Program Associate

*Job Title: *Program Associate (Part-Time) – Recreation & Disability Services (Direct Support Professional) *Reports To: *Program Manager *Schedule: *Part-time, flexible schedule — nights and weekends *Salary: *$25 per hour *Location: *Various locations throughout Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland Counties *Why Join Us:* If you're the person who already knows which Pokémon to pick for a raid, has strong opinions about the latest Marvel movie, keeps up with Roblox updates, or never misses a big game, we want to meet you. Our Program Associates bring their own interests into the room — game nights, movie marathons, sports watch parties, trivia, and everything in between — to create recreational programming that participants genuinely look forward to. This is a flexible, part-time role that fits around a school schedule or another job, pays well for evening and weekend hours, and puts your pop-culture knowledge to good use. We provide hands-on training, so if you have the right energy and heart for this work, we'll help you build the rest. We care more about who you are than what's on your resume: enthusiasm, reliability, and genuine kindness matter most here. *Job Overview:* In this role, you'll play a vital part in creating enjoyable and meaningful experiences for participants through a variety of recreational activities — including bowling, tennis, art, movie and game nights, sports viewing parties, and weekend trips. Your commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of participants will have a positive impact on their physical and emotional health. This position is also considered a Direct Support Professional (DSP) role, and offers excellent experience for graduate students studying special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or recreational therapy — a valuable opportunity to build a resume while gaining hands-on skills. It's also a great way to earn additional income outside the typical 9-5, while having fun and creating meaningful experiences for people with disabilities. While our programs are lively and fun, this is a role of real responsibility — families entrust us with their loved ones, and we hold every team member to a high standard of professionalism, safety, and care in every interaction. *Key Responsibilities:* *Program Delivery* · Provide hands-on support and guidance during a variety of recreational activities, such as bowling, tennis, golf, weekend trips, movie nights, gaming tournaments, and other programs. · Bring your own interests — video games, Pokémon, Roblox, sports, movies, and more — into program planning to create activities participants are excited about. · Facilitate a variety of pre-planned activities that meet the needs of participants at each program. · Offer support as participants work toward achieving recreational and therapeutic milestones, fostering personal growth and self-confidence. *Safety & Documentation* · Ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of participants, prioritizing safety in every interaction. · Maintain thorough and accurate records to track participant attendance and dismissal. *Collaboration & Support* · Work closely with the team to facilitate engaging recreational activities that promote participants' physical and emotional well-being. · Provide support to the Program Coordinator and other team members as needed. · Support the organization's overall strategic plan. *Qualifications:* We're looking for someone enthusiastic, reliable, and genuinely into the kinds of things our participants love — gaming, movies, sports, and pop culture — first and foremost. A specific degree or certification is not required. What matters most is a fun, patient energy and a consistently kind, respectful approach to every participant. We provide hands-on training, and our team is hands-on in supporting you as you grow into the role. · Genuine enthusiasm for video games, pop culture, sports, or movies — and excited to share that with participants. · Self-motivated, punctual, and reliable. · Exceptional organizational skills and a professional demeanor. · Proficiency in computer use and effective written and verbal communication. · Experience in sports, the arts, film, or recreational therapy. Knowledge of Special Olympics is a plus but not required. · Hands-on experience working with people with disabilities or related experience is preferred but not required. · Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required; must be willing to travel within Westchester and Putnam Counties. · Ability to problem-solve quickly in response to participant needs or program logistics. · Commitment to the organization's core values and commitments. · Must possess the ability to sit, stand, walk, see, climb stairs, and lift up to 30 lbs, as well as safely support emergency evacuations, with or without reasonable accommodation. _If you're excited to bring your love of games, movies, and pop culture into a role that makes a real difference, we encourage you to apply!_ Job Type: Part-time Pay: $25.00 per hour Application Question(s): * Are you familiar with Pokemon? * Are you comfortable using and setting up gaming consoles? License/Certification: * Driver's License (Required) Ability to Commute: * Westchester County, NY (Required) Work Location: In person