Recreation Assistant (Weekends)

As a Recreation Assistant (Weekends) at The Arc of Ocean County, your key responsibilities include facilitating recreational activities like dances, fitness clubs, and arts & crafts while providing support during group outings and social events. You will be responsible for ensuring the safety and engagement of participants and serve as a positive role model. Additionally, you'll assist with transportation using agency vehicles, playing a crucial role in the participants' ability to access community activities.

To apply for the Recreation Assistant (Weekends) position at The Arc of Ocean County, you must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid NJ driver’s license with no more than five points. You should have a High School Diploma or GED and ideally, a year of experience working with individuals with disabilities. This combination of qualifications will help you thrive in our community-driven environment.

Recreation Assistants at The Arc of Ocean County plan a diverse range of activities that are diverse and inclusive. These include social events like dances, fitness clubs to promote physical wellness, creativity-focused arts & crafts, and cooking clubs that foster practical skills. Outings and small group trips are also a staple, enabling participants to engage with their community, setting the stage for meaningful social interactions.

The work schedule for the Recreation Assistant (Weekends) position at The Arc of Ocean County is flexible and primarily requires weekend days. The hours may vary based on the needs of the program and the activities planned, giving you a dynamic work environment while ensuring that you can plan around your commitments.

As a Recreation Assistant (Weekends) at The Arc of Ocean County, you can expect to earn between $19.60 to $23.60 per hour. This position follows a bi-weekly pay schedule, allowing for consistent financial planning while you engage in rewarding work that positively impacts our community.

When answering this question, share your passion for inclusivity and your desire to support individuals with disabilities. Highlight experiences where you've developed social skills or facilitated engaging activities, showing your understanding of the importance of recreation in enhancing quality of life.

In your response, illustrate your ability to adapt your approach when engaging with different individuals. Share specifics about the context, what challenges you faced, and how you fostered an inclusive environment that catered to the strengths and needs of all participants.

Explain your approach clearly, focusing on maintaining a calm demeanor. Discuss how you would assess the situation, engage the participant positively, and redirect their behavior without affecting the enjoyment of others, demonstrating your skills in conflict resolution and empathy.

Discuss techniques such as pairing participants for activities, using icebreaker games, or facilitating group discussions. Emphasize your understanding of relationship-building and creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and encouraged to participate.

Talk about how you would assess participant interests and safety, set clear objectives for each activity, and ensure necessary supplies and logistics are in place. Mention the importance of adaptability and soliciting feedback for continuous improvement.

Outline your approach to ensuring safety, including conducting a thorough risk assessment, maintaining accurate headcounts, and maintaining communication with your team and participants. Stress your proactive approach to identifying potential hazards and ensuring a supportive environment for everyone.

Share insights on the therapeutic benefits of recreation, including improved social skills, enhanced self-esteem, and increased community integration. Illustrate your understanding of how meaningful activities contribute to overall well-being and personal development.

Demonstrate your creativity and flexibility by discussing how you would tailor activities for different abilities, whether through modified rules, additional support, or varying activity intensity. Emphasize your commitment to inclusiveness and participant engagement.

Think of a specific event you organized or contributed to and share details about planning, executing, and participant feedback. Highlight what made the event successful and what you learned from the experience in terms of teamwork and participant engagement.

Talk about key traits such as patience, empathy, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Emphasize your belief in the importance of creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for participants to thrive in recreational settings.