Assistant Recreation Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Lincoln, NE
Service Line: Hillcrest Firethorn
Schedule: Full-Time

Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for a creative and compassionate Recreation Leader to join our team at Hillcrest Firethorn in Lincoln, NE.

Hillcrest Firethorn is a modern post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care community located in Lincoln’s Firethorn neighborhood. The community features private rooms, a hospitality-focused environment, and personalized care designed to help guests recover, remain engaged, and live with dignity and purpose.

At Hillcrest, our mission is simple: Inspiring people to live their best lives. We are looking for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships, creating engaging programs, and helping residents experience connection, purpose, and joy.

As the Recreation Leader, you will help plan, organize, document, and lead therapeutic recreation programs and individualized activities based on each resident’s leisure assessment, abilities, interests, and care needs.

You will create meaningful opportunities for residents to stay active, socialize, enjoy hobbies, and participate in programs that support quality of life.

You will:

• Develop, implement, and lead group and individual recreation programs based on assessed leisure interests.

• Encourage residents to use and maintain their abilities through engaging therapeutic recreation activities.

• Complete initial assessments, MDS documentation, IDT summaries, and care plans as needed.

• Provide 1:1 programming and sensory enrichment programs based on resident assessments.

• Assist residents to and from planned and impromptu recreation programs using safe transport procedures.

• Set up materials for recreation programming and independent activities each day.

• Clean up materials after programs are complete.

• Assist with preparing and scheduling recreation programming, including weekly planning sessions.

• Document resident participation after each group or 1:1 session.

• Work with volunteers by providing direction, positive reinforcement, mentoring, schedule awareness, and relationship building.

• Maintain recreation supplies, including magazines, games, puzzles, and supply closets.

• Assist with shopping for designated recreation supplies as needed.

• Put up and take down holiday decorations in a timely manner while following company guidelines and fire safety code.

• Build positive and professional relationships with residents, families, visitors, volunteers, and team members.

We are looking for someone who is caring, energetic, organized, and able to bring creativity into a rehabilitation and long-term care environment. The right candidate will understand the importance of connection, dignity, and engagement for aging adults.

Ideal candidates will have:

• One year of experience in recreational programming with the aging population or a similar setting preferred.

• Strong interest in therapeutic recreation, engagement, and quality of life.

• Ability to lead group activities and provide individualized resident support.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• A calm, flexible, and professional approach when working with residents, families, and customers who may be upset or under stress.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete required documentation.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while staying organized and positive.

• Comfort using technology and resources efficiently and effectively.

• A music background or ability to play instruments preferred.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Recreation therapy certification preferred.

• Valid driver’s license preferred.

At Hillcrest Firethorn, recreation and engagement are an important part of the resident experience. Meaningful activities help residents maintain abilities, build relationships, stay connected, and enjoy daily moments of purpose.

As a Recreation Leader, your work will directly impact residents’ quality of life. Whether you are leading a group activity, providing 1:1 support, coordinating volunteers, or helping a resident participate in a favorite activity, you will help create a more vibrant and connected community.

• Must be able to speak, read, and write English.

• Must be able to independently lift up to 35 pounds.

• Must be able to perform repetitive sitting, bending, standing, and movement as needed.

• Must be flexible, calm, and professional in stressful situations.

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.

• Must be able to utilize technology and resources efficiently and effectively.

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

• Other duties as assigned.

If you are compassionate, creative, and enjoy helping aging adults stay engaged and connected, we invite you to apply for the Recreation Leader – Hillcrest Firethorn role.

Join Hillcrest Health & Living and help us continue inspiring people to live their best lives through meaningful recreation, connection, and compassionate support.