Recreation Specialist

Job Purpose

The Recreation Specialist uses recreation leisure and activity-based interventions to enhance the physical emotional cognitive and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. This role assesses participant needs develops and implements individualized and program plans facilitates therapeutic recreational programs and evaluates outcomes to support functional improvement independence and overall quality of life within recreational settings.

Position Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation Parks and Recreation or related field of study.

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification (CTRS) through National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or the ability to obtain certification within a timeframe determined by Association policy and/or the Executive Director.

• First Aid/CPR/AED certification required or ability to obtain.

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required or ability to obtain.

• Ability to drive Association vehicles and obtain an Illinois Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

• Maintain all required certifications.

• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of therapeutic and community recreation with a strong commitment to individuals with disabilities. Possess the knowledge and ability to work effectively with individuals with disabilities.

• Ability to assess plan develop implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs.

• Highly motivated outgoing and confident self-starter with strong interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written. Demonstrates leadership qualities including maturity flexibility and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan develop and implement a variety of programs including general clubs special events Leisure Education Winter Spring and Summer camps trips/overnights Lightning Athletics inclusive placements and cooperative programs with creativity and enthusiasm.

• Implement behavior management strategies as needed while supporting individual and social skill development encouraging independence promoting full participation by adapting activities and ensuring participants physical/emotional well-being.

• Serve as a team leader for recreational programs supervising and evaluating part-time employees and volunteers to promote group cohesiveness.

• Solve complex problems work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines for projects assignments and events.

• Select and recommend supplies and equipment while overseeing inventory cleaning inspection restocking and ongoing maintenance within assigned areas of responsibility.

• Assist in developing clear and concise communication for program staff part-time employees parents/ guardians and community and district partners.

• Provide on-call support for programs addressing urgent participant needs and assisting with coverage emergencies or operational needs as required.

• Effectively use phones computers tablets software and online tools to complete job duties while preparing receiving understanding and responding promptly to written communications via mail text or email.

• Drive Association or personal vehicles for recreation programs meetings or Association business.

• Assist with recruitment and outreach efforts by attending job fairs school career programs community events and staff interviews.

• Perform other duties as needed to support the Associations Vision fulfill the Mission and uphold NWSRAs Core Values.

Physical DemandsThe Recreation Specialist must with or without reasonable accommodation be able to perform the following functions:

• Frequently stand walk sit rotate or feel; reach with arms and hands. The employee must be able to talk hear and see (both near and far).

• Gather load transport and set up equipment and supplies.

• Ability to safely lift and transfer loads of up to 75 lbs. or apply up to 40 lbs. of force continuously to move objects.

• Visual acuity required to operate Association vehicles.

Working Conditions

This job operates in a wide variety of environments. The noise level can range from quiet to loud. When working indoors conditions can include different types of lighting temperatures and noise. When working outdoors you may be exposed to different types of weather conditions heat humidity frigid windy and wet conditions along with a variety of insects. You may encounter various exposures suchas pool chemicals cleaning chemicals infectious diseases and a variety of elements when driving and programming for the Associations programs or Foundation events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at NWSRA 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 statuscivil 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