Recreation & Community Inclusion Specialist

Position Title: Recreation & Community Inclusion Specialist

Location: Hybrid, Pierce County, community locations, 

FLSA Classification/Employment Type: Non-Exempt; eligible for overtime, Part-time

Reports to: Executive Director 

Schedule: Flexible based on needs of 1:1 clients, some weekends/ evening activities, generally Mon - Fri 9am-6pm. 19-20hrs per week. 

Salary Grade: $22-25

About STR

STR is a charitable nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families through community-based recreation cultivating confidence, friendships, joy, and respect.

Values: Sincerity, honest, Long-term relationships, Mutual respect, Inclusive Community

Position Summary

The Recreation & Community Inclusion Specialist is responsible for providing both individualized services and leading group recreational activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The role focuses on creating and facilitating accessible, community-based opportunities that encourage socialization, skill-building, and greater independence.

In group programs, the specialist plans and organizes activities, ensures accessibility, coordinates volunteers and co-leaders, and fosters safe, inclusive experiences that promote positive participation. For individualized services, the specialist develops and supports client goals, collaborates with families and caregivers, and documents progress through reports and notes. 

Across all responsibilities, the position emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and a commitment to empowering individuals with I/DD to participate fully and meaningfully in their communities..

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Recreational Group Programming - 45%

• Plan, organize, and lead weekly social programs, one-time outings, and recreational activities for 12–50 participants.
• Ensure activities are inclusive, accessible, and appropriate for ages 16–75.
• Coordinate volunteers, co-leader staff, and logistics (venues, supplies, transportation).
• Communicate program details with participants and families.
• Collaborate with marketing to promote programs through newsletters, website, and social media.
• Track attendance and support registration, expenses, and fee setting.

Individual Services - 45%

• Support individuals in setting and achieving community-based goals using person-centered planning.
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• Facilitate participation in community activities, groups, and events that match client interests.
• Provide coaching, advocacy, and problem-solving to promote independence and inclusion.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families, caregivers, and case resource managers.
• Develop SMART goals, track progress, and complete required notes, data, and reports.
• Assist clients with navigating public transportation and building travel skills.
• Stay current on best practices in community inclusion and disability services.

Providing Community Inclusion support that promotes individualized skill development, independent living and community integration so individuals can learn how to actively and independently engage in their local community.  Community Inclusion activities should be client driven, in their local community, integrated, and be a place they can develop relationships and make a contribution.

Providing Community Engagement by helping individuals find community groups and activities that align with their interests. Assist clients through connection process including helping them to navigate and access transportation independently.

Competencies

Providing Life Skills** (optional) services that support people with I/DD to learn or maintain a range of life skills in one or more of the following 5 categories:

Self-empowerment, Safety awareness & Self Advocacy, Interpersonal Effectiveness & Effective Social Communication, Coping Strategies for everyday life challenges, Managing Daily Tasks and Acquiring New Skills.

Other duties as assigned - 10%

• Coordinate and direct volunteers during activities.
• Collaborate with team members to meet client and community needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Not every task can be anticipated. We depend on each other’s collaboration and cooperation to meet the needs of our clients and communities.

Competencies

Key Soft Skills

• Empathy, patience, and commitment to inclusivity and diversity
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Organization and time management
• Problem-solving and creative thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Understanding of the principles of person-centered planning and community inclusion, rather than deficit based planning or medical model.

Key Technical Skills

• Experience in recreation, social services, education, or related field
• Knowledge of person-centered planning and community inclusion practices
• Proficiency with Google Workspace; experience with SETWorks preferred
• Ability to maintain accurate records (attendance, registration, client notes)
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout Pierce County
• Basic technology skills and experience with Google Workspace
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a team setting.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity. 
• Candidates with alternative education and experience, including college students currently enrolled in an accredited program who have relevant experience, will also be considered. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directs and coordinates volunteers and coworkers during programs.

Work Environment

• Flexible schedule based on client and program needs; evenings/weekends as required.
• Work is primarily community-based with 5–10 hrs/week remote for planning and documentation.
• Hands-on, active work with clients in various community locations.
• Must maintain active cell phone plan (monthly stipend provided).
• Use of personal vehicle required; mileage reimbursed per policy.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these physical demands.

• Frequent standing, walking, and moving supplies, setting up and taking down tables..
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally.
• Prolonged sitting for planning and report writing.
• Regular use of public transportation with clients ex: city bus, Shuttle, light rail. Planning and report writing requires prolonged sitting. Employees frequently use hands and fingers for computer and calculator operations, talk, hear, stand, and walk. Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, or pulling may be needed.
• Ability to sit for up to 8 hours.
• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours.
• Lifting: The ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds is required.
• Vision: Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are necessary for reading and computer tasks.
• Work Environment: The office environment typically has a moderate noise level and minimal exposure to adverse weather.
• Client: Possible contact with angry or dissatisfied customers. Ability to deescalate possible behaviors. 

Travel required

Travel to and from client homes, community sites, storage, and STR offices.

Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation OR be able to travel independently to client/program sites.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years of experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in any capacity
• Experience with person-centered planning and community inclusion
• Prior experience organizing group activities or events

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Education, Child Development, Gerontology, Recreational Therapy, Nursing, or a related field. Or valid Life Skills Coach certification. 
• 2-4 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
• Experience with person-centered planning and community inclusion
• 1-2yrs of experience leading groups or teaching diverse groups

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Willingness to flex schedule to fulfill organizational needs.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be able to get to and from a variety of community locations independently
• Current Certifications for: First Aid, CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens

Benefits

• $20/month stipend for personal cell phone use.
• Sick Leave (one hour of sick leave earned for each 40 hours worked)
• Retirement (option to pay into a 403(b) retirement plan) 
• FULL TIME STAFF ONLY: 13 observed holidays, Vacation, QSEHRA, 

Commitment to Inclusion & Non-Discrimination

We do not discriminate on the basis of class background or current income; employment status or type of employment; race; ethnicity, color, or national origin; religious background, creed, or affiliation; gender, gender expression or gender identity; sex; sexual orientation or sexual identity; age; height or weight; immigration status; past, present, or future disability, medical, or health condition; veteran or military status; relationship (marital or partnership) status; or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. As a member of a small team, you are expected to collaborate and cooperate with team members to meet the needs of clients and the community. This may include performing other duties as assigned, including substituting for coworkers in group activities and the possibility of incidental personal care for clients.