Director of Recreation at Ryders Health Management – Newington, Connecticut

$26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Bachelors

Job Type : Full Time

DESCRIPTION

Director of Recreation – (TRD) Therapeutic Recreation Director – Full-Time

LOCATION:
256 New Britian Ave

Newington, CT, 06111

POSITION TYPE:
Full-Time

SHIFT(S):
8am-4pm

PAY RANGE:
$26 - $28 Salary

BENEFITS – Full-Time:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (for employee ± dependents)

• 401(k) retirement plan (with employer match or contribution)

• Employer-Paid Life Insurance

• Short- and Long-Term Disability (as applicable)

• Paid Meal Period

• Paid Time Off (PTO) — vacation, personal days, sick time

• 8 Paid Holidays

• Holiday and Overtime Pay (as per facility policy)

• Shift Differential for Weekend, Evening & Night Shifts

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Discounts

• Paid Training and Orientation

• Uniform Allowance

• Longevity Awards

JOB SUMMARY:
Are you a compassionate and dedicated Director of Recreation, (TRD) ready for full-time work and eager to make a real difference in residents’ lives? We are seeking a full-time Director of Recreation who is committed to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of our residents through engaging, meaningful activities and supportive interaction. You will assist in planning, organizing, implementing, and leading recreational programs and events aligned with resident interests and needs, as well as support daily activities that encourage social, physical, intellectual, and emotional engagement. At Ryders Health, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional support in a caring, collaborative environment where every day offers opportunities to enrich the lives of others. If you enjoy working with people, being part of a dedicated healthcare team, and bringing joy through recreation, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, organize, develop, and direct a comprehensive therapeutic recreation program that addresses the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of residents in accordance with current federal and Connecticut state regulations.

• Oversee the implementation of meaningful recreational, social, and therapeutic activities that promote resident engagement, independence, and overall quality of life.

• Conduct and/or supervise resident assessments to identify interests, strengths, limitations, and needs; develop, implement, and update individualized therapeutic recreation care plans as part of the interdisciplinary plan of care.

• Provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to recreation staff, including scheduling, training, performance evaluation, and daily support of team members.

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including maintaining monthly activity calendars, daily participation records, and documentation for each resident as required by the State of Connecticut.

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team (nursing, social services, therapy, dietary, etc.) to ensure recreation services are integrated into overall resident care and treatment goals.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of recreation programs and modify services as needed to meet changing resident needs and preferences.

• Develop and maintain a variety of group and individualized programs, including activities for residents who are room-bound, cognitively impaired, or have specialized needs.

• Ensure a safe, therapeutic, and inclusive environment during all activities, adhering to infection control, safety standards, and risk management practices.

• Communicate regularly with residents, families, and staff regarding activity programming, resident participation, and care plan updates.

• Manage department operations including budgeting, supply management, equipment maintenance, and coordination of community resources, volunteers, and special events.

• Promote resident rights, dignity, choice, and independence through person-centered programming and encouragement of participation.

• Coordinate and oversee special events, holiday programs, and community outings to enhance resident engagement and socialization.

• Provide ongoing staff education and in-service training related to therapeutic recreation, dementia care, behavior management, and activity programming.

• Maintain required reports, audits, and quality assurance data; participate in surveys, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission of the facility and enhance resident quality of life.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree or higher in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field (e.g., recreation, social work, psychology, healthcare, education, or human services) required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

•Must meet minimum qualifications for Therapeutic Recreation Director in accordance with Connecticut state regulations, including appropriate education and/or experience in a healthcare setting.

• Minimum of one (1) year experience in therapeutic recreation or activities programming in a healthcare or long-term care setting preferred; prior supervisory or management experience strongly preferred.

• Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or eligibility for certification preferred but not required.

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to supervise staff, manage programs, and coordinate multiple responsibilities.

•Knowledge of federal and Connecticut state regulations related to long-term care, including documentation, care planning, and resident rights.

•Ability to assess resident needs and develop individualized, person-centered recreation programs in coordination with the interdisciplinary team.

•Physical stamina and ability to participate in and oversee recreational activities, including standing, walking, bending, lifting up to approximately 40 lbs, and assisting residents as needed.

• Comfortable working in a long-term care or healthcare environment with medically complex and cognitively impaired populations.

•Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and uphold facility safety, infection control, and compliance standards.

•Strong documentation and computer skills for maintaining care plans, participation records, and department reports.

•Creativity, patience, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents.

ABOUT US:
Ryders Health Management is a family-owned management company overseeing Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers. Across all our centers, we provide exceptional, patient-centered care designed to support each resident’s individual recovery or long-term care needs. Our commitment to our staff is as strong as our commitment to our residents. We offer a supportive work environment and opportunities for growth and development.

OUR CARING COMMUNITY:
Belair Manor is a 71-beds, family-owned skilled nursing facility located in 256 New Britian Ave, Newington, CT, 06111. As part of the Ryders Health family, you’ll join a team backed by over 75 years of experience — rooted in quality care, teamwork, and staffing ratios that exceed industry standards.

Come join our compassionate, dedicated team of professionals!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.