What are the responsibilities and job description for the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist #2026-014 position at City of Pompano Beach?
Job Summary
This is a supervisory, department-wide leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, coordination, and evaluation of therapeutic recreation and inclusion services across the entire Parks and Recreation Department. The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist ensures that all recreation programs and services are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with therapeutic recreation standards for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and others requiring accommodations.
The position provides direct supervision to two (2) full-time Therapeutic Recreation Leaders who plan and implement therapeutic recreation programs and inclusive services. This role sets program priorities, ensures consistent quality and safety across all sites, evaluates staff performance, and coordinates resources to meet community needs.
Responsibilities include participant assessment, individualized participation planning, staff training, and problem-solving for complex inclusion needs across program areas such as sports, aquatics, camps, special events, classes, and leisure services. The Specialist serves as the department’s subject-matter lead for ADA compliance, inclusion best practices, adaptive programming, behavior support, and accommodation processes.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Recreation Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
Education
Work Days/Hours : Hours may vary and include evenings, weekends and holidays
Job Status: ( X ) Full time ( ) Part time/temporary
Department/Number: Parks & Recreation/3920 Pay Plan/Grade: 50/26
The City of Pompano Beach welcomes everyone who would like to become a member of our team and who wants to “Do Good”. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, religion, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, or other circumstances and characteristics protected by state or federal law. The City promotes diversity of culture, background, thought, and ideas. The City strives to make inclusion a part of everything we do and strives for a work environment that creates a sense of belonging for everyone.
Need help applying? Visit the Online Employment Application Guide for detailed instructions on how to complete and submit your application.
Discover Our Workplace Culture
At the City of Pompano Beach, we foster a supportive, engaging, and people-first workplace. Recognizing and celebrating our team is an integral part of our culture.
Click the link below to watch a brief highlight from our Employee Appreciation Lunch 2025!
City Of Pompano Beach Employee Benefits Overview
Why Work With Us?
Join the City of Pompano Beach and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation & Pay
Join us and build your future with the City of Pompano Beach!
For more information, contact Human Resources.
01
Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a closely related field? If yes, please explain.
02
Do you have three (3) years of professional recreation experience, including one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience? If yes, please explain.
03
Do you have experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities in a recreation or similar setting? If yes, please explain.
04
Do you have a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)?
This is a supervisory, department-wide leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, coordination, and evaluation of therapeutic recreation and inclusion services across the entire Parks and Recreation Department. The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist ensures that all recreation programs and services are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with therapeutic recreation standards for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and others requiring accommodations.
The position provides direct supervision to two (2) full-time Therapeutic Recreation Leaders who plan and implement therapeutic recreation programs and inclusive services. This role sets program priorities, ensures consistent quality and safety across all sites, evaluates staff performance, and coordinates resources to meet community needs.
Responsibilities include participant assessment, individualized participation planning, staff training, and problem-solving for complex inclusion needs across program areas such as sports, aquatics, camps, special events, classes, and leisure services. The Specialist serves as the department’s subject-matter lead for ADA compliance, inclusion best practices, adaptive programming, behavior support, and accommodation processes.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Recreation Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide department-wide leadership for therapeutic recreation and inclusion services across all Parks and Recreation facilities, sites, and program areas.
- Directly supervise two (2) full-time Therapeutic Recreation Leaders; provide coaching, performance feedback, scheduling guidance, and operational oversight.
- Review, approve, and monitor program plans developed by Therapeutic Recreation Leaders to ensure quality, safety, and alignment with departmental objectives.
- Assess participants (individuals with disabilities) to identify needs, strengths, and barriers to participation.
- Provide direct inclusion support for participants with disabilities in recreation programs; modify activities and environments as needed.
- Consult with program staff on adaptive strategies, behavior supports, risk management, and participant success plans.
- Design and deliver recurring staff trainings on inclusion, disability awareness, mental health considerations, and adaptive programming.
- Oversee vendor and instructor contracts related to therapeutic and inclusive programming; ensure compliance with scope, safety, and service quality.
- Develop outreach strategies and partnerships to expand therapeutic recreation services and awareness across the community.
- Prepare and maintain accurate participant records, program documentation, outcome reports, and performance metrics.
- Assist with budget development and monitoring for therapeutic recreation services; review expenditures, invoices, and purchasing needs.
- Manage inventory and lifecycle planning for adaptive equipment and therapeutic recreation resources.
- Lead grant preparation and alternative funding efforts that enhance inclusion and therapeutic recreation services.
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a closely related field.
- Three (3) years of professional recreation experience, including one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience.
- Experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities in a recreation or similar setting.
- A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
- Possess a valid FL driver’s license.
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.
- First Aid and CPR certification (required to obtain within 1 year of hire).
- Advanced knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, inclusion supports, adaptive programming, and ADA accessibility requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, guide program development, and ensure consistent service delivery across multiple program areas.
- Skill in evaluating programs, analyzing participant needs, and implementing improvements based on outcomes and community demand.
- Strong leadership presence; fair, consistent, and supportive supervisory approach.
- Excellent oral and written communication for documentation, training, public engagement, and partnership management.
- High-level planning, organization, and project coordination skills
- Ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls.
- Work includes standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling
Work Days/Hours : Hours may vary and include evenings, weekends and holidays
Job Status: ( X ) Full time ( ) Part time/temporary
Department/Number: Parks & Recreation/3920 Pay Plan/Grade: 50/26
The City of Pompano Beach welcomes everyone who would like to become a member of our team and who wants to “Do Good”. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, religion, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, or other circumstances and characteristics protected by state or federal law. The City promotes diversity of culture, background, thought, and ideas. The City strives to make inclusion a part of everything we do and strives for a work environment that creates a sense of belonging for everyone.
Need help applying? Visit the Online Employment Application Guide for detailed instructions on how to complete and submit your application.
Discover Our Workplace Culture
At the City of Pompano Beach, we foster a supportive, engaging, and people-first workplace. Recognizing and celebrating our team is an integral part of our culture.
Click the link below to watch a brief highlight from our Employee Appreciation Lunch 2025!
City Of Pompano Beach Employee Benefits Overview
Why Work With Us?
Join the City of Pompano Beach and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation & Pay
- Biweekly Pay: Employees receive salaries every two weeks.
- Salary Range: Competitive salary structure with potential for higher starting salaries.
- Merit Increases: Annual performance-based raises up to 4%.
- Employee Coverage: 100% City-paid health insurance for full-time employees.
- Dependent Coverage: 50% City contribution toward dependent premiums.
- Vacation: 9 days per year, increasing with tenure.
- Sick Leave: 12 days annually.
- Holidays: 14 paid holidays.
- Personal Days: 2 personal days after six months.
- Pension Plan: Mandatory participation with a 10% employee contribution, matched by the City.
- Defined Benefit: Pension based on the last three years' salary, multiplied by 3% per year of service.
- Vesting & Refunds: Contributions refundable with interest if leaving before seven years.
- Firefighters' Plan: Special pension plan with an 11.6% contribution employee contribution, matched by the City.
- Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) when applicable.
- Tuition Reimbursement for career growth.
- Tax-Deferred Savings Plan for retirement planning.
- Credit Union Services for financial management.
- Direct Deposit for easy payroll access.
- Four-day work week (depending on position)
- Voluntary Employee's Beneficiary Association (VEBA) - Paid by the City
- Sick Leave Bank for extended illness support.
- Parental Leave
Join us and build your future with the City of Pompano Beach!
For more information, contact Human Resources.
01
Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a closely related field? If yes, please explain.
02
Do you have three (3) years of professional recreation experience, including one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience? If yes, please explain.
03
Do you have experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities in a recreation or similar setting? If yes, please explain.
04
Do you have a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)?
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
- I do not have either.
- Required Question