Adaptive Recreation Leader/Instructor II

Desert Recreation District; La Quinta (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacation Time

Paid Sick Time

Discounted DRD Gym Membership ($1 for

Job summary

Desert Recreation District seeks an adaptable Level I/II Instructor to run adaptive recreation programs. You will plan and lead classes, supervise participants, and ensure safety while offering a quality experience for enrollees.

Experience with disabilities and a caring, patient approach are essential. Responsibilities include documenting attendance, following district safety rules, and coordinating with the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities and/or special needs.
• Ability to work with class participants in a recreation setting.
• Provide safe, clear instruction and positive environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality service for all program participants and guests.
• Ensure safety of participants and good sportsmanship.
• Develop and lead group classes with appropriate supports.
• Maintain class attendance worksheets and participant records.
• Perform necessary first aid and CPR when applicable.

Skills

Disability experience

Customer service

Safety techniques

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR certification

Blood borne pathogens training

Job description

About the Organization Covering over 1,800 square miles, Desert Recreation District (DRD) provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier-free, safe service to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served.

DRD is responsible for over 30 recreational facilities that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In addition, DRD creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and wellness activities. In the past year we have offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events.

Please note: Desert Recreation District does not participate in CalPERS retirement system.

EOE Statement ***DISCLAIMER: The District reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

All employment offers made by the District are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but are not limited to: drug screening, comprehensive background check, criminal history check, employment verification, education verification and physical.

Full-Time/Part-Time Part-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

Hourly/Salary Range $27.14 - $33.90

Description

DEFINITION: Desert Recreation District offers a multitude of specialized programs for residents of all ages and abilities, this position is to work in adaptive programs. Instructors must have experience, interest and knowledge working with people with disabilities and special needs, have experience working with the age group[s] to be taught, and display a high level of enthusiasm and care for the program and its participants. Instructors work independently and are responsible for program planning, supervision of participants, safety of participants and staff, customer service and providing a quality experience to enrollees. Instructors will develop and lead group classes that utilize safe and effective movements and teaching techniques while providing appropriate supports and maximize participant independence. Must teach classes in a manner that positively reflects the District’s reputation making sure participants know what they are doing at all times from verbal and visual cues and continue working to progress their skills. Position would be great for someone who works in the school systems in Special Education or a local organization serving the same or similar population.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND/OR EXERCISED: Receives supervision from the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Exercises independent judgment to complete assignments and projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides quality service for all program participants and guests.
• Presents a service oriented, positive, and enthusiastic image of the District.
• Ensures that District policies, facility rules and regulations are followed by program participants and guests.
• Ensures the safety of participants and good sportsmanship.
• Understanding signs and symptoms of physical exertion.
• Answers questions regarding program and other related concerns.
• Informs Facility Supervisor of any safety issues.
• Supervises program participants.
• Maintain and safeguard program equipment.
• Develop training programs that fit the ability levels of class participants.
• Maintains class attendance worksheets, program evaluations and participant records.
• Perform necessary first aid and CPR when applicable.
• Maintain all certifications required to instruct program.
• Display patience in high stress situations
• Create meaningful & purposeful relationships with participants and their family members/caregivers

Desert Recreation District Perks at Work:

• Paid Vacation Time*
• Paid Sick Time
• Discounted Desert Recreation District Gym Membership ($1 for year)
• Discounted DRD Programs/Facililty Rentals (Up to 75% off)
• TicketsatWork (Discounts to theme parks, movies, concerts, sporting events, hotels, etc.)
• Candidate Referral Program
• Financial Fit (FinFit) Educational Resources
• Paid CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Training

Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS1:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have experience working with individuals with disabilities and/or special needs and be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:

• Safety techniques and safety cues for class setting.
• Rules of all activity/sport/exercise taught.
• Customer service methods and effective communication techniques.

Ability to:

• Work effectively with class participants, treating all participants equally and respectfully.
• Model correct drills, rules and conditioning while teaching and instructing each program.
• Constructively instruct participants on technical skills and technique and make modifications where necessary.
• Provide a positive environment free of discrimination for all class participants.
• Teach and explain principles and rules of each activity/sport/exercise.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation and creativity in conducting classes in order to create a fun learning environment that encourages development and involvement.
• Assist with program recruitment and promotion.
• Travel to program sites and work set schedule (i.e. mornings, days, and nights).
• Provide quality leadership, instruction and training to participants.
• Respond to common inquiries and/or suggestions from guests.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / TRAINING:

LEVEL I INSTRUCTOR:

• High school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of the District’s proprietary instructor training modules and coursework within six months of date-of-hire
• Active certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Blood borne pathogens training

LEVEL II INSTRUCTOR:

• All requirements of Level I Instructor
• Level I certification from a National Governing Body for that activity/sport/exercise.
• Requires at least one-year experience of instruction in a group program setting or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

LEVEL III INSTRUCTOR:

• All requirements of Level II Instructor
• Level II or Level III certification from a National Governing Body for that activity/sport/exercise.
• Requires at least 2-4 years’ experience of instruction in a group program setting or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

LEVEL IV INSTRUCTOR:

• All requirements of Level III InstructorRequires 5+ years’ demonstrated experience of instruction in a group program setting or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

• College degree preferred in a related discipline or combination of college coursework and experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS2:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an instructor to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Instructor is required to work in a recreation environment at a recreation facility and may be in an indoor or outdoor environment, depending on program.
• Ability to hear and communicate verbally in a clear, concise manner.
• Instructor is regularly required to stand, balance, bend, twist, lean, stretch, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, squat, sit, talk and hear.
• Instructor is occasionally required to climb or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT3:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. In certain assignments, employee may occasionally work near moving equipment and be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, biological hazards, and airborne fumes.

This position is currently accepting applications.