Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/3zwspmdz

POSITION SUMMARY

• Responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of therapeutic recreation programs and services for individuals of all abilities
• Serves as the lead coordinator for the Department’s therapeutic recreation programming and inclusion services
• Serves as the Area 12 Special Olympics Director, overseeing athlete participation, events, and program operations
• Provides direction to staff, contractors, and volunteers
• Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Recreation Manager or Recreation Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plan, develop, and implement therapeutic recreation programs designed to meet the needs of individuals with varying abilities and disabilities
• Serve as Area 12 Special Olympics Director, including coordination of local, regional, and state-level competitions, athlete registration, and compliance with governing guidelines
• Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and transportation for Special Olympics events and activities
• Safely operate County vehicles, including minibuses, to transport participants to and from programs, practices, and events in accordance with County policies and safety standards
• Supervise full-time staff, part-time staff, contractors, and volunteers involved in therapeutic recreation programming
• Assist with inclusion of participants with special needs in general recreation programs across the department
• Plan and implement specialized events and programs such as inclusive holiday events, sensory-friendly programming, and adaptive activities
• Coordinate daily operations of assigned programs, ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality service delivery
• Conduct facility inspections and ensure program areas are safe, accessible, and properly maintained
• Maintain accurate program records, participant information, reports, and required documentation
• Assist with administrative duties including scheduling, reporting, and program tracking
• Provide outstanding customer service and build relationships with participants, families, caregivers, and community partners
• Collaborate with schools, agencies, and organizations to expand therapeutic recreation opportunities and services
• Monitor program quality and participant outcomes; make adjustments to improve services and experiences
• Ensure compliance with County policies, departmental procedures, and safety standards
• Respond to incidents, injuries, and participant needs; ensure proper documentation and follow-up

OTHER DUTIES

• Work is highly varied based on seasonal and program demands and may include assignments across multiple program areas or locations
• Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors and in varying environmental conditions; proper PPE is required
• Comply with County policies as well as Parks Department regulations and procedures
• Promote customer and visitor compliance with all rules, regulations, and safety practices as well as report all accidents/injuries and ensure that injured parties receive proper care
• Additional assigned duties as required
• Work schedules may vary based on operational needs, including nights, weekends, and on-call responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, adaptive programming, and inclusion practices
• Ability to assess participant needs and develop appropriate recreation opportunities
• Ability to coordinate and manage therapeutic recreation and Special Olympics programming
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers in a program environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with participants, families, and community partners
• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to respond appropriately to behavioral, medical, or situational challenges
• Ability to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants
• Strong customer service skills and ability to build positive relationships
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Must be physically able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work
• Work involves moving, climbing, reaching, bending, and stooping for moderate periods of time
• Requires ability to speak and/or signal people to exchange information
• Must be able to understand and follow instructions, both oral and written, to work productively in a team environment, and to skillfully use tools and equipment related to assignments and according to instructions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks, Recreation, or related field
• Must possess certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or be actively in the process of obtaining certification and able to obtain within six (6) months of hire
• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in recreation programming or therapeutic recreation
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Proficiency in English required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software applications required

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS and OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess or be able to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid/AED, certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, certification as a NRPA Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, and other position specific certifications, as directed
• Must successfully pass pre-employment screening processes, including drug screen, criminal background check, and clean driving record
• All regular full-time and part-time employees of Spartanburg County are required by state law to participate in the South Carolina Retirement System
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued in the state of South Carolina

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Annual clothing allowance
• County-issued cell phone and computer for business use
• Longevity pay increase after 18 months of employment (new hires)
• Applicable certifications/professional licenses and/or renewals as well as continuing education opportunities paid for by the County

Pay: $50,349.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• recreation programming or therapeutic recreation: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• South Carolina Driver's License (Required)
• CTRS or actively obtaining certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,349