Recreation Coordinator - Housing Supports

Bethpage, NY, USA Job Description Posted Monday, June 29, 2026 at 4:00 AM Enjoy making a difference? Join the team at FREE, enriching the lives of others, one individual at a time. Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual / developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to support people of all abilities reach their full potential and thrive in their communities. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing; recovery services; transition to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis services; education and after school support; specialty health services; and advocacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Recreation Manager, the Recreation Assistant plans, organizes, and oversees a variety of recreational programs and activities within the community for the OPWDD programs. This role involves developing inclusive programs that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being through recreation activities tailored to the needs of participants. The Recreation Assistant ensures the programs are effective, engaging, and meet both therapeutic goals and social goals while also managing logistical details, staff, and resources related to each event or activity. This includes designing and implementing sports leagues, fitness classes, youth and adult programs, special events, and more.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develops, implements, and evaluates recreation programs for individuals with disabilities, focusing on improving physical, mental, and social well-being. Plans and coordinates special events, vacations for persons served, festivals, tournaments, staff team events/leagues, and community gatherings. Tailors programs to meet the needs of individuals with various disabilities, including physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental and emotional challenges. Creates schedules, outlines, and guidelines for activities to ensure smooth operation. Works with operations managers, vendors, partners, and volunteers to ensure event success. Supports event logistics including setup, operation, and cleanup. Maintains accurate records for participant registrations. Builds relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and local agencies to enhance program resources. Advocates for the inclusion of individuals with varying disabilities in all community recreation opportunities. Fosters a collaborative and supportive team environment focused on delivering high-quality programs. Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed/processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds. Performs other duties as assigned. Ensure all programs align with the community's interests and needs. Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community. Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees. Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk. Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours. Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance. Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations. Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in a related field preferred Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in recreational programming, community events, DSP recreational planning experience in day habilitation or residential programs, youth services, sports coordination, and/or another related field required. Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental health diagnoses required. Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications: CPR/FA certification required (provided upon hire if needed) SCIP certification required (provided upon hire if needed) Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities: Functional proficiency in spoken and written English Basic computer skills and ability to use and learn various applications Strong organizational and interpersonal skills Knowledge of community resources and events Excellent written and verbal communication skills Budgeting and scheduling knowledgeAbility to work with diverse populations (youth, elderly, individuals with disabilities) Creativity in planning events and programs Conflict resolution and emergency response skills Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license and satisfy criteria to be an agency driver required Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for programs and events.

ENVIRONMENT

This role is performed in-person; travel is required in both personal and agency vehicles. Ability to work in various outdoor and indoor environments, occasionally lifting and setting up equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours). Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets. Employee is required to reach with hands and arms. Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed. Employee is required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time. Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE. FREE is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected characteristic. In addition to federal law requirements, FREE complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in all of its locations. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Family Residences and Essential Enterprises’ affirmative action efforts related to protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are set out and described in our affirmative action plan for protected veterans and individuals with a disability. If you have any questions or would like to view the affirmative action plan, please visit our website #J-18808-Ljbffr Familyres