Recreation Counselor

The Arc of Palm Beach County is a dynamic, community-based nonprofit serving and advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our dedicated and caring team members provide support that helps over 3,500 children, teens, and adults to live, learn, work, and thrive.

At The Arc, we are driven by our vision of a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted. Fulfilling this vision requires passion, creativity, and a diversity of skills and backgrounds. Think you have what it takes? Help us make a difference and join us as an Recreation Counselor  in the fight for inclusion and belonging for all!

Position Summary:

The Recreation Assistant role for the Recreation Department is to act as the hands-on engaging team members working with clients in the program. This role works to assist in the creation and implementation of the most engaging recreation programs possible to meet the needs of the clients on a day-to-day basis. Understand the various recreation program services, participant criteria, and follow supervisor’s leadership as required. This position will be taking place at Belvedere Elementary. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:                

• Under the guidance and leadership of the Recreation Coordinator and/or the Director of Respite & Recreation (R&R), the Recreation Assistant (Counselor) will: 
• Executes and support the execution of recreational and educational activities.  
• Engage in leading outdoor/indoor activities or sports for groups of participants
• Support in the implement daily activity schedules and lesson plans.
• Assist as requested in modifying and coordinating program activities, including immediate plan changes and rescheduling needs. 
• Support in the planning and execution of community outings and field trips.
• Attend trainings as required/requested that will increase general and related knowledge of developmental disabilities.
• Make sure all safety rules are followed and implemented.
• Supervise and engage participants in a variety of recreational and social events.
• Provide input to the Supervisor/Recreation Program regarding client needs, issues, questions or planning community activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General academic or experiential interest in the disability community. 
• Interest in becoming a Recreational Aide or similar role working with children or Developmental Disability community.
• Familiarity with various indoor and outdoor activities.
• Patient and reliable.
• Organizational and communication skills.
• Energetic and positive personality.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job.
• Must work with minimal supervision.

Education and Experience Requirements: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Preferred but not required, BS in related field or within the Social Sciences and/or actively pursuing and enrolled in a College program with at least one-year (30 credit hours) achieved.
• Valid Driver's License
• First aid- and CPR-certified preferred

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: 

• Regularly walk, sit, stand reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.
• Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch, and lift and/or carry office equipment, and boxes up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional driving to project sites, which may include walking, climbing and/or bending to perform inspections and observations.
• Primary working conditions are typical for an indoor/office environment requiring sitting for an extended period of time; frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Other Requirements:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products and other software as required. 
• Knowledge of recreation activities. 
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of staff members. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with strong attention to detail and set priorities as required. 
• Possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently. 
• Ability to meet drug free workplace and other required background checks. 
• Ability to drive to various recreation sites throughout the county.