JOB TITLE:

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (Part Time IMRF Eligible)

DEPARTMENT:

Recreation

HOURLY:

This position is for no more than 1500 hours annually

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

DIRECTLY REPORTS TO:

Program Manager

BENEFITS:

IMRF pension plan, IPRA membership, continuing education opportunities

RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTLY SUPERVISING:

Part Time Program Staff

JOB PURPOSE:

To assess, plan, develop, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities.

 POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate from accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation or recreation with a therapeutic emphasis and practical experience in therapeutic recreation programming.

1. Current NCTRC Certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
2. Must demonstrate knowledge of disabilities and have proven experience working with individuals with disabilities including planning a wide range of recreation activities.
3. Must demonstrate enthusiasm, strong interpersonal skills, communication skills and ability to work effectively with people with disabilities, FVSRA staff, FVSRA member agency staff, part time coaches, parents/guardians, participants, school district personnel, community agencies, as well as members of the general public.
4. Must be able to work independently, solve problems, and convey a positive attitude to others. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
5. First Aid/CPR certification required or ability to obtain within one year.
6. Handle with Care Behavior Management certification or ability to obtain within six months.
7. Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement, evaluate and document activity programs for the therapeutic recreation continuum of services.
8. Ability to perform required duties under stressful situations without supervision..

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assess, plan, develop, lead, evaluate and document therapeutic recreation programs on a yearround basis.
2. Analyze specific area of focus, identify trends and recommend programs.
3. Serve as liaison to part-time program leaders.
4. Assist in supervision and evaluation of part-time staff and volunteers in assigned programs.
5. Develop goals and objectives for each assigned program and maintain all program paperwork; i.e., records, forms, and correspondence.
6. Assist with program coverage for General Programs and Member Agency Inclusion Programs
7. Attend all assigned meetings and approved professional development opportunities.
8. Develop and maintain effective communications in all work-related relationships.
9. Assist in the orientation of new part-time staff and supervision of interns.
10. Prepare program budgets and maintain expenditure records.
11. Safely drive a vehicle and 15 passenger bus to programs, seasonal events, away trips and/or meetings.
12. Provide physical and emotional assistance to children and adults with disabilities.
13. Select, recommend, inventory, purchase and organize supplies and equipment, which are associated with program assignments and responsibilities.
14. Work efficiently and effectively under pressure; such as deadlines and emergencies.
15. Demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
16. Cooperates and assists in the investigation of accidents.
17. Treats public concerns with the utmost and courteous attention.
18. Assist in all Foundation fundraising events.
19. Other duties as assigned

SAFETY DUTIES & RESPONSIBLTIES:

1. Maintains a working knowledge of all general agency and departmental-specific safety rules.
2. Uses material-handling equipment or staff assistance when needed and when lifting and/or moving objects 50 lbs. or heavier.
3. Inspects work and program areas (use checklists) for compliance with safe work practices and rules.
4. Reports any work-related or patron injuries to supervisor promptly.
5. Participate in Safety Committee and attend required safety program(s) and in-service education meetings.
6. Adhere to Safety Manual contents by exhibiting a working knowledge of general and department specific safety rules.
7. Enforces safety rules by confronting and correcting unsafe behavior and conditions.
8. Corrects unsafe conditions and/or reports them to supervisor.
9. Uses personal protective equipment including safety and sun glasses, appropriate work boots and protective gloves

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist must, with or without reasonable accommodations, be able to perform the following functions:

1. Gather, load, transport and set-up equipment and supplies for activities.
2. Supervise individuals, including at times the use of physical restraints.
3. Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
4. Physically transfer individuals from wheelchair to chair, into and out of vehicles, from pool deck into pool, in washroom facilities, etc.
5. Lift and carry as much as 50 pounds for as long a distance as 300 feet.
6. Active participation in programs.
7. Pass pre-employment physical and lift test

COMPETENCIES:

1. Collaboration ‐ Promotes and supports work teams and groups
2. Reliability ‐ Performs responsibilities dependably and accurately, fulfills promised actions 
3. Responsiveness ‐ Focuses on the customer, willingly helps others, and provides prompt service 
4. Assurance ‐ Conveys trust and inspires confidence
5. Empathy ‐ Deals with individuals, appreciates their differences, handles emotions, and shows compassion for others
6. Self Confidence ‐ Recognizes the contributions of others and is conscious of own ability 
7. Initiative ‐ Begins and follows through energetically with plans and tasks 
8. Communication ‐ Shares information, listens to what others are saying
9. Adaptability ‐ Makes decisions and solves complex problems

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This job operates indoors in classrooms, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms and exercise rooms as well as outdoors at different activity fields, parks, playgrounds, etc. The noise level can range from quiet to loud. When working inside conditions can include different types of lighting and temperatures. When working outdoors you may be exposed to different types of weather conditions. You may be exposed to elements when driving to meetings or program.

FVSRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer which has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the agency, which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individual’s actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, association with a person with a disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service or military status, civil union partnership, order of protection status, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact HR at HR@fvsra.org.