The Recreational / Activities Coordinator for the Social Adult Day Program is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading therapeutic recreational activities that promote cognitive stimulation, socialization, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
The Social Adult Day Program provides a safe, structured, and engaging environment for adults with memory loss and related cognitive impairments.
Responsibilities
Program Planning & Implementation
- Develop and implement daily and monthly activity schedules tailored to participants with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- Design activities that support cognitive function, physical movement, social engagement, and emotional expression.
- Adapt activities to meet varying cognitive and physical abilities.
- Incorporate person-centered approaches based on participants’ interests, cultural background, and life history.
Activity Facilitation
- Lead individual and group activities such as: music and movement; art and creative expression; reminiscence and sensory-based activities; and games, storytelling, and light exercise.
- Encourage participation while respecting participants’ comfort levels and abilities.
- Provide redirection and support for participants experiencing confusion, anxiety, or behavioral changes.
Memory Care Support
- Demonstrate understanding of dementia-related behaviors and apply appropriate engagement techniques.
- Use validation, cueing, and redirection strategies to support positive experiences.
- Maintain a calm, structured, and reassuring environment during activities.
Program Operations
- Track attendance, participation, and engagement in activities.
- Order and maintain supplies and equipment.
- Enter participant information into agency systems (Peer Place and Salesforce).
- Attend required trainings, meetings, and professional development sessions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Program Coordination & Client Support
- Assist with inquiry calls, referrals, and participant admissions.
- Ensure smooth transitions for new participants and establish discharge plans in collaboration with families.
Physical Requirements
May encounter prolonged standing, walking, lifting supplies, stooping, and bending.
Working Conditions/Environment
Office setting may include occasional home visits or out of office meetings.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field. CTRS preferred but not required.
- Experience working with the elderly.
- Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Experience working in an adult day services program or mental health institution setting.
- Bilingual Spanish preferred.
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Program Director
Salary Range: $42,000 to $45,000 (30 hours per week)
SCS offers an Excellent Benefits Package:
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Flexible spending account and transit checks
- Employee Assistance Program
- 20 days of paid vacation and 12 paid sick days per year
- 10 paid holidays
- Six personal/floating days
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
How to Apply
If you would like to join our team, please forward a cover letter and resume to Melissa Vitale Cicio, HR Director, at Mvitale@scsny.org. Please indicate “Recreational /Activities Coordinator” in the email subject line.
All positions at Sunnyside Community Services are filled without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy-related condition or lactation, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/ sex offenses, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration or citizenship status, prior arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, pre-employment marijuana testing, union affiliation/activity, or for reporting or opposing discrimination on these bases or for reporting or opposing violations of workplace health and safety, pay equity or practices, or for participating in any internal investigation or any legally protected status listed in the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). All are encouraged to apply.
Sunnyside Community Services strives to address, explore, and educate all our stakeholders about the diversity of human experience and to advance and integrate racial equity and social justice into all organizational policies and programs. We believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization, should feel equally involved and supported.
Sunnyside Community Services represents a commitment to considering the whole person and how systemic barriers and access to opportunities can affect their well-being.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer