Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
JOB TITLE:
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
DEPARTMENT:
Recreation
SALARY/HOURLY:
Salary
FLSA:
Exempt
BENEFITS:
Complete medical/health/life/vision and dental package; vacation, holidays, personal and sick days; pension plan, IPRA Membership, continuing education, Member Agency leisure benefits.
DIRECTLY REPORTS TO:
Program Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTLY SUPERVISING:
NA
JOB PURPOSE:
To assess, plan, develop, implement and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate from accredited College or University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation with a Therapeutic Emphasis and practical experience in Therapeutic Recreation programming.
- Current NCTRC Certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
- Experience in planning and conducting recreation programs for people with disabilities.
- Must demonstrate knowledge of disabilities and have proven experience working with individuals with disabilities including planning a wide range of recreation activities.
- Must demonstrate enthusiasm, strong interpersonal skills, communication skills and ability to work effectively with people with disabilities, FVSRA staff, FVSRA member agency staff, part time coaches, parents/guardians, participants, schools district personnel, community agencies, as well as members of the general public.
- Must be able to work independently, solve problems, and convey a positive attitude to others. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Possess Handle With Care (HWC) and First Aid-CPR Certifications or obtain within one year of hire.
- Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activity programs for the therapeutic recreation continuum of services.
- Ability to engage in activities requiring physical exertion. Ability to perform required duties under stressful situations without supervision.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Adheres to all Agency Policy and Procedures Manuals.
- Adhere to Safety Manual contents by exhibiting a working knowledge of general and department specific safety rules.
- Plan, develop, lead, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs on a year round basis.
- Serve as liaison to part-time program leaders.
- Assist in supervision and evaluation of part-time staff and volunteers in assigned programs.
- Develop goals and objectives for each assigned program and maintain all program paperwork; i.e., records, forms, and correspondence.
- Attend all assigned meetings and approved professional development opportunities.
- Develop and maintain effective communications in all work-related relationships.
- Assist in the orientation of new staff and supervision of interns.
- Prepare program budgets and maintain expenditure records.
- Drive a van or car to programs, seasonal events, away trips and/or meetings.
- Provide physical and emotional assistance to children and adults with disabilities.
- Select, recommend, inventory, purchase and organize supplies and equipment, which are associated with program assignments and responsibilities..
- Assist with gathering, purchasing and organizing equipment.
- Work efficiently and effectively under pressure; such as deadlines and emergencies.
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
- Inspects work and program areas (use checklists) for compliance with safe work practices and rules.
- Enforces safety rules by confronting and correcting unsafe behavior and conditions.
- Immediately reports all accidents and incidents to supervisor.
- Cooperates and assists in the investigation of accidents.
- Effectively uses cell phones, computers software, and the internet for the performance of job assignments.
- Treats public concerns with the utmost and courteous attention.
- Assist in all Foundation fundraising events.
- Perform other duties related to the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist when necessary, or duties in the best interest of the Association.
COMPENTENCIES:
COLLABORATION: Promotes and supports work teams and groups
RELIABILITY: Performs responsibilities dependably and accurately, fulfills promised actions
RESPONSIVENESS: Focuses on the customer, willingly helps others and provides prompt service
ASSURANCE: Conveys trusts and inspires confidence
EMPATHY: Deals with individuals, appreciates their differences, handles emotions and shows compassion for others
SELF CONFIDENCE: Recognizes the contributions of others and is conscious of own ability
INITIATIVE: Begins and follows through energetically with plans and tasks
COMMUNICATION: Shares information, listens to what others are saying
ADAPTABILITY: Makes decisions and solves complex problems
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist must, with or without reasonable accommodations, be able to perform the following functions:
- Gather, load, transport and set-up equipment and supplies for activities.
- Supervise individuals, including at times the use of physical restraints.
- Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
- Physically transfer individuals from wheelchair to chair, into and out of vehicles, from pool deck into pool, in washroom facilities, etc.
- Active participation in programs.
- Ability to pass pre-employment physical and lift test.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The employee may be exposed to elements when driving to meetings or when assisting with outdoor functions. Most activities are performed indoors; these conditions include lighting and temperature.