RECREATION SPECIALIST

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides supervision and counseling to the people supported in accordance with the person treatment plan.
• Maintain all community inclusion records, including tracking to ensure each person supported has three documented inclusions per week as OPWDD regulations require.
• Collaborate and monitor all recreational events filtered from SCO leadership, Garden of Dreams events, and other social events.
• Collaborate with other recreation specialists to develop core events, sports events, and games.
• Maintain New York Special Olympic certifications and coach all sports so that each of the people we support is an active member.
• Submit New Admission recreation assessment forms to assigned QIDP to ensure it's incorporated into each person supported Comprehensive Functional Assessment .
• Develop safety procedures for all programming activities, such as biking and swimming.
• Work in collaboration with SCO Development and the communication department to ensure all activities are broadcast to external donors.
• Collaborate with SCO business operation department to ensure all certificates of liabilities remain current for all off-site events.
• Maintain all recreational bulletin boards and ensure all holidays and celebrations are represented, including the culture and needs of each person.
• Maintain a recreational calendar for the site and submit it to residential management on the 1st of each month.
• Understand and adhere to the program’s policies, routines, and regulations.
• Schedule and conduct therapeutic recreational activities, encompassing physical, educational, and social components, weekly.
• Attend and actively participate in the activities and lead by example.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in accordance with program requirements.
• Develop and implement recreational programs that cater to the interests and needs of diverse age groups.
• Coordinate and lead group activities, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for participants.
• Collaborate with other staff members to integrate recreational programs with overall organizational goals.
• Assess participant needs and interests to tailor programs accordingly.
• Manage equipment, supplies, and facilities related to recreational activities.
• Maintain accurate records of program attendance, feedback, and any incidents.
• Provide guidance and support to participants, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
• Stay current on trends and best practices in recreational programming.
• Assists individuals the people supported of daily living.
• Promotes independence in all areas of daily living in accordance with the individual's abilities
• Assists individuals in developing social and life management skills in accordance with the individual's abilities and the individual treatment plan.
• Completes all documentation promptly and accurately, including daily data collection, logs, communication book, skin integrity/positioning data, bowel management charts, body checks, etc.
• Ensure the people supported are actively engaged in meaningful activities throughout the day specific to planning for people supported who are not assigned to the day program.
• Transport the people supported on Recreation, Community, Day Program, and Medical Appointments
• Assists with medical treatment and follow-up in accordance with the individual treatment plan and in compliance with OPWDD regulations and agency procedures. Completes requisite documentation in a complete and timely manner.
• Ensures that all treatment plan components are followed, including (but not limited to) behavior plans, goal plans, speech and physical therapy plans, etc; ensures complete and timely documentation.
• Is cognizant of all behavior plans and follows them accordingly; utilizes SCIP-R interventions in accordance with the individual treatment plan, OPWDD regulations, and agency procedures; completes requisite documentation.
• Is cognizant of all dietary regimens and ensures that they are followed accordingly. Involves individuals in menu planning, meal preparations, and food-related responsibilities in accordance with the individual's abilities; utilizes adaptive equipment appropriately.
• Administer medication in accordance with the individual medication regimen and document in a complete and timely manner in compliance with OPWDD regulation and agency procedures.
• Promotes independence, individualism, and productivity/accomplishment.
• Ensures that the individuals participate in leisure-time and recreational activities in accordance with the recreation plan; promotes community integration through engaging in meaningful activities within the community; completes requisite documentation in a timely and complete manner.
• Provides supervision and ensures privacy for all individuals, including ensuring that they use robes/slippers when showering, that doors are closed when changing or toileting, etc.
• Provides close supervision for individuals in accordance with the individual treatment plan. If an individual is on a 1:1 supervision status, provide continual supervision as noted in the plan. Completes transfer form when transferring individual's care to another staff.
• Participates in person supported program planning meetings; reviews and signs off on Annual and Semi-Annual Treatment Plans.
• Maintains individuals' possessions in a neat and orderly manner; communicates needs for the individuals to the management; completes documentation in accordance with program procedures.
• Transports individuals in a safe and comfortable manner; follows all NYS laws and agency procedures; maintains a valid NYS Driver's License; completes all documentation, including vehicle logs, in a timely and complete manner; communicates vehicle condition to management; ensures that the individuals have the optimum experience by not having the radio too loud, maintaining the temperature at a comfortable level, etc.
• Maintains the physical plant and agency property cleanly and safely; communicates any issues to management.
• Provide all other duties as needed or requested to ensure the people supported are safe, healthy, and comfortable.
• Comply with OPWDD regulations and agency procedures
• Obtains and maintains SCIP-R certification; attends all mandatory training.
• Obtains and maintains AMAP certification and submits a copy of the certification to each program in which he/she administers medication.
• Attend all staff meetings including in-services and trainings.
• Demonstrates competency in all required training areas
• Perform additional duties assigned by the program management or designee.

II. QUALIFICATIONS
• A minimum of high school diploma or GED
• A clean and valid NYS driver’s license is required
• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities/traumatic brain injured preferred
• New York State Special Olympic Certifications.
• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred.

Statement

SCO Family of Services is committed to ensuring the safety of our clients. All staff are screened and trained. Any inappropriate interactions with clients are taken seriously. We will fully cooperate with authorities in any case of abuse.