Recreation & Adult Day Program Assistant in Ithaca, New York at Longview, an Ithacare Community

Welcome to Longview, where legacy meets innovation and where staff work together to create a team environment while assisting older adults in our community. As a vital nonprofit organization serving older adults in the Ithaca community, Longview has been enriching lives for over 50 years. Our commitment to engaged living through adult day facilities and independent, assisted, and enhanced assisted living uniquely positions us to offer an unparalleled solution to the evolving needs of our community. We foster belonging and connections while addressing practical and emotional needs through a comprehensive continuum of care. Longview is committed to living well together and the well-being of mind, body, and spirit, including the values of kindness, dependability, integrity, inclusion, and accountability.

Job Summary:

As a Recreation & Adult Day Program Assistant, you’ll play a key role in creating meaningful daily experiences for residents and adult day participants. Reporting to the Recreation & Community Partnerships Director and the Adult Day Program Coordinator, you’ll help design and deliver engaging cognitive, social, and physical programs that enhance quality of life.

This is a hands-on, people-focused role ideal for someone who is energetic, compassionate, and adaptable.

What You'll Do:

• Plan and lead recreational programs, group activities, and special events
• Facilitate games, discussions, and exercise classes
• Build meaningful one-on-one connections with participants
• Support residents in attending and engaging in programs
• Assist with volunteer coordination, training, and supervision
• Help create and distribute activity calendars and communications
• Maintain program supplies, equipment, and organized activity spaces
• Collaborate on individualized plans of care and adapt programming to meet changing needs
• Observe and report changes in participant well-being
• Ensure compliance with New York State Department of Health regulations
• Deliver exceptional service with professionalism, empathy, and respect

Schedule Considerations: Full time 40 hrs/wk (Monday-Friday 8:30a-5:00pm typical). Occasional weekends and evenings, as scheduled.

Compensation: $19.00-21.00/hour

Benefits:

ALL employees eligible to participate in EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tax-Deferred Annuity Retirement Plan, and SEP IRA Pension plan (after 3 years of employment).

Employees regularly scheduled to work 20+ hrs/wk are eligible for Leave Sharing and employer-paid Group Life and AD&D.

FT & PT employees regularly scheduled to work 30+ hrs/wk are eligible for paid time off accruals (Sick, Personal, and Vacation), Paid holidays (after 3 months of employment), Tuition Assistance, Ithaca College Courses for Credit, Medical insurance, Health Savings Account, Dental insurance, and Vision Insurance.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• At least 2 years direct experience working with older adults preferred;
• Associate's Degree in recreation, human services, gerontology, or related healthcare field desired;
• Knowledge of leadership, group dynamics, and recreation skills;
• Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and with empathy to build rapport and achieve high quality of service;
• Strong multi-tasking ability with excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
• Ability to establish priorities and work independently or in a group;
• Satisfactory completion of post-offer, pre-employment physical required.