Special Recreation Instructor (H) Part time (Citywide)

Chicago-Park-District; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Plus pay raises

Personal leave

Sick leave

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Pension plan

Free museum access

Job summary

Chicago Park District seeks a Special Recreation Instructor to plan, promote, and conduct recreation activities designed for people with disabilities. The role involves teaching diverse programs, supervising participants, and coordinating with staff and volunteers across multiple locations.

The position requires a background in Therapeutic Recreation, CPR certification, and a commitment to safety and inclusion. Part-time hours and a comprehensive benefits package are included.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation theories and principles.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in teaching a full range of therapeutic recreation sports and activities.
• Ability to observe and evaluate participant progress.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a community recreation curriculum for individuals with disabilities.
• Instruct and supervise participants in sports, games, and recreation activities.
• Demonstrate proper techniques for activities and supervise volunteers.
• Coaching athletes at local, regional, and national events including Special Olympics/Paralympics.

Skills

Therapeutic recreation

Communication skills

Teaching/education

Observation & evaluation

Education

Associate of Arts degree

Additional BA preferred

20 college credits in related field

Job description

Title: Special Recreation Instructor

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:Under general supervision, plans, promotes, organizes, instructs and conducts recreation and leisure activities designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and other special populations in Chicago. Conducts classes, coaches’ team, controls therapeutic recreation equipment, and recruits and trains volunteers. Serves as liaison with local advisory councils and local park staff. Performs related duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Plans and implements a community recreation curriculum and teaches a variety of physical, leisure, adapted aquatics and recreation activities to citizens with disabilities and to other special populations.
• Instructs and supervises Park District patrons involved in sports, games and recreation and athletics.
• Demonstrates proper techniques and skills for recreation and athletic activities.
• Accompanies, supervises and coaches athletes at local, regional, national and international special Olympics, Paralympics and other scheduled events.
• Evaluates individual skill levels and assesses the leisure capacity of program participants.
• Develops and identifies realistic recreation and athletic goals for patrons with disabilities and other special populations.
• Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for specialized recreation and athletic activities.
• Helps develop and promote the Park District therapeutic recreation program.
• Contributes to program management in the areas of planning, monitoring and training program volunteers.
• Provides technical supervision for personnel assigned to work with participants.
• Issues and maintains an inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.
• Sets up recreation apparatus and equipment.
• Performs general administrative duties including but not limited to registration, fee collection, maintenance of health records and parental release forms, and other record keeping duties.
• Supervises unorganized play and enforces Park District rules and regulations.
• Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:Completion of at least 20 credit hours in an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field, plus one year experience in Therapeutic Recreation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. An Associate of Arts degree in one of these fields is recommended. A Bachelor of Arts degree is preferred.Certification Requirement:Valid CPR certification from the American Red Cross or other nationally recognized organization.Certification Recommended:Therapeutic Recreation Assistant or Specialist (National Council for Therapeutic Certification), Adapted Aquatics Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Special Olympics Sport Coach (various).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of therapeutic recreation theories and principles. Familiarity with commonly accepted methods and techniques for teaching children and adults with disabilities and other special populations. Effective oral and written communication skills.

Skill in teaching a full range of therapeutic recreation sports and cultural and social activities.

Ability to observe and evaluate individual participant progress.

Available Locations:

• Davis Square - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Kosciuszko - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Loyola - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Shabbona - budgeted up to 25 hours per week

BENEFITS:As a part-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District’s Agreement with SEIU Local 73, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2026.
• +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2027.
• 1 day of personal leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• 2 days of sick leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• After one year of employment, employees who work 1,040 hours or more in the previous year are typically eligible for between 7-10 workdays of paid vacation time annually, and additional time after first 5 years of employment.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility requirements).
• Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
• Free Admission to most Chicago Museums.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Rate of Pay:$26.63 per hour

SEIU Local 73: Career Service EEO: Service-Maintenance FLSA: Non-Exempt