Recreation Therapist - AMIkids Acadiana

Position Summary

The role of the Recreation Therapist is to coordinate all physical and recreational activities within the program, which include but are not limited to indoor, outdoor and off-site activities.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop and promote recreation program, including music, dance, arts and crafts, cultural arts, swimming, social recreations and games,


• Compare the skills taught in activities to real life skills that will help the youth succeed when they transition out of the program.  These activities are used to support the Behavior Modification Module,


• Provide pertinent feedback as it relates to youth response to recreation, participation within group activities, and physical and emotional response to recreational activities,


• Coordinate recreational services based on the youth’s individual needs in conjunction with the treatment staff,


• Contribute to treatment plan with specific goals and interventions to be achieved in recreational activities,


• Teach coping skills and stress management techniques,


• Supervise youth activities as required,


• Correspond and coordinate with organizations and individuals inquiring about sponsorship activities,


• Work with the Executive Director in contracting outside vendors as needed,


• Research, select and maintain appropriate materials, equipment and resources, and maintain


• accurate and completed administrative file systems,


• Adhere to all contract and state educational guidelines and Quality Improvement requirements,


• Administer first aid and CPR during emergencies in accordance with National standards,


• Actively participate in day trips and special activities that involve recreational sports, facility and equipment cleaning, grounds maintenance and equipment relocation,


• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy or Bachelor’s in related field such as recreation, leisure studies or physical education that included an internship or practicum experience,


• Minimum of one (1) year related experience working with youth in a residential facility, two (2) years preferred,


• Certification as a recreational therapist is preferred,


• Ability to multi-task and work independently,


• Experience with working with at-risk youth a plus,


• Excellent written, oral and verbal skills,


• Obtain and maintain appropriate crisis intervention and physical restraint training and certification as defined by state requirements,


• Obtain and maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification by nationally recognized organization.

What's in it for you?
As well as gain an opportunity to make an exceptional difference in kids' lives, AMIkids offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Growth opportunities – we pride ourselves on developing our leaders from within


• Health Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, & Prescription Drug plan options; Health Spending Account, Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D


• PTO & Paid Holidays


• Wellness Benefits – EAP, Health Coaching, Stress Management Programs, etc.


• Employer Funded Pension Plan, Voluntary 403(B) Retirement Plan, Student Loan Forgiveness Program


• Pet Insurance, World Travel Assistance, Car Rental discounts, Gym Membership discounts, and more.