About Job

WHO ARE WE: LaSalle School is a highly regarded, and nationally accredited provider of therapeutic, educational, and supportive services designed to accomplish positive, personal growth and lasting change in the lives of youth and families in need. With over a quarter of our staff employed over 10 years with the agency, many of our employees find this work to be extremely fulfilling and choose to make this a lifelong career. Here at LaSalle, we take pride in our people who share our commitment to the core values of integrity, mutual respect, fairness, and communication. LaSalle School offers competitive compensation and benefits, excellent learning, and development opportunities.

WHO YOU CAN BECOME: The Recreation Therapist is a full-time, 40-hour a week, exempt and salaried position that coordinates and provides therapeutic recreational services to youth residing at LaSalle School. Working as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, they design, implement, and evaluate activity-based interventions that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Programs include intramural sports, enrichment clubs, outdoor adventure, creative arts, and experiential learning, all designed to support treatment goals, foster resiliency, and encourage pro-social skill development.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Assess individual youth interests, abilities, and treatment needs; complete Recreation Therapy assessments within required timeframes.
Plan, implement, and adapt therapeutic recreational and activity-based groups tailored to youth development and treatment goals.
Incorporate trauma-informed practices, experiential learning, and therapeutic crisis intervention strategies into programming.
Encourage creative expression, positive peer interaction, and skill-building through diverse activities.
Organize and supervise special events, outings, and campus-based activities.
Contribute to individualized treatment plans in consultation with clinical, educational, medical, and residential staff.
Communicate observations of youth participation and progress to the treatment team.
Participate in treatment team meetings and contribute to ongoing treatment reviews.
Coordinate recreational therapy schedules for residential units, ensuring coverage during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Provide resources and direction to staff (Youth Development Specialists, assistants, volunteers) supporting activities.
Maintain recreation spaces, equipment, and supplies; order and organize materials as needed.
Serve as a liaison with community partners and volunteers to enhance programming opportunities and strengthen external relationships.
Oversee the challenge course and ropes course to ensure safe and effective operation.
Supervise summer recreation assistants, including oversight of their training, scheduling, and performance.
Develop recreation schedules that provide diverse, structured, and therapeutic opportunities for youth.
Develop and maintain Experiential Learning & Challenge Course manuals in accordance with Council on Accreditation standards, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
Complete timely and accurate documentation of recreation therapy assessments, activity notes, and progress in accordance with agency standards.
Maintain compliance with all regulatory, agency, and safety requirements.
Participate in staff meetings, mandatory training, and continuing professional development.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy with at least one (1) year of experience working with at-risk youth OR;
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Physical Education, or Occupational Therapy) with at least one (1) year of experience working with at-risk youth.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or eligibility for certification.
Valid New York State driver’s license with clean driving record within the past three (3) years.
Experience working with youth in mental health, residential, or educational settings.

WHO ARE YOU:

Ability to plan, adapt, and lead diverse therapeutic recreation activities.
Ability to build positive relationships with youth, colleagues, families, and community partners.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Physical ability to meet demands of supervising active youth programming.
Enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to motivate participation.
Professional judgment, maturity, and commitment to trauma-informed practice.
Basic computer skills for documentation and scheduling.
Albe to work some evenings and weekends.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Start at 10 days off for vacation, 13 paid holidays a year, 3 personal days, 12 sick days per year, and other leave time available dependent on the circumstances.
Health/Medical Insurance - Single (LaSalle covers 100% of cost) / 2-person/family (LaSalle covers 50% of coverage).
Dental Insurance - Single (LaSalle covers 100% of cost) / 2-person/family (LaSalle covers 50% of cost).
Life Insurance - LaSalle covers 100% of cost at $50,000. Additional coverage can be purchased by the employee at cost to employee.
Flexible Spending and Cafeteria Plans - Employee covers 100% of cost.
Vision Insurance - Employee covers 100% of cost.
Short Term Disability - Employee covers 100% of cost.
Cancer Care and Accident Care plans - Employee covers 100% of cost .
Retirement: LaSalle covers 100% of contribution to Pension (401a); 403b option available to staff - 100% contribution is employee responsibility.
Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Loan Assistance Program
Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs - As a non-profit organization, LaSalle School qualifies as an organization to help college debt forgiven over the course of a set number of years--federal requirements must be meet by employee.
During the first three to six months of employment, LaSalle will ensure that you have the necessary training, which is 100% covered by LaSalle; to be successful in the new position.
Employee Assistance Program (Capital EAP)
Join us for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner in the cafeteria at no cost to the employee during your shift/breaks at LaSalle School.

... AND THIS IS WHAT WE STAND FOR!!

At LaSalle School, we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to be fair and unbiased, reflecting our belief that embracing diversity strengthens our workplace and enriches our community. Join our team and be part of an organization that values and celebrates the contributions of every individual.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,287.00 - $61,471.00 per year

Benefits: