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 Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) 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.

To apply complete online Application at www.nwsra.org/jobs. Must attach current resume. Position is open until March 1.