Recreation and Community Engagement Assistant

Help People Find Their People, Discover New Interests, and Enjoy More of Life

Great experiences start with someone who makes everyone feel welcome.

The Arc of Ocean County is looking for enthusiastic, dependable individuals to join our Recreation team as Part-Time Recreation Assistants. You'll help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities take part in social activities, explore new interests, enjoy community events, and build connections through experiences that make their free time more meaningful.

From fitness classes and cooking groups to dances, seasonal celebrations, and community outings, you'll help bring recreational opportunities to life. You'll encourage participation, support individual choices, and help create an atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and enjoy themselves.

If you enjoy working with people, trying different activities, and bringing positive energy to a team, this flexible part-time role offers a rewarding way to gain human services experience while helping others stay active and connected.

Your Schedule and Pay

• Employment Type: Part-Time
• Schedule: Flexible evening and weekend hours based on program needs
• Weekend Availability: Weekend daytime availability required
• Pay: $20.70–$24.70 per hour
• Pay Schedule: Bi-weekly

What You'll Help Bring to Life

Make Activities Inviting and Enjoyable

• Support individuals as they participate in recreational programs, social gatherings, and activities throughout Ocean County.
• Help facilitate fitness classes, arts and crafts, cooking groups, dances, seasonal celebrations, volunteer activities, and other recreational experiences.
• Encourage participants to explore new activities and find experiences that reflect their personal interests and preferences.
• Celebrate individual accomplishments and help make each activity engaging, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Open Doors to Community Experiences

• Accompany individuals on recreational outings, community events, and other activities outside the program.
• Encourage participants to develop confidence and independence as they engage with their communities.
• Safely transport participants in agency vehicles when assigned.
• Help individuals pursue personal and recreational goals through participation, guidance, and positive encouragement.

Build Connections and Encourage Inclusion

• Create opportunities for participants to socialize, start conversations, and develop friendships.
• Demonstrate respectful, supportive behavior that encourages positive interactions.
• Provide patient, person-centered assistance while honoring individual preferences and choices.
• Help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected, included, and comfortable participating.

Support Successful Programs and Events

• Provide appropriate supervision and assistance during recreational programs, special events, and community outings.
• Prepare activity spaces and assist with event setup and other recreation program requirements.
• Help maintain activity areas that are safe, organized, and welcoming.
• Share information about participant achievements, needs, and concerns with supervisors and recreation team members.
• Work alongside fellow Recreation Assistants and contribute ideas for new activities or expanded recreational opportunities.

More Than Activities—A Chance to Make a Difference

A recreational experience can be the beginning of something bigger. It might help someone develop a friendship, feel more confident in a public setting, discover a new hobby, or make independent choices about how to spend their time.

As a member of The Arc of Ocean County's Recreation team, you'll help create opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in experiences they enjoy and feel more connected to the people and places around them.

You'll also have the chance to take part in a diverse range of programs and events while building valuable experience in a supportive team environment.

What You'll Gain From Joining Our Team

• Flexible Part-Time Schedule
• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Valuable Human Services Experience
• Supportive Team Environment
• Opportunities for Future Career Growth Within The Arc of Ocean County

Requirements

Qualifications for the Role

We're seeking outgoing, reliable individuals who enjoy working with others and can contribute enthusiasm and professionalism to recreational and community-based activities.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid New Jersey driver's license in good standing with no more than five (5) motor vehicle points.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Demonstrated employment stability, including at least one (1) year with a previous employer, is preferred.

Benefits

Part-Time Benefits and Development

• Flexible Part-Time Schedule
• Paid On-the-Job Training
• Opportunities for Professional and Career Development

Help Create Experiences People Look Forward To

Bring your enthusiasm, dependability, and willingness to get involved to The Arc of Ocean County's Recreation team. As a Recreation and Community Engagement Assistant, you'll help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover interests, build friendships, explore their communities, and make the most of their free time—one memorable experience at a time.