Program Leader

Are you looking for a part-time job with a purpose and an opportunity to lead recreational programs for people with special needs Look no further than SEASPAR!

We are a special recreation association which is like a park district just for people with disabilities. We serve thirteen communities in eastern DuPage and southern Cook counties and our home base is in Downers Grove. We offer recreational programming specifically for children and adults with special needs and were looking for kind and energetic people from all backgrounds to help our participants learn grow and most importantly have fun!

Why work at SEASPAR We offer flexible hours during days evenings and weekends!

Interested Read on for position details then apply to become a member of Team SEASPAR today!

Summary: Responsible for the management of and on-site supervision of a designated program. This includes but is not limited to program implementation supervision and safety of SEASPAR participants property equipment and monies while working community based therapeutic recreation programs.

Position Qualifications:

• High school or college diploma preferred.
• Minimum of one-year experience at SEASPAR as a Program Support Staff or equivalent position; working knowledge of disabilities.
• Must hold or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and able to perform the key responsibilities independently of others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement recreation activities as given by Program Coordinator for individuals with disabilities.
• Adapt activities rules equipment and/or supplies as needed to ensure quality participation and the most independent participation possible.
• Use judgment to effectively make decisions and solve problems.
• Work with full-time staff to create appropriate groupings for program activity and participants.
• Work with full-time staff part-time leaders program support staff volunteers parents community partners member entity staff and individuals with special needs.
• Supervise and participate in all planned activities. Delegate responsibilities to program assistants.
• Interpret and use knowledge of the physical mental and medical limitations of participants to the benefit of the program.
• Provide appropriate attention to all participants in all situations.
• Discuss staffing concerns/issues with Program Manager.
• Be alert and responsive to health and safety needs of the participants and staff.
• Ensure safety factors relative to program and participant needs.
• Take attendance of staff and participants; document incidents/accidents as necessary.
• Complete a program summary at the completion of each week of program or special event.
• Implement proper disciplinary techniques. Provide behavior management when necessary.
• Ensure that the facility/program site as well as any equipment is properly maintained.
• Read understand and abide by all SEASPAR policies and procedures.
• Be available to listen to parent concerns. Answer questions on behalf of SEASPAR or refer questions to administrative staff.
• Regular and predictable on-site attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Motivate staff and participants initiate success.
• Attend all job-related seasonal orientations in-services conferences and workshops as directed by supervisor.
• Act as an advocate for the participant when necessary.
• Be dependable and punctual.
• Encourage participation and development of friendships with other participants in the program.
• Gathering loading transporting and setting up equipment if necessary. Loading/unloading and transporting participants in a safe manner.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Worker Traits: Demonstration of enthusiasm strong interpersonal skills communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people with disabilities SEASPAR staff SEASPAR member entity staff parents/guardians participants and community groups as well as members of the general public.

• Safety and Security: Use good safety awareness judgment and always follow SEASPAR policies; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment following manufacturer safety instructions; and follow agency ergonomic policies and procedures.
• Problem Solving: Identify and appropriately resolve problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyze information skillfully develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focus on solving conflict not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others ideas; and try new things.
• Oral Communication/Language Skills: Speak clearly and effectively in all situations; listen and ask for clarification from supervisor if needed; respond appropriately to questions; read and interpret all necessary agency documents.
• Written Communication: Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; be able to interpret written information; and present clear legible handwriting for all SEASPAR forms and documents.
• Judgment/Reasoning Ability: Exhibit sound and accurate judgment when making all program related decisions; solve problems involving a few concrete variables; include appropriate people in the decision-making process.
• Professionalism: Approach others in a tactful manner react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments.
• Adaptability: Adapt activities based on the skill level and needs of each participant to encourage appropriate participation on a regular basis. Adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands; change approach or method as necessary; deal with frequent changes delays unexpected events or program cancellations.
• Attendance/Punctuality: Demonstrate consistent attendance and on time arrival; ensure responsibilities are covered when absent; arrive at meetings in-services and trainings on time.
• Dependability: Follow instructions respond to management direction; take responsibility for own actions; keep commitments; commit to long hours of work when necessary; and complete tasks on time.
• Leadership: Lead participants to have successful recreation experiences demonstrate positive interactions with other staff members individuals with disabilities and parents/guardians; the ability to enlist the support of others to accomplish a common task.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the key responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or transfer up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

SEASPAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer which has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at the agency which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individuals actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids locks and twists) color religion sex gender (including gender identity and expression) age national origin citizenship status work authorization status ancestry marital status veteran status disability association with a person with a disability sexual orientation genetic information unfavorable discharge from military service or military status civil union partnership order of protection status pregnancy childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact HR at