Recreation Assistant

Overview By joining the San Diego Center for Children, you will empower children and families through transformative mental health care and educational services. Our vision is to inspire a world where children and families live joyful, healthy lives. We serve over 1,000 people every day - are you ready to make an impact? Position Benefits Team-oriented, multidisciplinary approach Ongoing, high-level learning and development opportunities Culturally diverse environment Joint Commission Accredited Organization Comprehensive Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, pet) Retirement savings plan: 403(b) - with employer match up to 3% Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays) Wellness programs EAP - Employee Assistance Program Tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education Employee discounts Employee recognition program Opportunities for career advancement May be eligible for state or federal loan forgiveness programs for work with underserved populations Job Summary The Recreation Assistant is responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate physical education curriculum that promotes physical fitness, social skills, and overall well-being for students at the San Diego Center for Children Residential Programs. This position supports students/youth with diverse needs, including emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges, by incorporating trauma-informed and inclusive practices into PE instruction. The position may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays. Available Shift Schedule Tuesday: 12:00pm-8:00pm Wednesday: 11:00am-7:00pm Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm Friday: 12:30pm-8:30pm Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm Responsibilities Develop and deliver a structured PE program/recreation activities that aligns with state/program standards and the individual needs of students/youth Incorporate activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and positive social interactions Adapt lesson plans to accommodate students with physical, emotional, or behavioral challenges Provide direct instruction in physical education, health, and wellness Foster an inclusive environment where all students can participate and feel successful Implement strategies to de-escalate conflicts and manage behaviors in a supportive and trauma-informed manner Work closely with classroom teachers, therapists, and other staff to integrate physical education goals into students overall learning plans Provide input for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and attend related meetings as needed Maintain clear and consistent communication with students, parents, and staff regarding progress and expectations Provide information/input related to treatment planning, consult with mental health therapist and clinical team as appropriate regarding youth needs and involvement in recreation program Ensure all PE activities are conducted in a safe manner, with appropriate supervision and equipment Provide first aid or emergency care as needed and adhere to the organization’s safety protocols Assist with planning, organizing, implementing, and documenting recreation activities for residential programs Assist in assessing clients’ recreational needs Assist the Recreation Manager in developing/modifying the recreation program Implement activity programming according to schedule and assist consultants and volunteers as needed Act as liaison with counselors and SDCC Academy Staff to determine appropriate activity program consistent with client/student needs Maintain recreation equipment and supplies in good working order; notify Supervisor of needed repairs and supplies Perform special projects, assignments, and other related duties as required Immediately report any unsafe acts, conditions or accidents to the immediate supervisor Stay current on best practices in physical education and trauma-informed care Participate in ongoing training and professional development as required Serve as a role model and mentor for other aides, offering guidance, coaching, and feedback Assist in training new Behavioral and Academic Aides/RSS on school policies, procedures, and best practices Facilitate communication between aides and classroom teachers to ensure consistent support for students Record and maintain accurate data related to student behavior and academic progress Communicate regularly with teachers, RSS, BAAs, and administrators regarding student progress and challenges Participate in team meetings and provide insights to develop effective student interventions Maintain accurate and detailed session notes, data collection logs, and progress reports; submit documentation in compliance with organizational and ethical guidelines Respond promptly and effectively to behavioral crises following school/RTC protocols and using de-escalation strategies Assist in implementing Safe and Positive Approaches (SPA) techniques when necessary Maintain all certifications and licenses required for the role and complete mandatory trainings such as Residential Counselor Training, Intervention Toolbox, CPR and First Aid Certification, S.P.A. Certification, False Claims, HIPAA, Safety, Trauma Informed Care, and Annual Block Trainings as assigned Required Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents; respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; present information to management and public groups Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interpret extensive variety of instructions and manage abstract and concrete variables Job Constraints Physical demands: regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk and hear; required to run, walk, sit and drive a vehicle; must be able to move and/or lift a child when clinically necessary; may apply SPA restraint techniques Work environment: occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions; noise level usually moderate Diversity Statement Actively recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse staff at all levels of the organization Ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the development and implementation of policies, practices and services, and that individuals feel empowered to advance our mission within an atmosphere of trust, safety, and respect Encourage and provide access to professional development in order to deliver equitable and culturally informed services to the population we serve Qualifications High School Diploma or GED Equivalent Valid California Driver’s LicenseMust be 21 years of age or older Experience working with adolescents or children Bachelor’s degree in physical education, psychology, social work, education, or a related field (or equivalent experience) Experience with coaching sports or facilitating recreation activities Related residential treatment care or special education experience #J-18808-Ljbffr San Diego Center for Children