1

Recreation Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Recreation Therapist will design and facilitate programs that address participants' physical ... Support virtual programing on the virtual center for active adults. * Plan and coordinate field ...

Recreation Aide - Lansdowne Heights

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $16.25/hr

Recreation Aide Are you Looking for career that you can have fun and make a difference? Your work ... Responsibilities include leading daily programing and providing compassionate support. The ideal ...

Newport News has an on-site certified school, therapists, and vocational programming. Newport News ... Specialized recreation therapy techniques are used to meet the physical, social, emotional ...

Essential Functions: 1. To develop recreation/activity programming for all residents at Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center. 2. To plan and implement therapeutic groups and programs to meet ...

Essential Functions : 1. To develop recreation/activity programming for all residents at Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center. 2. To plan and implement therapeutic groups and programs to meet ...

Recreation Therapist (CTRS)

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$54K - $57K/yr

Newport News has an on-site certified school, therapists, and vocational programming. Newport News ... Specialized recreation therapy techniques are used to meet the physical, social, emotional ...

Showing results 41-60

Recreation Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$23

$33

How much do recreation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation programmer in Virginia is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Programmer, you need a background in recreation management or a related field, along with experience in planning and coordinating recreational programs. Familiarity with scheduling software, registration systems, and sometimes certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and organizational skills enable effective engagement with diverse groups and the ability to design appealing activities. These competencies ensure programs run smoothly, meet community needs, and foster positive participant experiences.

What are some common challenges recreation programmers face when organizing community programs?

Recreation Programmers often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse community interests, managing limited resources, and adapting to last-minute changes in participant numbers or facility availability. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for coordinating with instructors, volunteers, and other departments. Staying flexible and proactive helps ensure programs run smoothly and meet the needs of all participants.

What is a recreation programmer?

Recreation Programmers are professionals who plan, organize, and implement recreational activities and programs for community centers, parks, schools, or private organizations. They design schedules, coordinate resources, and oversee events such as sports leagues, arts and crafts classes, fitness programs, and special community events. Recreation Programmers work to ensure that programs are safe, inclusive, and engaging for participants of all ages. They also often handle administrative tasks like budgeting, marketing, and evaluating program effectiveness.

What is the difference between Recreation Programmer vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation ProgrammerRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsCPR certification, relevant degrees in recreation or leisure studiesCPR certification, relevant degrees in recreation or leisure studies
Work EnvironmentDesigns and implements recreational programs, often in community centers or parksOversees program operations, manages staff, and coordinates activities in similar settings
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks, community centers, recreational facilitiesMunicipalities, community organizations, recreational agencies

Recreation Programmers focus on developing and implementing recreational activities, while Recreation Coordinators manage program operations and staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work in community-based environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Programmer jobs in Virginia? For Recreation Programmer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Recreation Programmer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Recreation Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,333 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Recreation Therapist

ServiceSource, Inc.

Oakton, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Make an impact by joining ServiceSource, a champion for people with disabilities. Explore new opportunities! ServiceSource is an organization of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and strengthen communities.

We are seeking a compassionate and innovative Recreation Therapist to join our team in delivering high-quality Therapeutic Recreation services within a senior center setting. This role works collaboratively with a Social Worker as part of an interdisciplinary team to support participants' overall well-being.

This position is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of adapted recreation programs that promote social inclusion, wellness, and quality of life for older adults. The Recreation Therapist will design and facilitate programs that address participants' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs, fostering meaningful engagement and community connection.

Work Locations:

  • Kingstowne Center for Active Adults - 7130 Silver Lake Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22315
  • Lorton Senior Center - 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079

Primary Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These duties and responsibilities will be rated on the Annual Performance Review.

  • Adapt activities to enable seniors to participate in activities of their choice.
  • Serve on interdisciplinary teams to assure access to activities.
  • Support participants and families to facilitate movement across the continuum of care.
  • Lead and support a variety of adapted activities.
  • Work in close collaboration with the senior center staff to promote an inclusive environment.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership in the participant's initial assessment, plan, and goals.
  • Develop and adapt activities to support the participant in achieving goals as identified by the individual and his/her team. Serve as member of interdisciplinary teams.
  • Support participants, families, and staff for transitions along the continuum of care.
  • Create special and regular recreational and therapeutic activities utilizing staff and community resources and present to the Senior Services Director for approval, as required. Coordinate calendar of activities in cooperation with senior center staff.
  • Lead individual and group recreation therapy sessions. Support participant health and wellness.
  • Adapt senior center programs as needed to support full inclusion.
  • Support virtual programing on the virtual center for active adults.
  • Plan and coordinate field trips. Accompany participants on field trips.
  • Maintain appropriate reports on participant assessment, behavioral changes, progression and/or regression. Document in participant chart any significant event.
  • Maintain a pleasant, stimulating, secure setting for participants. Provide coverage at other senior centers.
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: Education, Experience, and Certification(s)

  • Required: Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field and a minimum 2 years' related experience working with older adults and/or people with disabilities.
  • Required: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), or eligibility to obtain certification within the first year of employment.
  • Required: Valid driver's license and/or access to reliable transportation to perform work-related travel. Drivers must maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Relate well to older adults and people with disabilities.
  • Must be committed to a social inclusion model.
  • Ability to work with cross agency teams.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to become familiar with corporate specific programs and software.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and able to carry out work with the highest levels of accuracy.

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; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit. The employee may occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this 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 to quiet.

What We Offer - for Benefit Eligible Employees May Include:

Because ServiceSource hires the best people, we work hard to provide benefits that make their lives better, so we offer a comprehensive benefit program which features:

  • Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.

  • Financial protection with 100% company paid Disability, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.

  • A 403(b)-Retirement plan in which the company matches dollar for dollar on a generous percentage matching up to 3% of your contribution.

  • Tax advantages through Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

  • To help you manage your work and life needs, we offer an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program, and Tuition Assistance.

  • A generous paid time-off program in which the benefits increase based on your tenure with the company.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to a person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and transgender status), national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are an E-Verify Employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment background checks are required for all employment positions.

PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY STATEMENT:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information