Community Recreation Support Specialist Northwest Twin Cities Metro

Community Recreation Support Specialist: Northwest Twin Cities Metro Region

Pay: $17/hour mileage

Summary of Job Description

As a Community Recreation Support Specialist you will help children and adults with disabilities successfully participate in community-based recreation programs which may include but are not limited to dance t-ball summer camps art classes yoga and swimming lessons. Specialists work directly within Parks and Recreation activities blending in with staff and participants to foster a welcoming inclusive environment. The goal is to provide individualized support that promotes skill-building independence and positive peer interactions ensuring participants feel fully included in their community.

This positions programming will primarily be around the following cities. Applicants must be willing to provide occasional support for shifts across the Twin Cities metro outside of their primary cities.

• St. Louis Park
• Edina
• Golden Valley
• Brooklyn Park
• Brooklyn Center
• Plymouth
• Crystal
• New Hope
• Various Three River Parks

Essential Job Duties

Attend assigned shifts consistently and provide support for last-minute openings when possible.

Act as an assistant coach program leader or instructor alongside Parks and Recreation staff.

Blend in with program staff by interacting with all participants and running activities in collaboration with staff.

Provide individualized support such as extra instruction sensory regulation strategies behavioral support activity adaptations personal care assistance (as needed) or social facilitation.

Communicate with Parks and Recreation staff to ensure maximum inclusion of the participant.

Maintain regular communication with families before and after programs.

Complete shift documentation and keep the Inclusion Manager informed of progress and concerns.

Be a positive role model by demonstrating respect patience courtesy and maturity.

Report any concerns about participant safety or staff conduct

Specialists are onsite at recreation programs in contracted cities and may occasionally be asked to pick up supplies from the Reach for Resources office

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Environment: 95% of time will be spent out in the field at various recreational settings including nature centers gymnasiums parks etc. The other 5% will be spent doing in person and virtual training.

Schedule: Flexible scheduling typical week will include 4-6 shifts with a maximum of 36 hours per week.

Physical demands: Moderate lifting (up to 30lbs) sitting and standing climbing running walking/traversing flat or uneven ground safely driving a vehicle verbal communication seeing hearing ability to consistently use Technology experience or comfort using apps for scheduling and communication

Socioemotional demands: Ability to de-escalate stressful situations providing difficult feedback in a constructive or empathetic way to participants parents and community partners demonstrating patience maintaining professional boundaries while building strong rapport with children families and community partners.

Additional Information
In addition to salary Reach for Resources offers excellent employee benefits.

Benefits may include:

Paid Time Off

Flexible schedule

Mileage reimbursement

Personable and fun co-workers (if we do say so ourselves)

Caring supportive supervisors

Plenty of chances to wear casual clothes

A focus on wellness

Disclaimer

Reach for Resources Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reach for Resources Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race religion color sex gender identity sexual orientation age non-disqualifying physical or mental disability national origin veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications merit and business need.

Reach for Resources Inc. Is committed to ensuring that applicants and employees with disabilities receive support. Applicants or employees must be able to meet the minimum qualifications of the position; reasonable accommodation may be provided if requested by the employee.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED

Current valid drivers license and reliable transportation

Strong written and oral communication skills

Patience flexibility and a genuine interest in supporting others

Warm personality and positive sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications

At least 1 year of experience working with individuals with disabilities

2 years of education or experience beyond high school

Group leadership experience (coaching teaching mentoring)

Knowledge of recreation and community inclusion practices

Background or coursework in working with people with disabilities recreation therapy special education or related fields

Technology experience or comfort using apps for scheduling and communication

Consistent evening and weekend availability