Program Instructor- Winter Park

PSIA-AASI Western Region; Winter Park (CO); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

NSCD in Colorado is seeking a Program Instructor to teach adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation to individuals with disabilities. You will lead individual and group lessons and may run instructor/volunteer training clinics as qualified. Schedule varies by activity and location.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and a college degree in related fields is a plus. PSIA/AASI certification is preferred; a valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; a college degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Special Education, or related field is a plus.
• Current PSIA/AASI Certification in Alpine, Adaptive, Snowboard, Nordic preferred.
• Experience teaching skiing or snowboarding to individuals with disabilities preferred; knowledge of adaptive recreation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Instruct individuals with disabilities in alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, Nordic skiing and other winter activities.
• Perform student assessments and plan lessons using adaptive concepts.
• Instruct group lessons and assist with planning, safety, and progress documentation.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal

Ability to work with individuals with

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Job description

About The NSCD We are Colorado’s most comprehensive provider of adaptive outdoor experiences. We offer more programs, in more places, in more ways that change lives. The National Sports Center for the Disabled is a leading provider of adaptive outdoor recreation experiences committed to helping individuals with disabilities, their caregivers, and the broader community rethink ability. Through the power of adaptive innovation, recreation, and Colorado’s great outdoors, we are transforming lives, families and communities and creating a world that celebrates each person’s abilities.

Position Overview

Under the supervisor of the Program Supervisor, the Program Instructor teaches adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation lessons to individuals with disabilities. This position includes instruction in activities for individuals, group lessons and custom programming. Instructors may determine usage of adaptive equipment and may also teach instructor and volunteer training clinics (if qualified). Program locations are determined by activity schedule.

Job Duties

• Instruct individuals with disabilities in sports and activities (e.g., alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, Nordic skiing, and other winter activities).
• Perform student assessments and plan lessons according to adaptive sports and recreation concepts.
• Select appropriate teaching systems and equipment, set goals and plan lessons using adaptive recreation concepts.
• Instruct individual or group lessons using appropriate teaching progressions and exercises.
• Document student progress, maintain accurate records and make recommendations for future lessons.
• Assist with coordination and operation of weekly programs.
• Support multi‑day camps.
• Attend all required NSCD training sessions and meet standards to pass training.
• Assist with NSCD volunteer and special events.
• Consistently follow safety procedures and utilize appropriate safety equipment.
• Create and maintain a friendly, congenial, and helpful attitude while effectively dealing with guests and other employees.

Professional Performance

• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the Agency.
• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a role model both at and away from the Agency.
• Maintain a creative, team‑building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem‑solving orientation to all tasks.
• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with Agency policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.
• Maintain awareness of the Agency’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.
• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the agency for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of Agency business.
• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through appropriate professional training and experience.
• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; a college degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Special Education, or related field is a plus.
• Minimum Level 7 skiing ability required.
• Minimum one‑year experience teaching skiing or snowboarding preferred.
• Current PSIA/AASI Certification in one of the following areas preferred: Alpine, Adaptive (DD, Blind, 3 Track, 4 Track, Mono ski, or bi ski), Snowboard, Nordic.
• One‑year experience in adaptive sports instruction preferred.
• One‑year experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn new software as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing and report development.
• Ability to implement agency vision, mission, values, and strategic plan.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and assess and change priorities based upon agency needs.
• Strategic thinker who communicates professionally and effectively with diverse staff, volunteers, donors, prospects, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain consistent exercise of discretion and confidentiality in the performance of duties.
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and exercise personal judgment in a fast‑paced environment with a strong sense of humor and integrity.
• Superior skills to organize, plan, and execute the full scope of required programs.
• Knowledge of disabilities and of adaptive recreation and equipment is desirable.
• Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and meet background check criteria. Candidates may be required to meet criteria regarding clearance to drive company vehicles, including 15‑passenger vans, vehicles with large towing capacity, snowmobiles, surface and aerial lifts, if required by specific job duties.

Work Schedule

This is a seasonal, full‑time/part‑time position. The work varies based on seasonal programming needs. The position will require weekends, evenings, and holidays to support the programming needs of the agency.

Salary

The pay for this position is $20.00 – $22.00 per hour. Actual salaries may vary and may be above the base pay based on experience, education, training, and credentials. NSCD provides seasonal employees paid sick leave, time‑and‑a‑half for holidays worked, and employees may participate in the 403(b) retirement plan if they meet minimum required hours worked.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions, including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather.
• Physically able to assist participants with adaptive recreation equipment, position adjustments, transfers, and movement during activities.
• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers, phones or mobile devices.
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, and clients on a daily basis.
• Able to manage multiple high‑priority tasks in a fast‑paced and often crowded and noisy environment.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be a complete list of all the responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees performing this job. Furthermore, this job description does not establish a contract of employment. NSCD may change job descriptions at any time, with or without notice, as service needs require.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

NSCD is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, veteran status, genetic information, or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. NSCD will consider providing reasonable workplace accommodation if needed.