Recreation Specialist

 

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! 
 

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.   

·Direct 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.

·Solve problems at programs by demonstrating adaptability and flexibility. 

·Actively participate in programs. 

·Develop, implement, evaluate and follow through on participant plans.

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

·Gather, load, transport and set up equipment necessary for program implementation.

· Assist in the daily management of programs through paperwork and record keeping systems.

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

·Develop curricula and goals for recreation programs.

·Conduct program and participant observations as requested, and complete all necessary observation forms.

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

·Develop skills and abilities necessary to carry out assigned duties, through attendance at meetings as required.

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

·Serve as the on-call staff as assigned.

·Complete agency trainings for employees on an annual basis. 

·Under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Manager, work as a team to coordinate, supervise, implement and evaluate the Inclusion services provided by NSSRA.

·Develop comprehensive knowledge of Inclusion to serve as the key liaison to new and current participants and families, employees and partner agencies in this area. 

·Work with Recreation Manager to complete and maintain reports, files and paperwork necessary in the Inclusion area.

·Attend meetings and conduct disability-specific educational sessions for partner agencies as necessary.

·Respond to inquiries about Inclusion, and evaluate the need for Inclusion support.

·Assist in solving problems at Inclusion sites by adapting programs or creating participant plans as necessary.

·Acquire and maintain information such as Annual Information Forms (AIF), Seizure Information Forms (SIF), Participant Information Forms (PIF), etc. for participants supported through Inclusion services. 

·Conduct observations for partner agency and NSSRA participants as requested/assigned.

·Provide communication and action steps with partner agency employees, NSSRA employees and families regarding findings from observations conducted.

·Develop, implement, review and train NSSRA and partner agency employees on participant behavior plans. 

·Create behavior management supports for partner agency and NSSRA participants as needs are identified. 

·Comply with safe work requirements and customer service standards, and encourage other staff members to do the same.

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

·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.

·NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) or comparable certification on the state level is strongly preferred

·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.

·A valid Illinois Driver’s License and personal transportation to accomplish position responsibilities.

This is a full-time, year-round position that requires evening and weekend work.  Salary is $52,000 to $62,000 a year, dependent on qualifications. 

 

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

 

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

 

The position is open until filled. Recruiting and interviewing will begin immediately.  

 

NSSRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.