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Recreation Assistant

San Diego Center for Children
San Diego, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 12 Jun 2026
💰 $40,000/yr

About the role

Job DetailsJob Location: Main Campus - San Diego, CA 92111Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $20.25 - $20.50 HourlyJob Category: Clinical - TherapeuticBy joining the San Diego Center for Children, you will empower children and families through transformative mental health care and educational services. Our vision is to inspire a world where children and families live joyful, healthy lives. We serve over 1,000 people every day - are you ready to make an impact?

 

Join us - and work with purpose!

 

POSITION BENEFITS

Team-oriented, multidisciplinary approach
Ongoing, high-level learning and development opportunities
Culturally diverse environment
Joint Commission Accredited Organization
Comprehensive Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, pet)
Retirement savings plan: 403(b) - with employer match up to 3%
Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
Wellness programs
EAP - Employee Assistance Program
Tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education
Employee discounts
Employee recognition program
Opportunities for career advancement
May be eligible for state or federal loan forgiveness programs for work with underserved populations

 

SUMMARY

The Recreation Assistant is responsible for designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate physical education curriculum that promotes physical fitness, social skills, and overall well-being for students at the San Diego Center for Children Residential Programs. This position supports students/youth with diverse needs, including emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges, by incorporating trauma-informed and inclusive practices into PE instruction. The position may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

 

Available Shift Schedule:

Tuesday: 12:00pm-8:00pm

Wednesday: 11:00am-7:00pm

Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm

Friday: 12:30pm-8:30pm

Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other Duties May Be Assigned)

Curriculum Development and Implementation:

Develop and deliver a structured PE program/recreation activities that aligns with state/program standards and the individual needs of students/youth
Incorporate activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and positive social interactions
Adapt lesson plans to accommodate students with physical, emotional, or behavioral challenges

Student/Youth Engagement and Instruction:

Provide direct instruction in physical education, health, and wellness
Foster an inclusive environment where all students can participate and feel successful
Implement strategies to de-escalate conflicts and manage behaviors in a supportive and trauma-informed manner

Collaboration and Communication:

Work closely with classroom teachers, therapists, and other staff to integrate physical education  goals into students overall learning plans
Provide input for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and attend related meetings as needed
Maintain clear and consistent communication with students, parents, and staff regarding progress and expectations
Provides information/input related to treatment planning, consults with mental health therapist and clinical team as appropriate regarding youth needs and involvement in recreation program

Safety and Supervision:

Ensure all PE activities are conducted in a safe manner, with appropriate supervision and equipment
Provide first aid or emergency care as needed and adhere to the organization's safety protocols
San Diego Center for Children may redeploy staff as needed to ensure operational needs are meet for the safety of our organization, youth, and staff
This position requires driving the students/youth

Residential Responsibilities:

During school breaks or after school hours the Recreation Assistant will provide recreation support for Residential Programs
Assist with planning, organizing, implementing, and documenting recreation activities
Assists in the assessment of clients' recreational needs
Assist the Recreation Manager in developing/modifying the recreation program
Implement activity programming according to schedule. Assist consultants and volunteers as needed
Acts as liaison with counselors and SDCC Academy Staff. Communicates on an ongoing basis to determine the most appropriate activity program consistent with client/student needs
Maintains recreation equipment in good working order. Notifies Supervisor of need for repair
Maintains orderliness of supplies and facilities. Inform supervisor of supplies needed on a monthly basis
Provides information/input related to treatment planning, consults with Program Therapist as appropriate regarding clients/Student needs and involvement in the recreation program
Maintain knowledge of counselor responsibilities and duties, along with training
Perform special projects, assignments, and other related duties as required
Immediately reports any unsafe acts, conditions or accidents in their de

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Company

San Diego Center for Children

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