Variable Therapeutic Recreation Leader - Specialist

City of Lakewood; United States; On-site; USD 21,710 - 26,573; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Flexible spending account

Job summary

The City of Lakewood is seeking a Variable Therapeutic Recreation Leader to assist in implementing and facilitating therapeutic recreation programs for diverse participants. You will manage activities, ensure safety, support participants, and work with volunteers in various environments including classes and outings.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with experience working with people with disabilities. The position offers a pay range of $15.76 to $19.29 per hour and diverse benefits including insurance and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Experience motivating and working with people of varying demographics is preferred.
• Background check required.
• Education in working with disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and evaluate recreation programs for participants of all abilities.
• Ensure safety and manage risk during activities.
• Supervise participants and volunteers effectively.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Ability to work with diverse groups

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience working with people with disabilities

Tools

CPR and First Aid certifications

Job description

Job Summary

Under general supervision from the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator and Program Specialists, the Variable Therapeutic Recreation Leader assists in the implementation and facilitation of comprehensive therapeutic recreation programs for people of all ages and varying abilities. The role supports recreation classes, community outings, dances, after‑school programs, special events, Special Olympics, Unified Sports, and overnight outings.

Key Responsibilities

• Support implementation and evaluation of recreation programs such as classes, outings, dances, after‑school programs, special events, Special Olympics, Unified Sports and overnight outings.
• Adhere to the R.I.S.E. Program’s “No Isolated Moments” policy and the city’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure safety and manage risk; make safety a top priority.
• Supervise and support participants and volunteers at all times.
• Facilitate the appropriate participation of program participants and participate in programs with participants.
• Redirect negative or undesired behaviors from participants as needed.
• Submit accurate hours and a time card on time in compliance with city policies.
• Make reasonable and prudent decisions conducive to the beliefs of the R.I.S.E. program, Recreation Division and the City of Lakewood.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Work day, nights, weekends as requested.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college (college degree preferred). Education in working with people with disabilities preferred.
• Experience motivating and working with people with disabilities or a variety of demographics (preferred).
• Background check required.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, participants, parents, and caregivers.
• Problem‑solve in a variety of situations.
• Interpret and understand written and oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively with participants in an appropriate manner.
• Give clear verbal direction to groups of varying sizes.
• Deal effectively with emergency situations.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Lift, pull, or push up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Assist participants with transfers and use assistive devices.
• Stand, walk, run, sit, bend, stoop, squat, twist, and reach for extended periods.
• Perform activities of daily living with participants.
• Communicate with staff and participants via phone and in person.
• Instruct, observe, and demonstrate all program aspects.
• Recognize and redirect potentially risky behaviors.
• Make sound decisions and respond to participants’ needs, including injury intervention.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, sick leave, vacation, holiday schedule, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, voluntary life insurance, employee assistance program, short‑term and long‑term disability, injury leave, FMLA, military leave, jury duty, tuition assistance, and recreation facilities.

Pay range: $15.76–$19.29 per hour. Base pay set at $17.50/hr. This role may require day, evening, weekend, and overnight shifts.