Adaptive Program Leader

Position Title

Adaptive Program Leader (Hourly)

REQUISITION #:

req8405

Department

Recreation

LOCATION:

215 OFFICE BLDG

Benefit Category

Variable Hourly

Hourly Employee Benefit Highlights.pdf

Employment Type

Part-Time Hourly

Flsa Status

Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate

$16.00 - 18.00 per hour (based on relevant experience)

Selection Process

Application deadline is

3:00 p.m. MT on 4/15/2026

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile.

Post-Offer Requirements

• Background check (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)
  
  

While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado.

At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you for the role.

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Summary: This position reports to an Adaptive Recreation Opportunities Senior Specialist or Senior Supervisor. The purpose of this position is to provide planning and implementation of ARO recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. This role has the flexibility to create new programs, learn to lead existing programs, and works directly with community members. Excellent communication skills are required and excellent facilitation and teaching skills.

Work Schedule: Generally, 5 to10 hours a week is offered but no more than 29. Work hours can include daytime, evenings, and weekends and vary seasonally.

Essential Job Functions: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Create, prep, organize, implement, and evaluate programming for individuals with disabilities while supporting participants to meet Therapeutic program goals in a group or one to one setting.
• Utilize various teaching and facilitation techniques to support individuals with disabilities in program participation to the fullest of their abilities.
• Work with a spectrum of ages and ability levels in a professional and age-appropriate manner.
• Complete required program preparation like reviewing participant documentation.
• Complete administrative tasks and record keeping such as attendance sheets, program evaluations and post program documentation.
• Participate in required staff training and meetings.
• Supervise ARO Interns (HES, TR and OT) and program volunteers as they provide support in programs.
• Give and receive constructive criticism and feedback.
• Potentially operate a multi-passenger accessible lift van.
• Represent the City in a positive, professional, and healthy manner.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position is not responsible for the supervision of employees but is responsible for supervising volunteers and HES, TR and OT interns while in programs.

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.
  
  

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the necessary functions of this position.

• High school degree or GED required, bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• Must demonstrate dependability, promptness and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently without supervision and to make sound judgement calls.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with individuals receiving support, coworkers, recreation staff, ARO staff, parents and, other community contacts.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment and electronic apps for documentation and communication.
• Preferred experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Preferred experience leading classes or programs.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically.
• Ability to react quickly and efficiently to safety situations that may arise.
• Capable of understanding, learning and using adaptations, accommodations and physical assistance techniques required for individuals with disabilities as needed.
  
  

Language Skills: Ability to read instructions and communicate with City supervisor and the general public. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisor, groups of clients, parents, customers, and the general public. Knowledge of American Sign Language and Spanish desirable, but not required.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve and implement practical solutions to problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Foresee and initiate proactive measures to ensure program quality, customer service and facility integrity.

Certifications, Licenses, And Registrations

• Background check required.
• Pass an MVR administered by the City of Fort Collins.
• CPR and First Aid Certification must be acquired within 60 days of hire.
• Preferred experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Preferred schooling in Therapeutic Recreation but would welcome other fields of study like Occupational therapy, music therapy, health and exercise science, human family studies, or other related fields.
  
  

Physical Demands: Work will include the following: 1) regular standing and walking; 2) bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, jumping, twisting, balancing, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and reaching; physical activity required in recreation activities; 3) frequent lifting and carrying 15 to 50 pounds; 4) hand/eye coordination for operation of a computer keyboard; 5) foot-eye coordination for the operation of a motor vehicle; 6) vision to read written materials and understand direction; 7) speech and hearing capabilities to maintain communication with citizens and employees.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to blood borne pathogens and uncontrollable physical behaviors such as kicking or biting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ARO Lead Instructor

Performance Steps

Step 1

• Performs as required by job description with direct supervision.
• Has experience working with individuals with disabilities.
  
  

Step 2

• Performs all duties outlined in Step 1.
• Complete a minimum of 200 contact hours.
• Favorable review by ARO Coordinator.
  
  

Step 3

• Performs all duties outlined in previous steps.
• Favorable review by ARO Inclusion Coordinator.
• Meets at least 2 of the following qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in an associated field.
• Creates program or class content and implements in programs.
• Works to maintain adaptive equipment or program supplies.
• Completes a minimum of 400 contact hours.
  
  

Step 4

• Performs all duties outlined in previous steps.
• Favorable review by ARO Inclusion Coordinator.
• Meets at least 2 of the following qualifications:
• CTRS, Behavior Specialist or comparable certification will start at this level.
• Develops new programs or classes and implement them routinely in ARO program offerings.
• Accumulates a minimum of 600 contact hours.
• Consistently maintains a high level of support and documentation.
  
  

Step 5

• Performs all duties outlined in previous steps.
• Favorable review by ARO Inclusion Coordinator.
• Meets at least 2 of the following qualifications:
• Attends continuing education and shares knowledge with the team.
• Consistently maintains high level standard of teaching and safety.
• Holds a higher degree or multiple degrees or certifications in related fields.
• Accumulates a minimum of 800 contact hours.
  
  

The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical And/or Recreational Marijuana Use

Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee’s protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy.

Consistent with the City’s respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.

The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City’s commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation.

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.