Senior Therapeutic Inclusion Specialist (15024, Grade 22)

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation, is seeking an Adapted Aquatics and Fitness Program Specialist.  This position will provide programmatic and supervisory support to the Special Programs Division and Therapeutic Recreation programs throughout Prince George’s County and based primarily out of Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) with division office in Largo, Maryland.

This position is responsible for the planning, implementation and supervision of programs for individuals with disabilities who reside in Prince George’s County, with a focus on adapted aquatics, adapted sports, veterans, and fitness programs. Our ideal candidate will provide professional expertise and technical knowledge in therapeutic recreation, aquatics, disabilities, community recreation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), program planning, staff supervision, behavior management, marketing and time management. This position will hold certifications in American Red Cross (ARC) Water Safety Instruction (WSI), ARC Lifeguard Instructor or certified American Council on Exercise (ACE) Fitness Instructor, as well as maintain a Lifeguarding and Certified Pool Operators (CPO) License. 

The M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $62,349.00 - $110,425.00 at the Senior Therapeutic Inclusion Specialist level with an excellent benefits package including generous leave, extensive health coverage, deferred compensation plan, employer's retirement plan, and work-life programs. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, women, and persons with disabilities. The hiring range for this position will be $62,349. to 86,387 midpoint of the advertised salary range and will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

• Assesses and analyzes participants' complex needs and provides accommodations to facilitate program participation. Ensure program activities are adapted to meet the skill level and abilities of program participants based on participation assessments.

• Provides on-going support to program participants, families, and staff through regular program visits, personal contacts and correspondence/newsletters, etc. Develops program adaptations, behavior management plans, and provides staff training.

• Coordinates and supervises program staff. Recruits, selects and trains staff. Conducts background checks. Plans and assigns work schedules. Evaluates performance and counsels employees on ways to improve performance.

• Coordinates Marketing Strategies. Promotes Therapeutic Recreation Programs through articles, news releases, fliers, websites, exhibits and presentations. Maintains mailing lists of individuals and groups interested in inclusion services Therapeutic Recreation programs. Prepares budget projections for assigned area. Monitors revenues and expenditures in accordance with approved budget. Prepares purchase requisitions, check requests, and initiate contracts.

• Coordinates internally and externally as needed. Acts as a liaison and/or resource to other area personnel within the Department on a regular basis. Reviews Commission policies and procedures and serves on committees to ensure that Commission facilities and programs provide equal access and enjoyment to individuals with disabilities.

• Community Relations. Includes external coordination and communication with cooperating agencies/facilities. Initiates formal agreements with other agencies. Meets with citizens, community groups, schools, and other governmental agencies to identify needs, plan programs, and answer questions about programs. Investigate complaints.

Important Worker Characteristics

A. Considerable knowledge of: (1) Therapeutic Recreation; (2) disabilities; (3) legislation and regulations affecting individual with disabilities i.e., American with Disabilities Act (ADA); (4) recreation and leisure activities (5) supervision (6) behavior management; (7) assessment tools; (8) Commission activity organization, policies and procedures;* (9) equal employment opportunity; (10) safety and health regulations (11) First aid/CPR; (12) disability advocacy organizations and services; (13) office practices; (14) public relations (15) marketing and (16) time management.

B. Ability to: (l) solve complex problems involving many variables; (2) analyze data; (3) read and write technical and complex reports and correspondence; (4) respond immediately and effectively to crisis situations; (5) use proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar; (6) makes effective presentations to large groups; (7) communicates clearly; (8) organizes work efficiently; and (9) provides courteous service. The work requires strong analytical and communication skills, to effectively

1. Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy or any related field.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in therapeutic recreation or closely related experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
4. Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is preferred.
5. A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
6. Obtain and maintain all applicable certifications.
7. Pass Commission medical examination.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Certifications in ARC Lifeguarding, ARC Water Safety Instructor, ACE Fitness Instructor and/or Pool Operator’s License (or the ability to acquire the certifications within 6 months of employment)
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred.
• Experience in planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of adapted aquatics and fitness programs for individuals with disabilities.
• Expertise in therapeutic recreation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and familiarity with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design related to program accommodations and swimming pools.

Working Conditions:

Works in an office and in the community. Maintains a flexible schedule with occasional long hours; evening and weekend hours seasonally to supervise swim lessons, provide staff training or to oversee adaptive sports tournaments. On call during program hours and respond to emergency situations. Programs are located throughout Prince George’s County, and position is responsible for regular program site visits. Works with individuals with various disabilities (i.e. cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and/or sensory).

Salary : $62,349 - $110,425