Recreation Specialists

Illinois Park and Recreation Association; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization focused on inclusion through recreation! As a Recreation Specialist, you will coordinate high-quality recreation services for individuals with disabilities. This full-time role requires evening and weekend work, offering a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Medical, prescription, and dental coverage

Vision reimbursement

Life insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Knowledge and/or training in therapeutic recreation or special education.
• A valid Illinois Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

• Direct leadership of recreation programs and overnight trips for individuals with disabilities.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise part-time seasonal employees.
• Develop curricula and goals for recreation programs.

Skills

Knowledge of disabilities

Recreational needs understanding

Behavior management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

Job description

At NSSRA, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to play. Formed in 1970 with that goal in mind, we were the first Special Recreation Association in the country, offering programs and services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. We are similar to a park district; however, we only serve residents in our partner communities with special needs.

Fifty years later, we serve approximately 1,800 individuals throughout the year in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We’re all about creating an environment of belonging through play, and we want you to be a part of our team!

ABOUT THE JOB

Members of Team NSSRA are dedicated individuals with enthusiasm and initiative. The Recreation Specialist is responsible for the coordination and implementation of safe, high-quality recreation services for individuals with disabilities of all ages.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Direct leadership of recreation programs and overnight trips for individuals with disabilities of all ages.
• Supervise individuals by utilizing behavior management, transferring and other skills necessary for the overall independence and participation of individuals with disabilities.
• Solve problems at programs by demonstrating adaptability and flexibility.
• Actively participates in programs.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and follow through on participant plans.
• Drive agency vehicles and transport program participants, as required, and assist in care and maintenance of NSSRA vehicles as required.
• Gather, load, transport and set up equipment necessary for program implementation.
• Assist in the daily management of programs through paperwork and record keeping systems.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise and evaluate part-time seasonal employees and volunteers.
• Develop curricula and goals for recreation programs.
• Conduct program and participant observations as requested and complete all necessary observation forms.
• Compile information required for the program guide including development of new programs and completion of program budget worksheets.
• Develop skills and abilities necessary to carry out assigned duties, through attendance at meetings as required.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of assigned special events and attend all-staff events.
• Serve as the on-call staff as assigned.
• Complete agency trainings for employees on an annual basis.
• Under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Manager, work as a team to coordinate, supervise, implement, and evaluate the Inclusion services provided by NSSRA.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of Inclusion to serve as the key liaison to new and current participants and families, employees, and partner agencies in this area.
• Work with the Recreation Manager to complete and maintain reports, files, and paperwork necessary in the Inclusion area.
• Attend meetings and conduct disability-specific educational sessions for partner agencies, as necessary.
• Respond to inquiries about Inclusion and evaluate the need for Inclusion support.
• Assist in solving problems at inclusion sites by adapting programs or creating participant plans, as necessary.
• Receive and input new requests for Inclusion services into the Inclusion database.
• Secure and assign part-time/seasonal employees for requested Inclusion placements based on the schedule and determined needs of the participant.
• Work with partner agency employees on securing support for the requested placements and identifying opportunities for shared support within the programs.
• Communicate status of Inclusion requests on a weekly basis with partner agency employees and families.
• Comply with safe work requirements and customer service standards and encourage other staff members to do the same.
• Perform other duties as assigned necessary for the efficient and effective operation of NSSRA.

ABOUT YOU

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation administration, special education, adaptive physical education, or a related field.
• Have, obtain, or sit for the NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) within one (1) year of employment is preferred.
• Demonstrable knowledge of disabilities and the recreational needs of persons with disabilities without exclusion.
• Knowledge and/or training in the area of therapeutic recreation, recreation, special education, adaptive physical education, or a related field.
• A valid Illinois Driver’s License and personal transportation to accomplish position responsibilities.

SCHEDULING & PAY

This is a full-time, year-round position that requires evening and weekend work. Salary is $56,992 to $68,390 a year, dependent on qualifications.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

NSSRA offers a generous benefit package which includesmedical, prescription and dental coverage, vision reimbursement, life insurance, pension plan, and paid time off.

JOIN THE TEAM

The positions are open until filled. Please apply early as recruiting and interviewing will begin immediately.