Position: Recreation Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: LECOM at Village Square, 149 W 22nd St, Erie, Pennsylvania
Department: Recreation / Activities
Reports To: Nursing Home Administrator

Position Summary

LECOM at Village Square, part of the LECOM Institute for Successful Living, is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and highly organized Recreation Manager to lead and coordinate engaging recreational, social, educational, and wellness activities for residents. The successful candidate will be dedicated to enhancing residents’ quality of life by promoting independence, social interaction, personal interests, and meaningful daily experiences.

The Recreation Manager will develop and oversee a comprehensive activity program that supports residents’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. This individual will foster a welcoming, inclusive, and stimulating environment while ensuring that activities reflect residents’ individual preferences, abilities, and needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Development: Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate a diverse calendar of recreational, social, educational, cultural, and leisure activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
• Resident Engagement: Encourage participation, build positive relationships with residents, and create opportunities for meaningful social connections and community involvement.
• Individualized Programming: Assess residents’ interests, preferences, and capabilities to develop appropriate individual and group activities that promote engagement, dignity, and independence.
• Special Events: Coordinate holiday celebrations, themed events, entertainment, outings, guest presentations, and other special programs.
• Staff and Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise recreation staff and volunteers, as applicable, to support effective program delivery.
• Community Partnerships: Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations, entertainers, educational institutions, and other resources to expand recreational opportunities.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate activity calendars, attendance records, participation documentation, and program evaluations in accordance with applicable organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Budget and Resource Management: Assist with planning and monitoring the recreation budget, purchasing supplies, and managing program resources responsibly.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work collaboratively with administration, nursing, rehabilitation, social services, and other departments to support residents’ overall well-being and individualized needs.
• Safety and Accessibility: Ensure activities are conducted in a safe, organized, and accessible manner, with appropriate adaptations for residents’ physical and cognitive abilities.
• Continuous Improvement: Solicit resident and family feedback, monitor participation, and continually identify opportunities to improve programming and resident satisfaction.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management, Gerontology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant experience in recreation programming, activities coordination, senior living, healthcare, rehabilitation, or a comparable service-oriented environment.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement creative, engaging, and inclusive recreational programs.
• Ability to work effectively with older adults and individuals with varying physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• Proficiency in maintaining records, preparing activity calendars, and managing multiple priorities.
• Basic computer skills, including email, word processing, and calendar preparation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed for special programs and events.
• Successful completion of applicable employment screenings and other requirements established by the organization.

Preferred Attributes

The ideal candidate will be:

• Creative, enthusiastic, and passionate about enriching the lives of others.
• Patient, empathetic, respectful, and committed to person-centered care.
• A confident leader who can motivate staff, volunteers, and residents.
• Resourceful and adaptable, with the ability to develop engaging activities within available resources.
• A strong team player who demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects residents’ individual preferences, backgrounds, abilities, and personal dignity.

Work Environment

The Recreation Manager will work in a residential living environment, coordinating activities in common areas, designated recreation spaces, and, when appropriate, off-site community locations. The role requires regular interaction with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

The position may involve standing, walking, assisting with activity setup, and moving recreational supplies or equipment, with reasonable accommodations provided in accordance with applicable law.

What We Offer

LECOM’s full time employees enjoy the availability of an industry leading benefits package including:

• Highmark BC/BS Medical Insurance with employee-only coverage costing only $100/ month!
• Full Family Medical Insurance is only $370/month!
• Employees with LECOM Medical Insurance can take advantage of waived co-pays and deductibles at LECOM physicians and Millcreek Community Hospital.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Matching of 100% after completing one year of service
• Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance is provided to all Full Time employees at no cost!
• Paid time off accruals – vacation and sick
• 6 paid holidays each calendar year
• Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance is provided to all Full Time employees at no cost!
• Employee referral program
• Employee appreciation/recognition events
• Employee assistance program
• Up to $200/month for Childcare costs

Join Our Team

If you are a motivated and compassionate professional who believes that recreation, connection, and meaningful engagement are essential to quality of life, we encourage you to apply for the Recreation Manager position at LECOM at Village Square.

LECOM at Village Square and the LECOM Institute for Successful Living are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive environment and are equal opportunity employers, consistent with applicable law.