Recreation Specialist

Lambs Farm; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Lambs Farm in Libertyville, IL seeks an energetic Recreation Specialist to lead engaging programming for adults with developmental disabilities. You will run athletics, Special Olympics practices, fitness activities, and community outings to foster inclusion and growth.

Reporting to Programs leadership, you will collaborate with the recreation team and independently lead activities at our Libertyville campus and community venues.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• 2–3 years in recreation, fitness, coaching, adaptive programming, or similar with adults with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver's license from Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin with a clean driving record.
• Ability to safely demonstrate and lead active recreational programming.
• Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt activities for varying abilities and needs.
• Basic computer skills for documentation, communication, and scheduling.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Flexible scheduling including weekday, evening, or weekend hours.
• Commitment to inclusion and participant empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate recreational programs promoting skill development, confidence, independence, and social engagement.
• Lead adaptive sports, fitness, wellness, and leisure activities for adults with developmental disabilities.
• Coordinate and lead Special Olympics practices, events, and competitions.
• Facilitate community outings and inclusive recreational experiences.
• Adapt activities to varying physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
• Provide coaching, encouragement, and positive behavioral support.
• Support participants in achieving personal recreation, wellness, and fitness goals.
• Build partnerships with community organizations to expand opportunities.
• Ensure spaces and equipment are safe, organized, and welcoming.
• Transport participants to events and sites as needed.
• Maintain participant progress documentation.
• Collaborate with residential, vocational, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Travel locally ~50% to sites and events.
• Support flexible scheduling across roles.

Skills

Communication

Coaching

Adaptability

Teamwork

Public engagement

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Join Our Mission at Lambs Farm

At Lambs Farm, we are passionately committed to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities by providing them with meaningful work opportunities in a vibrant and intentional community. For over six decades, our farmyard, restaurants, stores, residential programs, and community services have helped individuals lead productive, fulfilling lives while building confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.

As we continue to grow, we are expanding our recreation programming to provide more opportunities for participants to engage in sports, fitness, wellness, and community activities. Through adaptive recreation and inclusive programming, we help individuals develop social skills, build self-confidence, and enjoy active, meaningful experiences within the community.

Lambs Farm is a place where encouragement, inclusion, and personal growth guide every interaction. Here, recreation is more than activity-it is a pathway to confidence, connection, and independence.

Do you have a passion for recreation, coaching, and helping others thrive through active engagement? Lambs Farm may be the place for you.

Summary

We are seeking an energetic and compassionate Recreation Specialist to lead engaging recreation programming for adults with developmental disabilities. In this hands‑on role, you will facilitate athletics, Special Olympics training, fitness activities, and community outings while creating inclusive experiences that support participant growth, wellness, and social connection.

Reporting to Programs leadership, you will work collaboratively with the recreation team while independently leading activities both on our Libertyville campus and throughout the community. We are hiring for both a full‑time weekday position and a part‑time weekend position, offering opportunities to support participants across a variety of schedules and recreational programs.

The Role

• Design and facilitate recreational programs that promote skill development, confidence, independence, and social engagement


• Lead adaptive sports, fitness, wellness, and leisure activities for adults with developmental disabilities


• Coordinate and lead Special Olympics practices, events, and competitions


• Facilitate community outings and recreational experiences that encourage inclusion and community participation


• Adapt recreational activities to meet varying physical, emotional, and cognitive ability levels


• Provide coaching, encouragement, and positive behavioral support during recreational programming


• Support participants in achieving personal recreation, wellness, and fitness goals


• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations to expand inclusive recreational opportunities


• Ensure recreational spaces, equipment, and activities remain safe, organized, and welcoming


• Transport participants to community outings, recreation sites, and Special Olympics events as needed


• Maintain documentation related to participation, programming, and participant progress


• Collaborate with residential, vocational, and interdisciplinary teams to support participant‑centered programming


• Travel locally (approximately 50%) to community recreation sites, events, and activities


• Support flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, or weekend programming depending on role assignment

Qualifications

• High school diploma required


• 2‑3 years of experience in recreation, fitness, coaching, adaptive programming, or working with adults with developmental disabilities preferred


• Experience leading group activities, sports programs, or community recreation initiatives preferred


• Valid driver's license from Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin with a clean driving record


• Ability to safely demonstrate and lead active recreational programming


• Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills


• Ability to adapt activities and communication styles to support individuals with varying abilities and needs


• Basic computer skills for documentation, communication, and scheduling


• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment


• Enthusiastic, patient, and encouraging approach to participant engagement


• Availability for flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, or weekend hours depending on assigned role


• Commitment to inclusion, participant empowerment, and person‑centered programming

Compensation

The hourly rate for this role is $17.00 per hour

Disclaimer: As part of the pre‑employment process, all employees at Lambs Farm are required to successfully complete background and registry checks and medical screenings. These measures are in place to ensure a safe and compliant environment for everyone involved. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.