Activities Specialist

We seek an individual whose experience and / or field of study correlates with the job requirements: someone who is pursuing an associate's or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in pursuit of an emphasis of in early childhood education, special education, fine arts, parks and recreation, event management or environmental studies. Related work experience is a plus. We will work with the right candidate to build a schedule to accommodate the needs of our residents and his or her schedule. The expectation of this position is to provide a variety of therapeutic recreation opportunities for our residents and will report directly to our Director of Residential Programming. This position may qualify as a paid internship.

Objective:

Assists in designing, implementing, and facilitating various therapeutic recreation activities that foster team building and social skills development as well as meet the individualized needs and interests of adolescent males and females in a residential treatment setting (census 40 to 60), in compliance with COA standards and state, federal, agency and all other applicable rules and regulations, and Wernle policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (These may vary based on experience)

• Partners with the treatment team to design, implement and facilitate various age-appropriate therapeutic recreation activities that foster team building, social skills, and daily living skills for residents.
• Manages inventory of recreation department supplies and equipment.
• Coordinates use of recreation facilities for multiple events.
• Enforces residential rules and regulations concerning dress, conduct and use of supplies and equipment.
• Reinforces the goals and objectives of individual treatment plans for residents by positively reinforcing strengths and addressing areas for continued development.
• Monitors behaviors and responds to irregularities or problems, which may include administering appropriate forms of consequences, including, but not limited to, use of a level system, de-escalation techniques and initiating and/or participating in physical restraints (as defined by Therapeutic Crisis Intervention), when necessary, to protect residents and others from harm.
• Models appropriate communication and behaviors for residents.
• Assists in maintaining safe and healthy environment.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Possesses valid driver license.