Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA); Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Prescription coverage

Dental coverage

Vision reimbursement

Life insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

NSSRA in Highland Park, IL, is seeking a Recreation Specialist to coordinate and implement high-quality recreation services for individuals with disabilities. This full-time role involves supervising camps and special events, recruiting staff, and serving as a liaison for participants and families.

The position requires a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, knowledge of disabilities, and a valid Illinois driver’s license. Evening and weekend work is expected throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field, or 3+ years equivalent experience.
• NCTRC certification is preferred within one year of employment.
• Knowledge of disabilities and recreational needs of people with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, supervise, implement, and evaluate camps and special events.
• Develop knowledge of camps and serve as liaison for staff and participants.
• Develop knowledge of special events and serve as liaison for families.
• Attend meetings and conduct program-specific sessions as needed.
• Recruit staff and respond to inquiries about camps and events.
• Lead recreational programs for youth and adults on a rotating schedule.

Skills

Disabilities knowledge

Therapeutic recreation

Staff coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field

NCTRC certification within 1 year (preferred)

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Area of Concentration: Special Events & Camps

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 1,600 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Manager, work as a team to coordinate, supervise, implement, and evaluate camps and special events.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of camps to serve as the key liaison for new and current employees in this area.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of special events to serve as the key liaison for new and current participants and families in this area.
• Attend meetings and conduct program-specific educational sessions for camps and special events as necessary.
• Recruit staff, respond to inquiries about camps and special events, and anticipate future program offerings.
• Lead recreational programs for youth and adults on a seasonal basis with a rotating assignment schedule

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 OR any bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent experience 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 $58,132.00 - $69,758.50 a year, dependent on qualifications.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

• medical, prescription and dental coverage, vision reimbursement, life insurance, pension plan, and paid time off