Sacred Heart University
and the job listing Expires on January 31, 2026
By 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
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
Employee discounts for those pursuing a higher education
Employee recognition program
Opportunities for career advancement
May be eligible for state or federal loan forgiveness programs for work with underserved populations
All offsite programs have a bonus structure
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:
Tuesday: 12:00pm-8:00pm Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm Friday: 10:30am-6:30pm Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 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 department and or organization to immediate supervisor
Professional Development and Training:
Stay current on best practices in physical education and trauma-informed care
Participate in ongoing training and professional development as required by the San Diego Center for Children
Leadership and Mentorship:
Serve as a role model and mentor for other aides, offering guidance, coaching, and feedback
Assist in training new Behavioral and Academic Aides/ RSS on school policies, procedures, and best practices
Facilitate communication between aides and classroom teachers to ensure consistent support for students
Documentation and Communication:
Record and maintain accurate data related to student behavior and academic progress
Communicate regularly with teachers, RSS, BAAs, and administrators regarding student progress and any challenges
Participate in team meetings and provide insights to develop effective student interventions
Maintain accurate and detailed session notes, data collection logs, and progress reports
Submit documentation in compliance with organizational and ethical guidelines
Crisis Intervention:
Respond promptly and effectively to behavioral crises, following school/RTC protocols and utilizing de-escalation strategies
Assist in implementing Safe and Positive Approaches (SPA) techniques when necessary
LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups.
REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstracts and concrete variables.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to run, walk, sit and drive a vehicle. The employee must be able to move and/or lift a child when clinically necessary and must be able to follow a child that AWOLs at walking or running pace. Applying SPA restraint techniques can involve lifting the child, holding the child down in a standing, sitting, or ground level manner, as well separating clients who are acting in an unsafe manner to ensure the safety of the clients and staff. Due to the emotional instability of the clients, the employee may be subject
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
ON THE JOB MANDATORY ONGOING CERTIFICATION TRAINING
Maintain all certifications and licenses required for the role, ensuring they remain current
Complete and stay up-to-date with all mandatory trainings as specified by the San Diego Center for Children, including but not limited to: Residential Counselor Training, Intervention Toolbox, CPR and First Aid Certification S.P.A. Certification, False Claims, HIPAA, Safety, Trauma Informed Care, Annual Block Trainings as assigned. Any trainings assigned
DIVERSITY STATEMENT The San Diego Center for Children is committed to:
Actively recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse staff at all levels of the organization
Ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the development and implementation of policies, practices and services, and that individuals feel empowered to advance our mission within an atmosphere of trust, safety, and respect
Encourage and provide access to professional development in order to deliver equitable and culturally informed services to the population we serve.
Qualifications MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High School diploma or GED
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation and must be 21 years of age or older
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in physical education, psychology, social work, education, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Familiarity with evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, or Positive Youth Development
Experience working with special education populations or youth with behav
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By 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
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
Employee discounts for those pursuing a higher education
Employee recognition program
Opportunities for career advancement
May be eligible for state or federal loan forgiveness programs for work with underserved populations
All offsite programs have a bonus structure
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:
Tuesday: 12:00pm-8:00pm Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm Friday: 10:30am-6:30pm Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 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 department and or organization to immediate supervisor
Professional Development and Training:
Stay current on best practices in physical education and trauma-informed care
Participate in ongoing training and professional development as required by the San Diego Center for Children
Leadership and Mentorship:
Serve as a role model and mentor for other aides, offering guidance, coaching, and feedback
Assist in training new Behavioral and Academic Aides/ RSS on school policies, procedures, and best practices
Facilitate communication between aides and classroom teachers to ensure consistent support for students
Documentation and Communication:
Record and maintain accurate data related to student behavior and academic progress
Communicate regularly with teachers, RSS, BAAs, and administrators regarding student progress and any challenges
Participate in team meetings and provide insights to develop effective student interventions
Maintain accurate and detailed session notes, data collection logs, and progress reports
Submit documentation in compliance with organizational and ethical guidelines
Crisis Intervention:
Respond promptly and effectively to behavioral crises, following school/RTC protocols and utilizing de-escalation strategies
Assist in implementing Safe and Positive Approaches (SPA) techniques when necessary
LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups.
REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstracts and concrete variables.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to run, walk, sit and drive a vehicle. The employee must be able to move and/or lift a child when clinically necessary and must be able to follow a child that AWOLs at walking or running pace. Applying SPA restraint techniques can involve lifting the child, holding the child down in a standing, sitting, or ground level manner, as well separating clients who are acting in an unsafe manner to ensure the safety of the clients and staff. Due to the emotional instability of the clients, the employee may be subject
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
ON THE JOB MANDATORY ONGOING CERTIFICATION TRAINING
Maintain all certifications and licenses required for the role, ensuring they remain current
Complete and stay up-to-date with all mandatory trainings as specified by the San Diego Center for Children, including but not limited to: Residential Counselor Training, Intervention Toolbox, CPR and First Aid Certification S.P.A. Certification, False Claims, HIPAA, Safety, Trauma Informed Care, Annual Block Trainings as assigned. Any trainings assigned
DIVERSITY STATEMENT The San Diego Center for Children is committed to:
Actively recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse staff at all levels of the organization
Ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the development and implementation of policies, practices and services, and that individuals feel empowered to advance our mission within an atmosphere of trust, safety, and respect
Encourage and provide access to professional development in order to deliver equitable and culturally informed services to the population we serve.
Qualifications MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
High School diploma or GED
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation and must be 21 years of age or older
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in physical education, psychology, social work, education, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Familiarity with evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, or Positive Youth Development
Experience working with special education populations or youth with behav
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