What Do Recreation Workers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Recreation Workers conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members. They also enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.

Other tasks include:

• Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
• Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
• Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
• Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
• Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.

We asked Recreation Workers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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76% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 85% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Recreation Workers manage the daily operations of recreational facilities. They organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.

A typical day for a Recreation Worker will also include:

• Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
• Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
• Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.
• Document individuals’ progress toward meeting their treatment goals.
• Conduct individual in-room visits with residents.

We asked some Recreation Workers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	67% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	63% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	91% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	45% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	19% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	51% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Recreation Workers also meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants. They may also direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Recreation Workers Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems. They might also Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.

In addition, they Take residents on community outings.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Conduct individual in-room visits with residents.

To some Recreation Workers, it is also their responsibility to Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.

Working life

Less than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Recreation Worker, you can expect to work less than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others..

They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/personal-care-and-service/recreation-workers.htm

http://www.nrpa.org/

http://www.acacamps.org/