that may include art, music, movement, fitness, games, cooking, technology, social groups, life-skills activities, special events and community outings.
- Adapt activities, communication, instructions, materials and environments to support different ages, abilities, sensory preferences and levels of support.
- Establishes predictable program routines while remaining responsive to individual needs and Patient choice.
- Pilot and evaluate new programs based on patient interests, family feedback, clinical recommendations, enrollment patterns and community demand.
- SUPPORT PATIENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
- Builds respectful relationships with patients and families and creates a welcoming, person-centered experience.
- Learns and honors Patient strengths, interests, communication preferences, sensory considerations and support needs.
- Promotes dignity, autonomy, choice and self-advocacy throughout all programs and interactions.
- Provides clear information regarding program purpose, schedules, expectations, registration, fees and participation requirements.
- Collects Patient and family feedback and uses it to strengthen programming and service delivery.
- COLLABORATE WITH THE INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM
- Works collaboratively with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, counselors, care navigators and other team members.
- Incorporates approved accommodations, and participation strategies recommended by licensed clinical professionals without independently providing clinical treatment.
- Communicates relevant observations and Patient needs to the appropriate team member while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Participate in team meetings, program planning, Center events and quality-improvement activities.
- COORDINATE PROGRAM OPERATIONS
- Maintains program calendars, registration information, attendance records, supply inventories and other required program documentation.
- Coordinates room setup, materials, staffing support and logistical needs for onsite and community-based activities.
- Monitors enrollment, attendance, cancellations, Patient satisfaction, program expenses and use of capacity.
- Use resources responsibly and supports programs that are operationally sustainable and responsive to demand.
- Maintains organized, accessible and welcoming program spaces.
- BUILD COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
- Identifies accessible social, recreational and wellness opportunities within the community.
- Develop relationships with libraries, recreation departments, arts organizations, fitness programs, schools, colleges, employers and other community partners.
- Coordinates inclusive outings and special events and represents the Center at community activities as assigned.
- Shares practical inclusion strategies with community partners to support meaningful participation by neurodivergent individuals.
- MAINTAIN SAFETY PRIVACY AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
- Follows Good Shepherd policies related to patient safety, privacy, infection prevention, incident reporting and emergency response.
- Identifies and addresses potential accessibility, environmental, sensory and safety concerns before and during programs.
- Maintains confidentiality and protects patient information in accordance with organizational policy and applicable privacy requirements.
- Maintains professional knowledge through training, continuing education and review of current person-centered and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
- QUALIFICATIONS
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Education
- Bachelor's degree in recreation, therapeutic recreation, education, special education, human services, psychology, behavioral health, rehabilitation, social work or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Work Experience
- At least two years of experience supporting autistic, neurodivergent or disabled individuals or developing and facilitating social, wellness, educational, recreational or community-based programs.
- Experience working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals across more than one age group.
- Experience in adaptive recreation, social-skills programming, community integration, life-skills programming, disability services or program development.
- Knowledge of person centered, strengths based and neurodiversity affirming practices.
- Licenses / Certifications
- N/A