Position: Activities Coordinator / Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Department: SCALE / MS Day
Reports to: Director of SCALE / MS Day
Job Type: Part-Time
Salary: $27-$35 per hour
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Maryland wage and hour law)
Hours: 24 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday. Schedule may vary to support community outings, special events, and program needs.
Summary:
The Activities Coordinator/CTRS plans, implements, and evaluates therapeutic recreation and leisure services for members of the SCALE and MS Day programs, both in the center and in the community. The Activities Coordinator assesses each member's leisure interests, abilities, and needs; designs individual and group activities that build leisure skills, social participation, and community inclusion; and monitors and documents member progress. The position also evaluates how social and leisure factors affect individual members and the programs as a whole, trains families and volunteers, and builds relationships with community organizations that expand members' leisure opportunities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following are the essential functions of this position. The League will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform these functions.
- Assess members' social, emotional, cognitive, and physical functioning, including strengths and limitations, to identify leisure interests, needs, and barriers to participation.
- Develop individual therapeutic recreation goals based on assessment results and contribute to members' service plans in collaboration with the program team.
- Work with the Director of SCALE/MS Day to develop appropriate, inclusive groups based on member interests, abilities, and age-related preferences.
- Design and lead courses and group activities that support leisure education, leisure skill development, community re-entry, and recreation participation.
- Apply knowledge of human development across the lifespan to adapt activities, materials, and environments so that every member can participate as fully as possible.
- Plan, coordinate, and take part in community outings, ensuring member safety, appropriate supervision, and accessibility of venues and activities.
- Monitor member participation and progress, and complete assessments, progress notes, and attendance records accurately and on time, in line with League policy and applicable regulations.
- Write program descriptions, course goals, and activity calendars as required.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of activities and programs, using member outcomes and feedback to recommend improvements.
- Provide training to families and volunteers on leisure activities, adaptive techniques, and program procedures.
- Develop and maintain contacts with community agencies and organizations to identify information and resources for leisure planning.
- Protect the confidentiality of member information in accordance with HIPAA and League policy.
- Promptly report incidents and any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of members as required by League policy and Maryland law.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
- Orient, guide, and support volunteers during program activities.
- Attend staff meetings, team meetings, and required trainings.
- Maintain activity supplies and equipment, and request purchases within the approved budget.
- Assist with special events and League-wide activities.
- Complete additional coursework, seminars, or continuing education as needed to maintain certification and meet the changing needs of the organization.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications Requirements:
- Knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles and practices, including assessment, activity analysis, and activity adaptation.
- Knowledge of human development across the lifespan and of how neurological conditions, such as brain injury and multiple sclerosis, can affect leisure and social participation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with members, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and use creativity to develop engaging programs.
- Proactive, collaborative, and approachable working style; ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Strong organization and time-management skills, with attention to accurate documentation.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, email, and electronic record systems.
- Commitment to person-centered practice and to the dignity, choice, and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Education Requirements and/or Experience:
- Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) required; degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field preferred.
- Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), maintained in good standing throughout employment.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with adults; experience with adults with neurological (neurogenic) conditions preferred.
- CPR and First Aid certification, obtained within the timeframe set by The League and maintained throughout employment.
- Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets League standards, if the position will transport members.
Conditions of Employment:
- Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal history records check and any other screenings required by Maryland law and regulation. In compliance with Maryland and Baltimore City law, these checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment.
- Completion of all required orientation and ongoing training.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, and reach while leading and supporting activities.
- Move about the center and community venues, including outdoor settings and public transportation or League vehicles, during outings.
- Lift, carry, or move activity supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Assist members with mobility during activities and outings, including pushing wheelchairs, using safe techniques taught in League training.
- Communicate clearly with members, families, and staff, and observe members to monitor their safety and participation.
- Work in an adult day program setting with moderate noise levels and in community settings with varying weather conditions.
Equal Opportunity and Accommodation:
The League for People with Disabilities is an equal opportunity employer. The League does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, State of Maryland, or Baltimore City law. Applicants and employees who need a reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform this job may contact Human Resources.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work for this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications, and it may be revised at any time to meet the needs of the organization. This job description does not create a contract of employment or change the at-will employment relationship.