DescriptionJOB TITLE:
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
DEPARTMENT:
Recreation
SALARY/HOURLY:
Salary
FLSA:
Exempt
BENEFITS:
Complete medical/health/life/vision and dental package; vacation holidays personal and sick days; pension plan IPRA Membership continuing education Member Agencyleisure benefits.
DIRECTLY REPORTS TO:
Program Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTLY SUPERVISING:
NA
JOB PURPOSE:
To assess plan develop implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate from accredited College or University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation with a Therapeutic Emphasis and practical experience in Therapeutic Recreation programming.
- Current NCTRC Certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
- Experience in planning and conducting recreation programs for people with disabilities.
- Must demonstrate knowledge of disabilities and have proven experience working with individuals with disabilities including planning a wide range of recreation activities.
- Must demonstrate enthusiasm strong interpersonal skills communication skills and ability to work effectively with people with disabilities FVSRA staff FVSRA member agency staff part time coaches parents/guardians participants schools district personnel community agencies as well as members of the general public.
- Must be able to work independently solve problems and convey a positive attitude to others. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Possess Handle With Care (HWC) and First Aid-CPR Certifications or obtain within one year of hire.
- Ability to assess plan develop implement and evaluate activity programs for the therapeutic recreation continuum of services.
- Ability to engage in activities requiring physical exertion. Ability to perform required duties under stressful situations without supervision.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Adheres to all Agency Policy and Procedures Manuals.
- Adhere to Safety Manual contents by exhibiting a working knowledge of general and department specific safety rules.
- Plan develop lead and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs on a year round basis.
- Serve as liaison to part-time program leaders.
- Assist in supervision and evaluation of part-time staff and volunteers in assigned programs.
- Develop goals and objectives for each assigned program and maintain all program paperwork; i.e. records forms and correspondence.
- Attend all assigned meetings and approved professional development opportunities.
- Develop and maintain effective communications in all work-related relationships.
- Assist in the orientation of new staff and supervision of interns.
- Prepare program budgets and maintain expenditure records.
- Drive a van or car to programs seasonal events away trips and/or meetings.
- Provide physical and emotional assistance to children and adults with disabilities.
- Select recommend inventory purchase and organize supplies and equipment which are associated with program assignments and responsibilities..
- Assist with gathering purchasing and organizing equipment.
- Work efficiently and effectively under pressure; such as deadlines and emergencies.
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
- Inspects work and program areas (use checklists) for compliance with safe work practices and rules.
- Enforces safety rules by confronting and correcting unsafe behavior and conditions.
- Immediately reports all accidents and incidents to supervisor.
- Cooperates and assists in the investigation of accidents.
- Effectively uses cell phones computers software and the internet for the performance of job assignments.
- Treats public concerns with the utmost and courteous attention.
- Assist in all Foundation fundraising events.
- Perform other duties related to the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist when necessary or duties in the best interest of the Association.
COMPENTENCIES:
COLLABORATION:Promotes and supports work teams and groups
RELIABILITY:Performs responsibilities dependably and accurately fulfills promised actions
RESPONSIVENESS:Focuses on the customer willingly helps others and provides prompt service
ASSURANCE:Conveys trusts and inspires confidence
EMPATHY:Deals with individuals appreciates their differences handles emotions and shows compassionfor others
SELF CONFIDENCE:Recognizes the contributions of others and is conscious of own ability
INITIATIVE:Begins and follows through energetically with plans and tasks
COMMUNICATION:Shares information listens to what others are saying
ADAPTABILITY:Makes decisions and solves complex problems
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist must with or without reasonable accommodations be able to perform the following functions:
- Gather load transport and set-up equipment and supplies for activities.
- Supervise individuals including at times the use of physical restraints.
- Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing pulling or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
- Physically transfer individuals from wheelchair to chair into and out of vehicles from pool deck into pool in washroom facilities etc.
- Active participation in programs.
- Ability to pass pre-employment physical and lift test.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The employee may be exposed to elements when driving to meetings or when assisting with outdoor functions. Most activities are performed indoors; these conditions include lighting and temperature.