Recreation Specialist

The Mission of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults is to enable each person who is DeafBlind to live and work in his or her community of choice. Authorized by an Act of Congress in 1967, HKNC is the only organization of its kind—providing training and resources exclusively to people age 16 and over who have combined vision and hearing loss. Students travel from across the country to our headquarters in Sands Point, New York, for on-campus training in assistive technology, vocational services, orientation and mobility, communication and independent living, and our regional offices bring HKNC resources to communities throughout the United States. Employment at HKNC is a "one-of-a-kind" experience and at HKNC, we seek employees who have a strong work ethic, strive for excellence, enjoy a challenge, and are highly motivated and creative.

We currently have an exciting career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Recreation Specialist in our Residential facility in Sands Point, NY. The Recreation Specialist is responsible for offering recreation and leisure opportunities to the consumers residing in the residence as well as support in the areas of socialization, communication and personal management.

Pay Rate

$26.89/hour

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Meets with new consumers to learn about their preferred activities and those they wish to explore.
• Based on the consumers’ vocational goals and leisure profile, develop a recreation plan to meet the consumers’ training goals.
• Where possible, develops individualized recreational/leisure programs jointly with each consumer.
• Meets with the medical department to co-develop fitness programs for those consumers requesting this.
• Supports consumers in the gym during training building and residence hours.
• Assumes a leadership role in organizing activities to commemorate special events and holidays.
• Accompanies and serves as a guide and/or communication facilitator for consumers and professional staff members, when assigned. To accomplish this, it may be required to use personal vehicle on occasion.

• REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in or related to recreation programming.
• Two years of experience in work with blind, deaf, DeafBlind or severely disabled individuals.
• Must possess a clean, valid New York state driver’s license.
• Possesses or have an ability to develop conversational ASL skills.

• PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Three or more years’ experience working with people with disabilities or the DeafBlind community.

Position benefits

• At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:
• 4 weeks' Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Fully Paid Medical Insurance
• Short Term Disability/ Life Insurance
• Voluntary Ancillary plans
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance program
• Career Advancement Opportunities

*Candidates have the option to accept the position No-Frills. No-frills positions receive an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate of pay, but do not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan. Individuals seeking a No-frills position must show they have alternative insurance to be eligible.

Apply today or contact Human Resources for more information