Recreation Assistant -YRTC-K

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate:

$20.862

Job Posting:

JR2026-00026643 Recreation Assistant -YRTC-K (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

06-30-2026

Job Description:

Make a Real Impact as a Recreation Assistant

Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center (YRTC) – Kearney, Nebraska
At the Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center in Kearney, action speaks louder than words — and your actions can change a life.
As a Recreation Assistant, you’ll help create structured, positive recreational experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and life skills. This is more than a job — it’s a chance to use recreation and mentorship to help youth grow and succeed.
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Why This Work Matters
Recreation plays a critical role in helping youth develop discipline, social skills, and healthy outlets. You’ll help provide opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and positive engagement that support each youth’s journey toward rehabilitation.
Our Mission:
Help youth live better lives through effective services, giving youth the chance to become law-abiding citizens.
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What We Offer You
• 156% state-matched retirement
• 13 paid holidays plus vacation and sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $20,000 employer-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement & professional development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Public service career stability

 

Under general supervision, you’ll assist with planning, organizing, and supervising recreational activities for youth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning and scheduling daily recreational activities

• Lead and supervise sports, games, and recreational programs

• Referee and officiate sports and supervise swimming activities

• Assist in developing new recreation programs and activity ideas

• Maintain recreational equipment, gymnasium, and pool areas

• Monitor, document, and support positive youth behavior

• Escort youth to activities and appointments as needed

• Assist with maintaining safe and clean recreation facilities

Requirements/Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Experience or coursework/training in facilitating or providing recreational activities such as music, games, or other social activities.

Other: This position requires proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language effectively. Must possess a valid drivers license. State agencies are responsible to evaluate each of their positions to determine their individual overtime eligibility status as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Positions classified to this class may be required to possess a "Senior Life-Saving", "CPR", and/or "Pool Operator's" certificate.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Schedule: Wednesday through Friday, 12:00PM-8:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

• Work Location: In person, YRTC Kearney Campus

Hiring rate of position is $20.403, plus an additional $3.00 per hour facility differential.

 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

·         Knowledge of rules and regulations of various sports

·         Ability to referee or officiate recreational sports and swimming activities

·         Broad knowledge of recreational and athletic activities

·         Ability to actively participate in sports and recreational programs

·         Ability to build rapport and positively engage youth

·         Strong communication and teamwork skills

·         Ability to obtain lifeguard certification if required

 

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.