What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Leader - Therapeutic Programs- Seasonal Part Time position at City of Chesapeake?
Position Information
Working Title of Vacant Position
Recreation Leader - Therapeutic Programs- Seasonal Part Time
Job Type
Part Time
Posting Type
Public
Number of Vacancies
1
Department
PARKS, REC, & TOURISM
Division
PR&T LEISURE
Requisition Number
202669
Number of hours worked per week
up to 25 hours a week
Work Schedule
Schedule Varies: Monday – Sunday
To Be Determined: Based on operational requirements
To Be Determined: Based on operational requirements
- May include: Days, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays
Work Site Location
Chesaepake, VA {Various recreational facilities}
Position Driving Requirement
O - Occasional
Pay Grade
GE01
Pay Basis
Weekly
Advertised Salary
$16.51- $24.57 / hourly rate
Salary depending on qualifications and experience
Salary depending on qualifications and experience
Job Description
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with special needs? Do you have experience in therapeutic recreation and enjoy leading fun, inclusive activities? If so, this full-time opportunity with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism may be just what you’re looking for!
We’re seeking an enthusiastic and caring individual to join our team as a Therapeutic Recreation Leader, primarily supporting our specialized camps, events and programs for participants with special needs. Therapeutic Recreation activities are held at various parks and recreational facilities across the city.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with planning, scheduling, developing, and leading therapeutic recreation (TR) programs designed for children, teens, and adults with special needs.
- Engage in and facilitate recreational activities such as arts and crafts, sports, music, dance, games, and community outings.
- Adapt activities to ensure inclusive participation, helping each individual engage at their own level.
- Create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
- Provide exceptional customer service aligned with the City’s Customer Service Initiative.
- Support multiple camps, classes, and activities across different locations as needed.
- Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of program areas; inspect facilities and equipment for safety concerns and report as necessary.
- Respond to accidents or incidents with care and professionalism, including administering basic first aid if required.
- Address behavioral concerns calmly and respectfully; communicate effectively with supervisors and parents when needed.
- Adheres to the City’s CARES standards
Administrative Duties:
- Register participants and process payments using ActiveNet software.
- Handle financial transactions related to program fees, facility rentals, and merchandise.
- Issue permits and receipts while maintaining accurate records.
- Complete end-of-day financial reconciliation following city policies and procedures.
Ideal Candidates Will Have:
- A genuine passion for working with individuals with special needs.
- Experience or education in therapeutic recreation, special education, human services, or a related field is a plus.
- Creativity and flexibility to adapt activities for a wide range of abilities.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- A positive, energetic, and hands-on approach to recreation leadership.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
Required Qualifications
VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Requires instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of one month of full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
Requires CPR and First Aid certification within the first year of employment. May require a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards. .
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Requires instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of one month of full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
Requires CPR and First Aid certification within the first year of employment. May require a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards. .
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
Possess positive customer service skills and abilities to meet the City’s CARES standards.
Previous work experience with individuals with special needs as a camp counselor, childcare provider, physical therapist, independent contractor, or teacher
Previous work experience with individuals with special needs as a camp counselor, childcare provider, physical therapist, independent contractor, or teacher
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date
04/03/2026
Job Close Date
04/20/2026
Open Continuous
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Will be required to work at City special events and activities as program support staff.
Will be required to work some evenings, weekends, and holiday
Background check and post screenings are required
Will be required to work some evenings, weekends, and holiday
Background check and post screenings are required
Drug Screening: MARIJUANA
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
ADA Checklist
Overall Physical Strength Demands
Overall Physical Strength Demands
M=Medium - Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly
Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Standing
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Sitting
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Walking
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Lifting
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Lifting Amount
Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs
Carrying
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Carrying Weight
Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs
Pushing/Pulling
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Pushing/Pulling Weight
Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs
Reaching
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Handling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Fine Dexterity
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Kneeling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Crouching
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Crawling
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Bending
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Twisting
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Climbing
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Balancing
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Vision
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Hearing
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Talking
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Foot Controls
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used
Telephone, computer, printer, ID Picture Camera, fax, AED, tables, chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, various recreation and fitness equipment such as basketball goals, portable bleachers, and nets, canoes, paddle boats.
Protective Equipment Required
Any PPE required by the standard guidelines of the equipment used.
Health and Safety
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Mechanical Hazards
M = Several Times Per Month
Chemical Hazards
M = Several Times Per Month
Electrical Hazards
M = Several Times Per Month
Fire Hazards
S = Seasonally
Explosives
S = Seasonally
Communicable Diseases
M = Several Times Per Month
Physical Danger or Abuse
S = Seasonally
Other
If Other, Description
Environmental Factors
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Dirt and Dust
W = Several Times Per Week
Extreme Temperatures
S = Seasonally
Noise and Vibration
D = Daily
Fumes and Odors
W = Several Times Per Week
Wetness/Humidity
S = Seasonally
Darkness or Poor Lighting
S = Seasonally
Primary Work Location
Outdoors, Other - Recreation facilities , Vehicle
Non-Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Time Pressures
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Emergency Situations
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Frequent Change of Tasks
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Tedious or Exacting Work
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Noisy/Distracting Environment
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Other
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
If Other, Description
Will be directly working with special needs population of all age groups.
Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)
Incumbent must be able to work independently
Professional References
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
Minimum Requests
0
Maximum Requests
4
Salary : $17 - $25