Recreation Worker

Are you passionate about youth development, therapeutic engagement, and creating dynamic, healing environments? 

JCCA is seeking a Recreation Workers to facilitate creating recreational programs that support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of youth on campus. This position engages youth through structured therapeutic activities aligned with treatment goals. Recreation Workers design and deliver activities that promote creativity, build strengths, and support youth development through physical fitness, arts and crafts, dance, yoga/meditation, outdoor adventure, team sports, leadership development, performing arts, culinary arts, gardening/agriculture, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Facilitation

• Collaborate with youth and clinical teams to create therapeutic recreation programs
• Facilitate daily activities, events, group outings, and creative workshops
• Prepare monthly activity calendars and track youth participation and progress
• Use your creativity to build new clubs, activities, and interest-based groups
• Reinforce positive behavior and teach essential life skills through recreation

Documentation & Evaluation

• Submit group notes and attendance records in agency systems
• Track and evaluate program success and youth engagement
• Monitor recreation budgets and monthly cottage expenditures

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with residential and clinical teams to support youth goals
• Maintain communication with staff on programming updates
• Assist with community partnerships and volunteer-led events

Operations & Safety

• Maintain clean and safe recreation spaces, equipment, and transportation
• Support logistics for programming (supplies, tickets, trips)
• Ensure youth safety and participate in crisis support as needed
• Follow all agency policies, procedures, and accreditation standards

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Youth Development, Social Work, or a related field preferred 

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years working with at-risk youth, youth in foster care, or those with behavioral/mental health needs
• Strong background in youth development, group facilitation, or recreation programming

Skills & Strengths:

• Creative and organized with the ability to adapt activities to diverse needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Tech-savvy (Microsoft Office, Canva, etc.)
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid NY, NJ, or CT driver’s license
• TCI and CPR/First Aid (can be obtained after hire)

• Mental Health CPR preferred

   

Compensation : $19.10 - 22.30 per hour

Schedule Options:  

Full Time:  Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday -Saturday -1PM -9PM;  Saturday and Sunday hours 11AM -7PM

Part Time: Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday -Saturday -3:30PM -9PM;  Saturday and Sunday hours 11AM -7PM