Recreational Therapist Manager Job Description
About Harc
Harc provides support for a lifetime to individuals with intellectual and related disabilities and their families, so they may enjoy lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity. We are a vibrant nonprofit organization based in Hartford, Connecticut, offering a range of person-centered services including residential support, employment and day programs, family support, recreation, community engagement, and more.
Position Summary
The Recreation Therapist Manager provides leadership, coordination, and therapeutic recreation expertise for Harc’s Children’s Community Engagement Program. This role is responsible for planning, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving inclusive recreational, social, and skill-building programming for children and young adults with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities.
The Recreation Therapist Manager ensures that program activities are developmentally appropriate, person-centered, community-based, and aligned with each participant’s interests, strengths, support needs, and family input. This position supervises and guides direct support staff, coordinates community-based activities, monitors program quality, and promotes meaningful engagement, inclusion, independence, and quality of life for participants.
Core Responsibilities
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This position requires flexibility, including evening and weekend hoursas well ason-callduringtimes of programoperation.
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Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation and community engagement programming for children and young adults with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities.
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Plan inclusive recreational, social, and skill-building activities that are developmentallyappropriate, person-centered, and responsive to participant interests and support needs.
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Evaluate program effectiveness, participant engagement, activity outcomes, and overall service quality.
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Adapt activities and environments to support participation by individuals with diverse intellectual, emotional, behavioral, communication, sensory, and physical needs.
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Supervise, coach, and guide Direct Support Professionals and other program staff during recreational and community-based activities.
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Providestaff guidance on adaptive recreation strategies, positive engagement, social skill development, and individualizedsupportswithin a group-based service model.
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Coordinate schedules, staffing assignments, supplies, activitylogistics, and community-based programming opportunities.
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Build andmaintainrelationships with community partners, recreational facilities, civic organizations, and other inclusive activity providers.
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Support safe participation in community settings by implementing supervision plans, risk awareness practices, and program protocols.
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Maintainaccuratedocumentation related to participation, attendance, activity planning, program outcomes, incidents, and participant progress.
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Communicate regularly with families, guardians, program leadership, DDS representatives, and interdisciplinary team members.
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Contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts by reviewing data,identifyingtrends, and recommending program enhancements.
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Strong written and verbal communication skillsrequired.
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Ability tomaintainaccuratedocumentation and support program reporting requirements.
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Proficiencywith Microsoft Office and ability to learn required documentation, scheduling, and data systems.
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Reliable attendance, strong time management, and ability toworka flexible schedule, including evenings or weekends as program needs require.
Compensation and Benefits
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Competitive salary based on experience
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Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance
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401(k) plan with employer contribution
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Generous paid time off
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Professional development and training opportunities
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Meaningful work supporting children, young adults, and families in inclusive community settings
Join Our Team
If you are passionate about therapeutic recreation, community inclusion, and supporting children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills, relationships, confidence, and independence, we encourage you to apply.
This is an exciting opportunity to help lead a meaningful community-based program at Harc and make a positive impact every day.
Harc is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
