Recreation Specialist

Description

Position Summary

Plan, direct and coordinate recreation and leisure programs for NWSRA participants. Assess and recommend appropriate goals and programs for individual with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all aspects of assigned Day Camp programs, working with Site Director and Manager of Special Recreation-Day Camp by supervising, evaluating, budgeting, facility orientation, field trips, orientation, planning, supply and equipment management.
• Assist in supervision and evaluation for part-time employees and volunteers in assigned programs.
• Serve as a team leader, prompting group cohesiveness while leading programs and assist in preparing part-time employees and volunteers working in the assigned programs.
• Develop goals and objectives for each assigned program and maintain all program paperwork i.e., records, forms and correspondence.
• Maintain expenditure records for each assigned program and collect and turn in receipts from program expenses in a timely fashion.
• Plan and develop programs of all types including general, clubs, special events, Leisure Education, camps, trips/overnights, Lightning Athletics and cooperative programs. 
• Prepare and implement behavior management strategies when necessary, to ensure safe involvement in recreation programs by people with disabilities.
• Drive Association vehicles and transport program participants, as required and assist in care and maintenance of vehicles as required.
• Demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm and take initiative when leading programs.
• Responsible for record keeping such as attendance sheets, incident/accident forms, observation forms, leader forms, etc. 
• Provide assistance and instruction to participants when needed.
• Understand needs of persons with disabilities and adapt activities to enable participation when necessary.
• Assist with the development and implementation of behavior plans when needed in assigned programs.
• Other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission and abide by NWSRA’s Core Values.

Qualifications

Position Qualifications

• Graduate from accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation or related field of study.
• Current National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and/or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or the ability to get certified within an allotted amount of time determined by the policy of the Association and/or the Executive Director.
• Minimum one year experience with children and adults with various disabilities.
• Highly motivated, self-starter, outgoing and confident with excellent interpersonal and communication skills in the oral and written format is required.
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities including confidence, maturity, flexibility and professionalism.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of therapeutic recreation and community recreation and have a commitment to persons with disabilities.
• Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to work effectively with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience in the supervision, training and evaluation of employees with a supervisory style that includes well-developed organizational skills.
• Work independently, solve simple to complex problems, demonstrate dependability, promptness, punctuality and convey a positive attitude to others.
• Serve as the vehicle for communication from the Executive Director to ensure that the mission, vision, policies and procedures of the Association are clearly communicated to all employees.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with employees, Board Members, interns, volunteers, drivers, parents/guardians, participants, Member District and school district personnel, as well as members of the public and demonstrate a flexible, patient and courteous manner.
• Demonstrate decision making, advanced planning, organizational skills and the ability to perform required duties under stressful situations without supervision.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification required or ability to obtain.
• Ability to attain Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Benefits We Offer

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Group Life Insurance
• AFLAC Indemnity Plans
• IMRF Pension Plan
• Mission Square Retirement 457b Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days
• Sick Days
• Personal Days
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Salary : $43,888 - $46,000