Therapeutic Recreation Program Leader (Variable Hour)

Canton Township; Canton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Canton Township seeks a Therapeutic Recreation Program Leader to supervise TR activities for special needs populations. The role involves guiding programs, coordinating transportation, and maintaining safety across township facilities.

Shifts are variable, hours Tue–Thu 8:00am–4:00pm; at-will position with outdoor work and frequent interaction with participants and families. Driver license, CPR/First Aid, CPI are required within specified timelines.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a 12-passenger van with a wheelchair lift.
• CPR/AED and first aid certification within 30 days of employment; CPI certification within 90 days.
• Experience working with or volunteering for special needs populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise therapeutic recreation activities for participants at various facilities.
• Coordinate planning, supervision and transportation of participants in Township vehicles and buses.
• Ensure safety, setup/teardown, and maintain equipment condition and cleanliness.
• Provide excellent customer service and communicate policies clearly.
• Respond to emergencies calmly and document incidents and reports.

Skills

Driver's license

Van operation

CPR/First Aid

CPI certification

Special needs experience

Shift flexibility

Outdoor work

Job description

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM LEADER

Variable Hour

Pay Rate: $16.80 per hour

REQUIRED AVAILABILITY

Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm

Shifts vary

JOB DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

This position is responsible for leading and supervising activities for special needs populations and Parks, Recreation and Community Services programs.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Supervises and monitors Therapeutic Recreation participants engaging in registered TR experiences and Community Development programming at a variety of recreation areas and facilities.
• Assists in the planning, supervision and coordination of participants and activities.
• Responsible for safe transportation of program participants to assigned locations in Township vehicles and chartered buses.
• Assists in coordination of setup, teardown, and cleanup of programs and events.
• Greets and interacts with participants, families and community members in a positive and friendly manner and provides excellent customer service.
• Ensures safety rules, policies, regulations and procedures are followed by program
• Responsible for enforcement of departmental rules and regulations, operating procedures and policies.
• Responsible for facilities and equipment appearance and cleanliness, including detection of and reporting of property and equipment defects.
• Attends all staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Assumes lead worker responsibilities for events and activities as assigned.
• Assists with responding to, communicating and documenting emergency situations and incidents, including, but not limited to, First Aid, CPR, Severe Weather, and Missing Child events.
• Responsible for efficient and effective day-to-day operations.
• Prepares equipment and supplies for planned daily programs and events.
• Maintains accurate reports, including, but not limited to, accident and incident reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum age of 18 years old.
• Must possess a current, valid Driver's License with a driving history that does not create liability concerns, which include, but are not limited to, convictions for reckless driving, careless driving, suspended license or convictions involving drinking and impaired driving.
• Ability to operate a 12-passenger van equipped with a wheelchair lift, with the ability to tow a trailer behind the van as necessary.
• Must be able to possess a valid Michigan Chauffer License within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain CPR/AED and first aid certification within 30 days of employment. CPR/AED and first aid classes are free to Township employees. Certification through an organization approved by Michigan's Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Child Care Licensing division, may also be accepted.
• Must obtain Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification within 90 days of employment. CPI certification is free to Township employees.
• Prior experience working or volunteering with special needs populations preferred.
• Ability to respond to emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.
• Ability to clearly communicate procedures, problems and policies with fellow employees and the public tactfully and courteously.
• Skill in organizing self and others; ability to self-start in discharging responsibilities.
• Knowledge of the facilities, equipment and supplies required by the assigned area.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts, including afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions for long periods of time.
• This is an "At-Will" position. Work assignments and hours are scheduled based on availability, division requirements and within the confines of the budget. Schedules and work hours are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time due to division needs, budgeting and staff availability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable Accommodations: Canton Township provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [phone]. We encourage all interested qualified applicants to apply for open positions. Request for accommodations will be reviewed case-by-case.

• Stand - Frequently
• Walk - Frequently
• Sit - Frequently
• Use of Hands/Fingers - Frequently
• Reach - Frequently
• Climb - Occasionally
• Crawl - Occasionally
• Squat/Kneel - Frequently
• Bend - Frequently

Lift/Carry

• Less than 10 lbs - Frequently
• 10-29 lbs - Frequently
• 30-59 lbs - Occasionally
• 60-100 lbs - Rarely

Push/Pull

• Less than 10 lbs - Frequently
• 10-29 lbs - Frequently
• 30-59 lbs - Occasionally
• 60-100 lbs - Rarely

Reports To: Therapeutic Recreation Program Administrator

Job Description Updated: September 2025

Posting Information:

Therapeutic Recreation Program Leader (Variable Hour)

• This is an at-will position. Hours are limited and will vary based on the operational needs of the department. Employees in this position will be classified as variable-hour employees.
• All candidates will be notified VIA EMAIL of the disposition of the employment application.
• Being hired to fill a vacant position will require reference checking, background information, driving record verification, working history verification, physical exam, drug screen, and new hire orientation.
• Must meet the minimum requirements for the position to be considered.

The Charter Township of Canton provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) and is committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability, height, weight, gender identity, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Canton Township takes great pride in the diversity of our community and promotes diversity in the workforce.