With guidance from supervisor, implements adaptive techniques and intervention strategies to allow for maximum program participation and meet individual needs of participants.

• Participate with, monitor, and assist participants for maximum participation at program site in all activities
• With guidance from direct supervisor implement adaptive techniques and intervention strategies to allow for maximum program participation and meet individual needs of participants
• Initiate, lead, and organize activities for program, considering safety and well-being of participants
• Assist in identifying barriers, writing daily logs, track and evaluate participant program
• Represent the Park District in a friendly and positive manner when communicating with program participants, parents/guardians, staff and all other program visitors
• Meet, greet, and communicate with parents/guardians and participants on a daily basis, reporting daily schedule, participation, success and behavior concerns
• Exercise confidentiality in all aspects regarding the participants in programs
• Complete business transactions correctly and on-time, submitting purchasing receipts, accident reports, daily logs, behavior incident reports and other information as requested by the Recreation Coordinator
• Act as an interactive positive role model, lead by example, and use good judgment at all times
• Set the tone for positive behavior and discipline using positive reinforcement for a safe environment for all participants following RPD code of conduct
• Help enforce program policy and procedures using positive communication with program participants, parents/guardians, and staff
• As a bus rider, meet bus at designated location on time, assist driver in reading directions and finding street names if need be. At each stop, assist passengers on and off van or bus, meet and greet families, collect medication and store properly, and distribute newsletters.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and training sessions as determined by supervisor
• Work as a team to provide care for physical needs, toileting, transferring, or pushing participants in wheelchairs, while following RPD guidelines for personal care
• Maintain a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attend safety training programs and educational in-service trainings as required
• Be cheerful, positive and ready to play with participants everyday
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience or interest in interacting with youth and teens with disabilities in a recreation setting. 1 year experience with individuals with disabilities preferred

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must attend pre-season and regularly scheduled RPD-TR trainings, in-services and meetings
• Good organizational and leadership skills for daily supervision and direction of participants
• Good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate flexibility as a team player
• Ability to work in stressful conditions, including situations involving disability related needs and dissatisfied customers
• First Aid, CPR, and AED training (can be obtained through the Rockford Park District)

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:

Medium work:

• Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• This is a physically active position that involves stamina
• Mobility to various locations
• The majority of time spent in this position will be standing and moving.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• This position may be stationed primarily indoors or outdoors based on participant assignment and time of year.
• Potential exposure to outdoor elements, hazardous weather, hazardous vegetation, insect bites, and various participant challenges.