Recreation Program Specialist

Therapeutic Recreation Assistant - Why Join Us? With the mission of “Delivering extraordinary care to improve life’s journey,” Blue Ridge Care is dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive physical, emotional, and spiritual care for aging and seriously ill members of our community, their families, and those affected by grief. A part of the Blue Ridge Care organization, Blue Ridge Independence at Home is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Our interdisciplinary team blends expertise, compassion, and dedication to ensure that each individual receives the preventative, primary, acute, and long‑term health and personal care services they need. From clinicians to therapists, personal care aides to care coordinators, every member of our team plays a crucial role in delivering unparalleled care. Together, we prioritize the health, happiness, and independence of those we serve. About the Role The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant supports the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist by preparing and facilitating meaningful group and individual activities for PACE participants. This role promotes participant choice, independence, social connection, and quality of life through engaging, person-centered programming. The Therapeutic Recreation Assistant helps create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment while encouraging participation and monitoring participant well-being. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Prepare for and facilitate group and individual programming designed or approved by the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Adapt activities, materials, instructions, and pacing to meet participants’ interests, abilities, communication needs, and care plan directions. Provide one-on-one engagement opportunities when group participation is not appropriate or preferred. Assist participants with transfers and mobility throughout the Day Center using approved techniques, equipment, and participant-specific instructions. Monitor participant safety, engagement, behavior, tolerance, and changes in condition, reporting concerns promptly to the interdisciplinary team. Document attendance, participant responses, progress notes, refusals, barriers, and significant changes in accordance with organizational requirements. Assist with the development and implementation of monthly activity calendars, participant newsletters, Day Center slide presentations, volunteer coordination, community presentations, special events, and celebrations. Coordinate activity schedules with meals, showers, therapy sessions, clinic appointments, transportation, and other Day Center services. Prepare activity spaces and supplies, including setup, cleanup, disinfection, inventory monitoring, and removal of unsafe materials or equipment. Participate in staff meetings, team communications, competency validation, continuing education, and quality improvement activities. Maintain participant dignity, rights, privacy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries at all times. Follow all infection prevention, emergency preparedness, incident reporting, transfer assistance, and general safety procedures. Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the purpose and level of the position. Qualifications and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of one year of experience working with frail older adults or an elderly population required. Experience leading groups, adapting activities, coordinating events, or recreational programming preferred. Current BLS/CPR certification required or ability to obtain certification within the organization’s required timeframe. Successful completion of required background checks, health screenings, communicable disease clearance, and other employment requirements. Basic knowledge of aging and dementia, or willingness to learn. Ability to safely assist participants with transfers, mobility, and activity participation. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage older adults using patience, respect, creativity, and a person-centered approach. Ability to document accurately and utilize electronic health records, email, calendars, and standard office software. Must be dependable, organized, flexible, and able to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Why You’ll Love Working Here Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Retirement Plan with Company Match Generous Paid Time Off Employee Thrift Shop Discount A mission-driven culture where your contributions matter every day. Bring your creativity, compassion, and dedication to a team that enriches the lives of older adults every day. Apply today and help us promote the health, happiness, independence, and quality of life of those we serve. #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue Ridge Care