Recreation Therapist/Program Manager

Are you passionate about using recreation and therapeutic programming to enhance quality of life for the individuals you serve? Shore Community Services is seeking a dedicated Recreation Therapist/Program Manager to join our Community Day Services team, supporting participants across two dynamic program sites. This role combines hands-on group facilitation with program management responsibilities, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through structured, purposeful recreation programming.

Job Summary

The Recreation Therapist/Program Manager will lead group facilitation and therapeutic recreation programming at two sites in Morton Grove and Skokie, IL. This position requires flexibility to travel between both Community Day Services locations based on scheduling needs, census levels, staffing requirements, and program cycles. The successful candidate will report to the Senior Director,  and plays a key role in delivering high-quality, person-centered recreational programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate therapeutic recreation groups and activities, ensuring programming aligns with participant goals and organizational standards
• Coordinate and manage program operations across sites according to schedules established by the Senior Director
• Travel between program sites during the workday as required to meet operational and participant needs
• Design and implement individualized and group recreation therapy plans that support participant development and well-being
• Collaborate with the Senior Director and interdisciplinary team members to adjust site assignments and program allocation based on census, staffing levels, and plan cycles
• Monitor and document participant progress, updating recreation therapy plans as needed to reflect changing needs
• Supervise and support program staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery at both locations
• Maintain compliance with all relevant program standards, safety protocols, and documentation requirements across both sites
• Provides QIDP coverage at either site during staff absence,vacancy,leave or periods of concentrated planning and annual reveiw activity as assigned by the Senior Director

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related field
• State of Illinois QIDP.  Candidates must be QIDP-eligible at hire and obtain QIDP certification within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Mid-level experience in recreation therapy, program coordination, or a related human services role
• Demonstrated experience facilitating group activities and programming for diverse populations
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple sites
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel between program locations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Minimum two years of supervision experience
• Sits,walks, bends, lifts up to 50 pounds,pushes

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential
• Prior experience in a program management or supervisory capacity
• Experience working within community day services or similar day program settings
• Familiarity with person-centered planning approaches

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in developing and documenting individualized recreation therapy plans
• Skilled in group facilitation techniques for varied participant needs and abilities
• Working knowledge of applicable program compliance and safety standards
• Competent in using standard office and documentation software for record-keeping and reporting
• Strong skills in staff coordination and cross-site program management

Application Information

If you are a motivated Recreation Therapist/Program Manager looking to bring your expertise in therapeutic recreation to a role with meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. This position is based in the Skokie and Morton Grove area and requires the ability to work on-site across two Community Day Services program locations. This is a mid-level opportunity with a salary range of $65,000 to $68,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.