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