Therapeutic Recreation Specialist – Residential Youth Programs

Louisville, KY
Full Time
Entry Level

Schedule:
Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM


Position Overview:
The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing structured recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities for youth across Boys & Girls Haven’s residential programs. This role supports connection, social learning, and healing through meaningful engagement aligned with the Trauma-Resilient Communities framework and the organization’s mission to promote independence and well-being.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement a monthly activity calendar that includes recreational, educational, and therapeutic programming

  • Coordinate activities for evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events to ensure consistent youth engagement

  • Collaborate with clinical, residential, and education teams to align programming with treatment goals and TRC principles

  • Facilitate group activities that promote social learning, engagement, and positive peer interaction

  • Ensure all programming is developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and safe

  • Coordinate with community partners, volunteers, and external providers

  • Maintain equipment, supplies, and shared activity spaces

  • Track participation and maintain program documentation and reporting


Qualifications:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Human Services, Psychology, or related field preferred

  • Experience working with at-risk or foster youth in a residential or therapeutic setting

  • Knowledge of trauma-informed care and youth development principles


Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong organizational and program planning skills

  • Ability to engage youth through structured and meaningful activities

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in an active environment


Compensation and Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and life insurance

  • 401(k) with company match (50% up to 6%)

  • Paid Time Off, including 24 days per year (including holidays)


Boys & Girls Haven is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment and for-cause drug testing is required.

Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Human Check*