Adaptive Recreation Assistant - Inclusion & Mentoring

Can Play; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Can Play is seeking a caring Recreation Assistant to help plan and lead recreational programs where participants can build skills, confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. This role supports adapted recreation for children, teens, and adults with disabilities or chronic health conditions, along with no-cost youth programs for children facing barriers to participation.

You will collaborate with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners to create welcoming, engaging experiences

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, teens, or adults in recreation, coaching, education, childcare, mentoring, disability services, or a related setting.
• A patient, encouraging approach and an ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and with different support needs.
• Strong teamwork, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow a practice plan while adapting to the needs of the group.
• Dependability, punctuality, and reliable transportation to assigned program locations.
• Willingness to learn Can Play’s approach to adapted recreation and positive participant support.
• Ability to complete required background screening and program training.
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities or youth facing barriers is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and leading sports, games, fitness, and recreational activities for a variety of ages and abilities.
• Develop practice plans with staff that include clear goals, skill-building activities, adaptations, and opportunities for everyone to participate.
• Adjust activities, equipment, instructions, and pacing to meet participants’ individual needs.
• Build positive relationships with participants, offering consistent mentoring, encouragement, and support.
• Help children develop teamwork, communication, confidence, and positive ways to manage frustration and challenges.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, schools, recreation agencies, and other community partners.
• Help volunteers understand activities, participant needs, and ways to provide effective support.
• Prepare equipment and program spaces, assist with setup and cleanup, and care for supplies.
• Support participant check-in, attendance tracking, and communication with families and caregivers.
• Follow safety procedures, maintain participant confidentiality, and promptly communicate concerns or incidents.
• Share observations and ideas with staff to improve activities and participant experiences.

Job description

Can Play is seeking a caring Recreation Assistant to help plan and lead recreational programs where participants can build skills, confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. This role supports adapted recreation for children, teens, and adults with disabilities or chronic health conditions, along with no-cost youth programs for children facing barriers to participation.

You will collaborate with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners to create welcoming, engaging experiences