Therapeutic Recreation Leader

Bend Park and Recreation; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Bend Park and Recreation District is seeking a Therapeutic Recreation Leader to assist with 1:1 needs of children with disabilities and to foster inclusion in our programs. You will engage youth in developmentally appropriate crafts, games and activities, including field trips, across Central Oregon.

The role emphasizes creating daily class plans, ensuring safety and adapting activities to individual needs, while maintaining effective communication with families and staff.

Qualifications

• Basic recreation activity planning, class management techniques and leadership strategies.
• Progressive methods for teaching skills associated with assignment.
• Basic youth development principle.

Responsibilities

• Supervise therapeutic recreation participants in district facilities and programs, helping to provide safe and rewarding experiences.
• Interact with participants through developmentally appropriate crafts, games and/or other planned activities.
• Create daily plans for classes and activities within established guidelines and curriculum.
• Oversee the safety, comfort and progress of participants.
• Adapt activities as needed to meet the abilities and needs of individuals.
• Prepare equipment, materials and supplies required for conducting activities.
• Set up, take downs and cleans-up after class as required.
• Communicate effectively with parent/guardian of participants regarding behavior issues, participants' special needs, questions and concerns.
• Complete required class records, progress reports, certificates, etc.
• Respond to accidents and incidents according to procedure.
• Act as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.

Skills

Recreation planning

Class management

Leadership

Teaching methods

Youth development

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

Description

Benefit type: Part time, non benefited

Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here.

Have previous experience in childcare or education support in Therapeutic Recreation?

Join our therapeutic recreation staff!

About the job:

The Therapeutic Recreation Leader will work to assist with 1:1 needs of children with disabilities, and foster inclusion in a general recreation program. You will interact with youth through developmentally appropriate crafts, games, and/or other planned activities. Many of the programs are field trip based and staff will have the opportunity to support kids and teen in exciting adventures and experiences in Central Oregon.

A day in the life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Supervise therapeutic recreation participants in district facilities and programs, helping to provide safe and rewarding experiences.
• Interacts with participants through developmentally appropriate crafts, games and/or other planned activities.
• Creates daily plans for classes and activities within established guidelines and curriculum.
• Oversees the safety, comfort and progress of participants.
• Adapts activities as needed to meet the abilities and needs of individuals.
• Prepares equipment, materials and supplies required for conducting activities
• Sets up, takes downs and cleans-up after class as required.
• Communicate effectively with parent/guardian of participants regarding behavior issues, participants' special needs, questions and concerns.
• Completes required class records, progress reports, certificates, etc.
• Respond to accidents and incidents according to procedure.
• Acts as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.

Schedule and Hours:

Programs are Monday-Friday

This is a part time non-benefited position working approximately 20-24 hours per week, working with 1:1 needs of youth, teens and adults with disabilities.

Requirements

What you’ll need for success:

Strong Knowledge of:

• Basic recreation activity planning, class management techniques and leadership strategies,
• Progressive methods for teaching skills associated with assignment; and,
• Basic youth development principle

Skill and Ability to:

• Plan, lead and instruct assigned recreation activities;
• Understand the needs of participants and adapt accordingly;
• Motivate participants through positive encouragement;
• Demonstrate skills responsible for teaching;
• Perform independently within a structured environment;
• Interact effectively with a variety of patrons/participants;
• Communicate effectively, tactfully, and pleasantly with the public and others; and
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative working relationships with all contacts.

What we’re looking for:

Minimum Education, Experience, and Training

1. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age; AND
2. High school diploma or equivalent or currently attending high school; AND
3. Some work, training/certification or volunteer experience working with individuals with disabilities; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.

Certification:

1. Possession of or ability to obtain with 30 days of hire a First Aid/CPR certification.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

Supervision is not a responsibility of this position; however, position may provide direction over volunteers and Recreation 1’s. Works under the general supervision of a supervisor. Receives ongoing and specific direction from lead and supervisory staff. Carries out work with some independence but work and decisions are typically reviewed prior to final execution.

Working Conditions:

The following are working conditions, including environmental and physical demands, required for this position.

• Depending on job assignment, duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include exposure to environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures.
• Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to walk and stand for sustained periods of time with frequent climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting.
• The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, and kneeling in order to deliver equipment and supplies and set-up and break-down equipment and facilities.
• Exposure to large crowds, uncooperative or difficult individuals, exposure to illness, and periods of continuous demand.

Selection Process:

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position.

Veteran Preference Status

Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:

All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.

Accountability Customer Service Orientation Safety Judgment and Decision Making Teamwork and Cooperation Results Orientation