Hoyleton Youth and Family Services·Hoyleton, Illinois
Administers residential recreational and vocational programs to promote social skills and physical well-being for youth. Develops individual treatment plans and coordinates work experiences and community activities like the Special Olympics.
The Recreational Activity Therapy Specialist assists with the administration and implementation of the residential recreational and vocational program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Works directly with and supervises residents as they are engaged in a variety of recreational and educational activities designed to promote positive self-esteem, social skills and physical well-being.
Assists in formulating and maintaining an Individual Treatment Plan for each child according to the individual needs related to temperament, personality, energy level, intellectual functioning and social abilities.
In accordance with the Resident’s plan, provides instruction in identified life skills area and provides opportunities for life experiences designed to enhance their potential.
Assists in coaching, attending meetings and representing residential youth in the IIAA and Special Olympics.
Assist with the supervision of the use and maintenance of Activity Therapy Department facilities and equipment.
Assists with the implementation of work experiences of the residents on/off campus and the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program; provides support to participants, setting up interviews, coordinating transportation and maintaining contact with employers.
Report incidents or behavior problems to the Program Manager.
Submit Medicaid documentation as required.
Assisting with a physical restraint may be required to ensure personal safety of both clients and staff.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Must possess and retain a valid Illinois driver’s license and provide proof of insurance. The personal characteristics and experiential background that support the delivery of appropriate care for children, win respect, guide development, and participate in the overall treatment program designed for the clients served. The temperament suited to working with and caring for children with special needs as appropriate. Basic skills in first aid and the identification of medical needs.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or other relevant human services field preferred. Qualifications as a Mental Health Professional by Illinois Medicaid Rule 132 preferred. One (1) years of experience in residential care or related human services field preferred.
CARE & TCI
Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed.
Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance.
Pass the written test annually Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role) Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.
This position operates in a residential & community-based environment and may require travel to agency sites, client locations, and partner organizations based on role responsibilities.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, which may include walking, standing, client restraints, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds as required by job duties.
Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities.
Medical insurance with company funded Health Savings Account (HSA) Dental and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick, and personal days 10 company holidays and 1 floating holiday Monthly cell phone reimbursement 6 weeks paid parental leave 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match Employer-paid life insurance Optional supplemental benefits including: voluntary life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and their household members for additional support Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued learning and growth BenefitHub Perks Program offering valuable employee discounts
Market context
In Illinois, Recreational Activity Therapy Specialist roles are typically tied to settings serving children with special needs, so demand often reflects the need for staff who can support structured therapeutic activities and daily routines. These positions are competitive because employers often prefer candidates with a Therapeutic Recreation background and residential care experience, along with a valid Illinois driver’s license. If you are considering applying, compare how closely your experience matches the child-focused setting and note that the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting, which can save research time.