Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) enriches the lives of children and adults with disabilities as a partnership of 17 Park Districts located within the northwest suburbs of Chicago. NWSRA provides outstanding recreation opportunities for people with disabilities within our partner Park Districts through weekly programs, adult day programs (PURSUIT), special events, summer day camps and inclusion in Park District programs. NWSRA is a park district that serves people with disabilities.

Job Purpose: To support the inclusion process for individuals with disabilities participating in recreation and leisure programs and services within the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) 17 member districts, in cooperation with three Inclusion Coordinators, the Manager of Inclusion Services, the member district staff, the participants and parents/guardians. To assist the Manager of Inclusion with in-service training for member district staff and NWSRA staff regarding inclusion and ADA. To recruit, hire, oversee and manage the inclusion staff. To assess, plan, develop, implement and evaluate recreation and leisure programs for children and adults with disabilities. Represent NWSRA at meetings, support community access to recreation for individuals with disabilities and advocate for the development of recreation programs for everyone.

Summary of Duties: Demonstrate an understanding of the inclusion process and work closely with the inclusion team to support individuals with disabilities in the least restrictive environment and the most inclusive setting. Responsible for all the inclusion services for the assigned member districts including before and after school care, preschool, weekly programs, special events, trips and summer day camp. Responsible for responding to inclusion requests, observation of programs, recruiting, hiring, supervising, training, and evaluating inclusion staff, interpreters and volunteers. Conduct weekly inclusion site visits at the assigned member districts. Complete observations, assessments and follow up with the necessary paperwork, phone calls, and debriefing after each observation. Provide training of inclusion staff with the inclusion placements in assigned member districts. Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot and address behaviors, programming issues, and concerns regarding the inclusion placement and the inclusion process. Ability to develop, implement and evaluate behavior plans and inclusion plans based on Participant Care Guidelines.

Qualifications: Graduate from accredited college or university with a BA/BS degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation, or related field of study. Must have knowledge of and ability to confidently work effectively with individuals with disabilities. Current National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or the ability to get certified within an allotted amount of time determined by the policy of the Association and/or the Executive Director. Must have a minimum of two years of full time experience with children and adults with various disabilities.

Must attach current resume. For questions on this position, contact Darleen Negrillo – Superintendent of Administrative Services at dnegrillo@nwsra.org. Apply at www.NWSRA.org/jobs

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and be part of an amazing team that provides life-enriching recreation and leisure opportunities? Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of a full-time Recreation Specialist for Youth and Teens. This position is responsible for the implementation and development of leisure services for individuals with disabilities, with an emphasis on the youth/teen population. This position requires the application of specialized therapeutic training to formulate and administer a broad recreation delivery of services for individuals with disabilities without exclusion.

M-NASR is located just north of Chicago and has been providing recreational programs and services to individuals with disabilities since 1972. Today we serve over 1,300 children and adults in more than 600 programs, trips, and special events each year within our seven member districts:

Des Plaines Park District – Golf-Maine Park District – Morton Grove Park District – Niles Park District – Park Ridge Park District –Skokie Park District – Village of Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation

In exchange for outstanding skills, M-NASR is offering a starting salary of $50,000. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including generous medical, dental, and vision plans; IMRF pension; optional 457 deferred compensation; paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal time; free personal fitness membership to one of the seven member park districts we serve; and the opportunity for 12 work from home days a year. This is a full-time, exempt position with hours that fluctuate to accommodate evening or weekend programs or meetings.

Essential Job Functions Include: • Assist in training and implementation of summer day camp program • Coordinate and oversee the after school care programs • Implement and assist recreation programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities by lesson planning, behavior management, equipment and supplies gathering and preparation, and program budgeting • Provide program leadership and supervision within all of M-NASR’s service areas • Support participant’s emotional and physical needs with lifting, transferring, and personal care • Transport participants with varying abilities using agency vehicles • Assist with agency-wide and Foundation special events • Advocate for community access to recreation opportunities • All other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school plus knowledge and/or training in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Adaptive Physical Education or related field. • Knowledge and understanding of recreational needs of persons with disabilities. • Ability to complete the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or comparable certification within six (6) months of employment. • Complete First Aid/CPR, AED, and other certifications as required within six (6) months of employment.
• A valid Driver’s License, class “D”, is required.

To join our team, candidates can email a resume and cover letter to Human Resources: kstonitsch@mnasr.org

For more information please visit: https://mnasr.org/ M-NASR is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association is THE place for engaging community-based social and recreational programs for individuals of all ages who have special needs. WDSRA is a progressive organization that is focused on meeting the needs of both its communities and its employees in the best manner possible. We offer a competitive benefits package, a supportive team environment, flexibility, and work-life balance. Are you…Passionate about planning and implementing programs for individuals with special needs? Outgoing and energetic? Detail-oriented? A creative problem solver? A team player? If so, we hope you consider applying to become a valued member of our energetic and enthusiastic staff to serve as a member of our Program team.
This position will be responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities from childhood to adult ages with an emphasis on Special Events, Social and Cultural programs, and Day Camps. Additionally, this person will assess the participant’s specific needs and create individual behavior plans to help make every participant successful in each program. As a member of the Program team, this position will also fill the role of Head Instructor, Assistant, Driver, or Inclusion Staff as needed in programs by executing lesson plans, encouraging participant engagement, and ensuring participant safety.
Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field from an accredited college or university. A minimum of two (2) years experience in coordinating programs for individuals with disabilities. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and/or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or the ability to obtain preferred.

Interested candidates can apply using the following link: https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6189871.careers?ApplyToJob=486933135

Recreation Specialist

Two Recreation Specialist positions available:

1) Athletics and Trips

2) Camps and Special Events

(Full-Time, Exempt)

At NSSRA, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to play. Formed in 1970 with that goal in mind, we were the first Special Recreation Association in the country, offering programs and services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. We are similar to a park district; however, we only serve residents in our partner communities with special needs.

Fifty years later, we serve approximately 1,800 individuals throughout the year in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We’re all about creating an environment of belonging through play, and we want you to be a part of our team!

ABOUT THE JOB

Members of Team NSSRA are dedicated individuals with enthusiasm and initiative. The Recreation Specialist is responsible for the coordination and implementation of safe, high-quality recreation services for individuals with disabilities of all ages.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Direct development and leadership of recreation programs and overnight trips for individuals with disabilities of all ages.

•Supervise individuals by utilizing behavior management, transferring and other skills necessary for the overall independence and participation of individuals with disabilities.

•Drive agency vehicles and transport program participants, as required, and assist in care and maintenance of NSSRA vehicle as required.

•Recruit, hire, train, supervise and evaluate part-time seasonal employees and volunteers.

•Compile information required for the program guide including development of new programs and completion of program budget worksheets.

•Participate in the planning and implementation of assigned special events and attend all-staff events.

•Complete agency trainings for employees on an annual basis.

•Perform other duties as assigned necessary for the efficient and effective operation of NSSRA.

ATHLETICS AND TRIPS SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Manager, work as a team to coordinate, supervise, implement, and evaluate athletic and trip programs provided by NSSRA.

•Work with Special Olympics to complete and maintain reports, files, and paperwork necessary in the Special Olympics area.

•Coordinate all tournaments hosted by NSSRA.

•Conduct sports and coaches training for agency Special Olympics coaches.

•Active member of ITRS Interagency Sports Committee.

CAMPS AND SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Manager, work as a team to coordinate, supervise, implement, and evaluate camps and special events.

•Develop comprehensive knowledge of camps to serve as the key liaison for new and current employees in this area.

•Develop comprehensive knowledge of special events to serve as the key liaison for new and current participants and families in this area.

•Attend meetings and conduct program-specific educational sessions for camps and special events as necessary.

•Recruit staff, respond to inquiries about camps and special events, and anticipate future program offerings.

ABOUT YOU

•Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation administration, special education, adaptive physical education, or a related field.

•Ability to sit for the NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) or comparable certification within six (6) months of employment.

•Demonstrable knowledge of disabilities and the recreational needs of persons with disabilities without exclusion.

•Knowledge and/or training in the area of therapeutic recreation, recreation, special education, adaptive physical education or a related field.

•Must have reliable transportation to visit other NSSRA locations as needed to accomplish position responsibilities.

SCHEDULING & PAY

This is a full-time, year-round position that requires evening and weekend work. Salary is $52,000 to $60,000 a year, dependent on qualifications.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

NSSRA offers a generous benefit package which includes: medical, prescription and dental coverage, vision reimbursement, life insurance, pension plan, and paid time off.

JOIN THE TEAM

Complete an online application at www.nssra.org/jobs to schedule an interview.

The position is open until 3/24/2023. Please apply early as recruiting and interviewing will begin immediately.

NSSRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Summary
The Manager of Programs is responsible for the supervising and evaluating Recreation Specialist, Program Specialist, Program Leaders, Program Aides and Volunteers. The Manager of Social Programs is assigned to oversee all job duties and functions of Recreation Specialists, Program Specialist, Program Leaders and Program Aides, as well as prepare reports, assist with policy and document writing and maintain and develop employee orientations and training manuals.

Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s Degree or continuing education in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, or related field, and/or at least two years experience in related field and one year in a supervisory position.
2. Ability to communicate effectively, and demonstrate leadership skills.
3. Knowledge and ability to plan and organize events appropriate for various ages and ability levels.
4. Knowledge of disabling conditions and individual recreational needs.
5. Must have demonstrable knowledge of budget processes, techniques and budgetary skills.
6. Trained on policies and procedures regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Immediate Supervisor
Superintendent of Recreation

Duties
1. Administer, oversee and implement (when needed) the following programs: After School Care Program; 8-14 programs, Hawklings and TITANs program With the direction of the Superintendent supervise and evaluate part-time staff and volunteers for LWSRA programs and events.
2. Work closely with LWSRA Recreation Specialists and Program Specialists to finalize facility requests and plans for all LWSRA programs and events.
3. Assist with writing, updating and maintaining LWSRA policies and procedures.
4. Assign full-time, part-time staff and volunteers to LWSRA programs and events, and maintain schedules.
5. Work closely with the Director and the Superintendent to ensure that all part-time staff and volunteers are adhering to all LWSRA policies and procedures.
6. Prepare, as needed, behavior and disciplinary reports and conduct refresher training sessions, as needed.
7. Work closely with Program Leaders to develop innovative and safe programs, while staying within the confines of the LWSRA budget.
8. Assist in preparing material and methods for in-service training of LWSRA staff.
9. Assist in the production of the seasonal brochure.
10. Be visible at programs and fill in when needed.
11. Prepare budget, collect credit card requests and finals, and board reports for the areas overseen.
12. Develop skills and abilities necessary to carry out assigned duties by attending PDRMA’s Risk Management Institute at least once a year, meetings, conferences, in-service training, workshops and other opportunities for development.

Safety Responsibilities
1. Actively support the safety program by obeying and enforcing safety rules and procedures.
2. Work closely with the Program Leaders in conducting routine documented safety inspections/facility inspection checklists of program sites and activities.
3. Seek out and identify safety hazards and encourage their correction and removal.
4. Provide ideas to the Safety Coordinator for developing ongoing safety training programs.
5. Promptly and properly report all accidents and incidents occurring within the course of employment, no matter how minor, or to ensure the timely completion of Incident Reports by Program Supervisors.
6. Serve on the LWSRA Safety Committee and attend safety meetings, seminars and workshops.

Marginal Functions
1. Drive to program sites for the purpose of observation.
2. Direct supervision of some programs.
3. Assist with implementation of programs and special events.
4. Attend meetings.

Psychological Considerations
1. Must have ability to deal effectively with various personality types under stressful situations.

Environmental Considerations
1. May be required to work outdoors during various weather conditions, including hot and cold temperatures.

Physical Requirements:
Sitting: Minimum of 30-35 hours a week (desk, meetings, vehicles)
Stooping: To gather materials and obtain files
Standing: Minimum of 3-6 hours a week (copy machine, programs, etc.)
Lifting: Able to lift 25 lbs alone, and transfer participants with or without assistance from another employee.
Transportation: Ability to get to and from work and programs.

Apply online at: lwsra.org/employment