Adapted Recreation Programming Assistant - Behavior Specialist

City of Hilliard; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hilliard is seeking an Adapted Recreation Programming Assistant to help develop and deliver inclusive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.

You will oversee participants in summer camps and programs, coordinate accommodations, train staff, and work with families to implement individualized support plans and behavior strategies while ensuring safety and accessibility. This role requires collaboration, organization, and compassionate service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field required.
• 2-3 years’ experience working with children with disabilities, behavioral support needs, or accommodation needs.
• Experience in recreation, summer camp, education, therapeutic recreation, special education, or a related field.
• Experience providing staff leadership, training, or supervision preferred.
• Knowledge of inclusive recreation practices and accommodation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate adapted and inclusive recreation programs and activities.
• Assist in the coordination of participant accommodation requests for the summer camp program, including enrollment, intake, meetings, staffing, schedules, and support plans.
• Review participants needs and work with families to develop appropriate accommodation and inclusion strategies.
• Create and maintain individualized support and behavior plans as needed.
• Train, coach, and support seasonal staff in working with participants with disabilities and accommodation needs.
• Provide hands-on support during camp and recreation programs to help staff successfully implement participant support plans.
• Communicate regularly with families, staff, and department leadership regarding participant needs and program concerns.
• Maintain accurate participant records, accommodation information, and program documentation.
• Monitor program participation and effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Assist with developing department-wide inclusive recreation practices, procedures, and resources.
• Ensure programs follow department safety standards, accessibility practices, and applicable policies.
• Develop new adapted recreation opportunities based on community needs and participant feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Collaborative

Organized

Compassionate

Disability experience

Communication

Problem-solving

Staff leadership

Training

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Recreation / Therapeutic Recreation / Special Education / Disability Studies / Social Services)

Job description

The Adapted Recreation Programming Assistant supports the development and delivery of inclusive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities and varying accommodation needs. This position works directly with participants, families, and staff to create safe, engaging, and successful recreation experiences.

A primary responsibility is overseeing the program or camp participants enrolled in summer camp or programs who have requested reasonable accommodations while enrolled in the department’s summer camps or programs, including participant intake, accommodations and behavior support planning. This position also provides support and coaching to the team of adaptive camp counselors, and day-to-day program and camp coordination to ensure the success of all campers. The position may assist with year-round adapted and inclusive recreation programs, facility access, and helps expand opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, organized, and compassionate professional with experience working with individuals with disabilities and a passion for creating inclusive programs and camps.

Develop, implement, and evaluate adapted and inclusive recreation programs and activities.

Assist in the coordination of the participant’s accommodation requests for the summer camp program, including enrollment, participant intake, meetings, staffing, schedules, and support plans.

Review participants needs and work with families to develop appropriate accommodation and inclusion strategies.

Create and maintain individualized support and behavior plans as needed.

Train, coach, and support seasonal staff in working with participants with disabilities and accommodation needs.

Provide hands-on support during camp and recreation programs to help staff successfully implement participant support plans.

Communicate regularly with families, staff, and department leadership regarding participant needs and program concerns.

Maintain accurate participant records, accommodation information, and program documentation.

Monitor program participation and effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Assist with developing department-wide inclusive recreation practices, procedures, and resources.

Ensure programs follow department safety standards, accessibility practices, and applicable policies.

Develop new adapted recreation opportunities based on community needs and participant feedback.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Disability Studies, Social Services, or a related field required.

2-3 years’ experience working with children with disabilities, behavioral support needs, or accommodation needs.

Experience in recreation, summer camp, education, therapeutic recreation, special education, or a related field.

Experience providing staff leadership, training, or supervision preferred.

Knowledge of inclusive recreation practices and accommodation strategies.

Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to build positive relationships with participants, families, and staff.

Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a team.

Work occurs in recreation facilities, program spaces, summer camp locations, and office settings.

Frequent interaction with participants, families, and recreation staff.

Schedule: varies based on time of year and camp season.